A LOOKING-GLASS OF THE WORLD, OR, The Plundered Man in IRELAND.  
His voyage, his observation of the Beasts of the Field, of the Fishes of the Sea, of the Fowls of the Air, of the several Professions of Men, etc.  
LONDON: Printed by F.N. 1644.   

THE COMPLAINT.  

WHo can that hears or sees but bear a part,  
To help to bewail our grievous smart?  
Being lately blessed with perfect health,  
And also endued with store of wealth.  
Nothing afraid our happy state  
Should change by any untimely fate:  
Our people from the fields come run,  
To bring us news we were undone.  
The Country up against us rise,  
Making our goods their lawful prize;  
Often we trotted from Market to Fair,  
And for the good beast no money we spare.  
To add to our stood, our herd, and our flock,  
That now we were come into a brave stock;  
Each year great droves we could well afford,  
Of fatted good Beefs to send a Shipboard.  
First went our fat, and after the lean,  
Next at ourselves they draw their Skeene;  
Our Market being spoiled thus on the Land,  
And troubles increase as thick as the sand.  
Some catcheth the pickax for the hard ground,  
Some shoule and spade to make the trench round;  
Some constrained to carry the barrow,  
While other the house top watch with the sparrow.  
To tell all our grief I mean not here,  
Fearing lest some should let fall a tear;  
Yet to think upon our settled place,  
Whence we were thrust with foul disgrace:  
This makes our heart with sorrow spring,  
That have heard their mocks and libels sing.  
But give such leave in height of their pride  
Unto their own ruin fast to ride.  
And all that doth against God's truth stand,  
May fall as shipwrackt on the sand.  
God end these troubles, and send peace,  
That our estates and friends may increase;  
Happily to live, comfortably to die,  
On the wings of Faith to God to fly.    

A Lookingglass of the World: OR, The Plundered Man's voyage.  


THe Earth is made both firm and sure,  
To Man and his heirs for to endure;  
With all things moving in wood or field,  
Their service unto man doth yield.   

The stately Horse both swift and strong,  
Is guided with a leather thong:  
In war, in peace, seek the world round,  
A more useful creature is not found.   

The Cow I can hardly reaise,  
How in few words I should her praise;  
Of her we find meat for babes and men,  
God grant we never want her then.   

The Sheep for profit not the least,  
But may compare with any beast,  
For every year a fleece doth spring,  
Makes Spinners and Carders merrily sing.   

The Goat doth crop the tender tree,  
Wherefore keep from thy Nursery:  
Yet good is both their flesh and milk,  
Their skin for gloves well sow with silk.   

The Hogs delight is in the mire,  
Bestow on him a ring of wire,  
That he may wear it in his nose,  
And will not be proud thereof I suppose.   

The Dog waits at his master's heels  
When he doth walk abroad the fields.  
And when that honest men do rest,  
He takes a thief then by the breast.   

The Cat doth watch by the wheat mow,  
To keep away those we not allow;  
As Rat and Mouse with their vermin breed,  
That destroys our corn for bread and seed.   

The Lion of all beasts is the king,  
His fearful roaring like thundering:  
Men praiseth him for his bold heart,  
Kept close prisoner, lest some he make smart.   

The Unicorn doth stately wear  
A horn of virtue that is most rare;  
Which many be very glad to have.  
To buy, to borrow, to beg, or crave.   

The Bear, and Woolf, both fierce and wild,  
Whose nature is not to be mild,  
We watch and ward with Bow and Bill,  
Lest they our flocks and herds should spill.   

The Fox an enemy to the young lamb,  
And subtle enough to deceive the dam:  
They are very bad that no good can,  
The Fox being good to the palsy man.   

The Hare would faint, but by cunning trace  
She lives in hope to win the race;  
Yet many a huntsman to death follow,  
With making sport to whoop and hollow.   

The Monkey, and the Jackanapes tricks  
Deserves sometimes a rod of sticks;  
Yet for nimbleness they fare exceed  
Most beasts that on the earth do feed.   

On the mighty oak the Squerill leaps,  
Thence to the heasle-tree retreats,  
To gather, and heard what she doth lack  
Nuts for her diet, which she will crack.   

The Rabbit clothed all in fur  
Being taken by a lurching cur;  
Those that do quake to feel the cold,  
On the Rabbits skin doth lay fast hold.   

The Buck and Dowe in forest wide,  
Are ofttimes forced their heads to hid:  
The threaten of the horn and hound  
The woods with eccows do rebound.   

The Hedgehog weapons never doth lack,  
He carrieth still a bundle at's back:  
And when he suspecteth any harm,  
He presently therewith round doth arm.   

The Mould doth dig without any thanks,  
And maketh many little banks;  
To throw them down they may that please,  
Herself resolves not to live at ease.   

Into our orchard the Snail doth creep,  
And climbs into the trees are steep;  
But little welcome there to have,  
Before it be ripe the fruit to crave.   

The Frog that lives in meadow green,,  
Sometimes more black than yellow seen:  
Though the Frog altars with the weather  
Let not men's minds change with a feather.   

The swelling Toad each man doth fear,  
His poisoning breath for to come near:  
But if the Toad be dead and dry,  
In the head a pearl more says then I.   

The Spider to make thread doth use,  
And sets her web in the light to choose:  
Her living chief herein lies,  
By catching of the heedless flies.   

Of all the kind of worms that be,  
The Silkworm chiefest in degree:  
For Kings and Queens do think no scorn,  
Their work upon them to be worn.   

The Louce the quick eye doth espy,  
Where he lies couchant secretly:  
By chance makes many a stout man shugge,  
Well as the beggar clothed in a patched rug.   

The Moth spares not our scarlet red,  
But eats it too and through the thread:  
If such a small creature can us annoy,  
What have we secure here to enjoy?   

In the raging Seas and restless floods,  
God hath provided for our goods;  
Such great varieties of fish,  
As any heart of man can wish.   

The Oyster without bone or claw,  
Commonly we eat them raw;  
And choose them for a breakfast fine,  
Being well washed with a cup of wine.   

The Crab and Lobster with many feet,  
Upon the ground not accounted fleet;  
Yet at feasting tables comes in the crowd,  
And for dainty dishes are allowed.   

The Sturgeon, Saman, and the Ling.  
The Flounder, Plaise, and the Whiting;  
These after the Fishers-boat doth dance,  
And into England, Spain, and France.   

With the Whale what creature can compare,  
For greatness in earth, water, or air?  
Man unto man wondering tells  
What monsters in the Sea there dwells.   

The Sprat and Herring in number great,  
We do provide for speoiall meat,  
Against the Spring, and time of Lent;  
For to eat flesh some have been shent.   

The Pike, the bream, the Roach, the Dace,  
The Eel the mud is his chief place;  
These are deceived by baited looks,  
Beware Youth of wanton women's looks.   

The Otter or the water-dogge,  
That lives in rivers, ponds, and bog,  
His tyranny many a fish doth feel,  
For himself is provided a trap of steel.    


GOds blessing be upon the Air,  
Whereof all things living takes a share:  
Wherein Fowls delight of every kind,  
Some lives in peace, some to war inclined.    


THe Eagle is more strong to fight,  
Then the Hawk, Buzzard, or the Kite:  
Yet all of them do live by prey,  
And smaller birds they much do fray.   

The Raven in want when he doth cry,  
God sends him food he may not die:  
Then comfort man, who is of more price  
Than all the Ravens, and tell them twice.   

But little good of the Crow do say,  
Hang one to fray the other away:  
Ill members fills the world with care,  
And brings the Judge into his Chair.   

The Jackdaw some do him keep tame,  
Though his fosterer sometimes doth shame;  
By stealing when he is in need,  
Himself, and little ones to feed.   

The Goose doth bear the common quill,  
With which we use to make our Will,  
And Covenants strong as iron chain,  
That we, nor our heirs, can break in twain.   

Of the Swan I have heard this Proverb told,  
Before her death to sing is bold:  
Being dead, through her wing feathers flow,  
All sorts of Wines in Sellers low.   

The Duck in water doth delight;  
The Spaniel turns her joy to fright:  
Into the waters with haste doth pack,  
To keep her feathers on her back.   

In the night, the crowing of the Cock,  
If we do mark, as good as a clock:  
And though his stature be not high,  
Yet will he fight until he die.   

The Hen doth cackle when she doth lay,  
As I have heard some huswives say:  
If we talk much of our good deed,  
Smells of vainglory that stinking weed.   

The Turkey, and the Peacock gay,  
Jetting with their feathers play;  
Turning their colours to and fro,  
Like a Soldier to meet his foe.   

The Pheasant, Pateridge, and the Quail,  
The Woodcock, Snipe, Curlew, and Rail,  
On the rich man's table down do fall,  
By the silver loadstone with a call.   

The Plover green is much in fear,  
When man unto her nest comes near;  
With flying up and down doth cry,  
Her young in secret still may lie.   

The dainty grey Plover on the ground,  
He that will win doth compass round:  
But he that hastily comes run,  
Prevents the benefit of his gun.   

The Pigeon bestows all her pains  
For houseroom in breeding, and gives her gains;  
She loves to fly abroad at large,  
And not to eat all at her master's charge.   

The Owl that flieth in the night,  
And in the day comes least in sight:  
Deserts, and unquet woods are fit  
For this strange Bird therein to get.   

The Bat although but very small,  
Yet of Birds, and Fowls, reckon them all,  
There's none that can in any weather,  
Fly like the Bat without a feather.   

The Swallow, and the Martin spy  
How to us they may be neighbours nigh;  
They build their house upon our walls,  
As if they were free of some of our Hals.   

The Sparrow sits chirping on the house top,  
About the corn-reek he useth to hop;  
In Summer contentious with his own kind,  
In field by the ears we many may find.   

The Parrot, he is learned to talk,  
To honest men say, walk knave walk:  
But rather than we would do any wrong,  
Should cut our tongue if it grow too long.   

Within the airy singing queare,  
All silence gives with lissening care  
Unto the Nightingales treble found,  
When the sad night with darkness bound.   

Another bird doth take his time,  
When that the earth is in full prime:  
Yet nothing but Cuckoo is his note,  
Though oft with eggs he scours his throat.   

The Veldenere, Blackbird, and Thrush,  
Makes Music upon every bush:  
They sing a well to the churl, or clown,  
As he that wears a velvet gown.   

The Lark with joy when it is day,  
Up towards Heaven doth take her way:  
So should our thoughts first in the morning,  
For sleep is but to death a warning.   

The pretty innocent Turtledove,  
Highly commended for her love,  
That she unto her Mate doth owe,  
One hurt, causing the others woe.   

The Robin redbreast comes at some hole,  
When we are warming at a coal:  
Within some room craves little stay.  
To help to drive cold winter away.   

What commendation with us men,  
Which do destroy the little Wrens,  
Making a sport their lives to spill,  
When they are free from doing ill.   

The Bee a diligent servant is,  
In time to work she will not miss:  
If this be true, do this for her,  
That none do harm, molest, or stir.   

The Wasp loves sweet things as his life,  
Yet oft dear bees it with great strife:  
The Bee sometimes in fight overcomes,  
Robs Orchards and Shops of Pears and Plums.   

The Butterfly in the hot weather,  
As gay as those decked with a feather:  
In Winter sleeping, eating no crumb,  
And will not be waked by Fife and Drum.   

The Fly comes singing for her meat,  
The Butcher and Cook sometimes her beat:  
She's a guest comes whether they will or no,  
Behaves herself like to a great so.    


THe Bud and Blossom on the tree,  
So come into the world do we;  
By God's all-disposing power,  
Some in tent, and some in tower.    


THe Gentleman that lives by his Lands,  
And sets to work many poor men's hands:  
Churlish conditions, he hates them all,  
He is courteous, kind, and liberal.   

The valiant Soldier haste to come,  
At sound of Trumpet, and the Drum:  
His honoured deeds fare do ring,  
And makes a Commonwealth to sing.   

The Merchant stays for wind and tide,  
Upon the lofty wa●es to ride;  
In hope the golden fleece to sweep,  
He ventures the hazard of the deep.   

The Husbandman provides good seed,  
And carefully his fields doth weed:  
His Plough and Harrow, with Sickle sharp,  
He loveth better than the Harp.   

The Carpenter his Art houses to rear  
From the levelled ground into the air,  
Wherein we sing, we laugh, we cry,  
And wherein commonly we die.   

The Joiner mustereth up his tools,  
For to make tables, chairs, and stools;  
The young man may rest his weary knee,  
And old man sit comely to see.   

The Mason makes the Castle wall,  
Not thrown down by a tennis-ball;  
Nor thundering shot as thick as hail,  
Can make the battlements to fail.   

The Tailor doth not cast his head  
To pinch a garment, and save a thread:  
From antic shapes he turns his shears,  
And keeps civil customs as appears.   

The Miller keeps not his toll-dish to deep,  
But each man's meal together doth sweep:  
Wonder he steals not; reason why,  
Conscience his clack stands always by.   

The Butcher with his masty dog,  
Kills the ox, the sheep, the gruntling hog:  
He keeps his meat cleanly to show,  
Without deceit to puff or blow.   

The Smith cold Iron gives a heat,  
With blowing and beating himself doth sweat:  
He riseth more early unto his hard task,  
Then those that vainly dance in a mask.   

The Goldsmith of all the vessels he makes,  
The Ring is excellent for Lovers sakes.  
True love hath no end, the Ring made round,  
Ingravened with posies prettily found.   

Good huswives follow the Weavers march,  
As needful, they say, as to wash and starch:  
To cloth their household each girl and lad,  
Others neglect of rags are they glad.   

The Draper hath ready both Ell and Yard,  
To look they be sealed, and just, hath regard:  
He giveth good words in prenticeship taught,  
And good words of all are easily bought.   

The Turner maketh wooden ware,  
Of seasoned wood he need not swear,  
To curse and swear in common use,  
A custom of the heathens abuse.   

The Tanner taketh time enough  
To tanne his leather to the proof;  
He well considereth in his mind,  
A general good all shall it find.   

The Shoemaker fits the Lady's foot,  
As well as the Carter with a boot:  
And three-sould shoes, with the single pump  
He makes light to run, to leap, or jump.   

The Cobbler that sits under a stall,  
Not likely to catch any great fall:  
Though some look not low him to espy.  
Sets many a man right, treading awry.   

The Dyer makes his colours in grain,  
That quickly will not change or slain:  
Be our coat what colour we will,  
So pride our heart it do not spill.   

The Gardener doth clip and pair,  
To trim his walks and borders square:  
He raiseth pleasant mounts we find,  
And seated Arbours covered with Woodbine.   

Through hollow vaults in dungeon deep,  
Wh●●e v●●●ring Damps their tides do keep;  
Thence culls the Miner gold friends may lend,  
And Led the token foe to foe send.   

The Fisher to the salt Seas setteth sale,  
We desire he may have a happy gale;  
By him on the Land we live in more plenty,  
If he do not thrive, our table more empty.   

The Fowler's horse and dog well taught,  
His Piece the best that can be bought;  
Though Fowl be raised where they lie,  
He can command them as they fly.   

The Uphoulster to furnish the Bed,  
For rest when sleep is in thy head:  
Much sluggishness but dulls the mind,  
But liveliness becomes mankind.   

The Collier lest we fire should lack,  
Doth bring us coals upon his back:  
That when our house is beset with snow,  
He may not see our nails to blow.   

The Shepherds care over their flocks,  
To keep the bushes from their locks,  
And to lead them into pastures dry,  
If need require, the tar-bottle nigh.   

The Crosser for outlandish spice,  
With Figs, and Almonds, Dates, and Rice:  
If poor folk to much Sugar their taste,  
I fear their small wealth too soon will waste.   

The Cook for baked meats, boiled, and roast,  
Sends to the table hot as a toast:  
To please with sauce both stomach and taste,  
Without excess of making waste.   

The Alchouse-keeper sets his sign,  
The stranger may both sup and dine:  
If any stays to carouse and talk,  
He tells them plainly, my friends go walk.   

The Maltman here and there doth place,  
And up and down his house doth chase:  
His Malt to keep from akerspire,  
And after dries it with soft fire.   

The Brewer his strong Ale and Beer,  
Many drooping hearts doth merrily chee●.  
His smaller Beer for weaker brains,  
Where quarrels and distempers reigns.   

Many gives care to the Baker's knock,  
Unbarring their gates, and doors unlock:  
Bread being ordained the chief staff of life,  
For man, his children, and his wife.   

The Hatter with his Beaver trim,  
And good strong Felt both crown and brim:  
Of newest fashion the Hatband wrote,  
For to please children to be bought.   

The Glover dresseth soft his leather,  
To keep your hands from wind and weather,  
And makes a Purse to keep your pence,  
Think on the poor in time of expense.   

The Innkeeper he looks not coy,  
But entertains his guess with joy:  
Chamberlain, and Ostler at a call,  
To answer unto great and small.   

The Tapster I had like to forgot,  
W●●le he went to wash the glass and pot;  
Bu● ravellers that are athirst,  
Desires to talk with the Tapster first.   

The Carrier travels up and down,  
From City unto the Country town,  
He useth not to ride post or speed,  
But fair and softly taking heed.   

The many flowers and herbs of fame,  
The Apothecary can call by name:  
Great cost and care takes to preserve,  
From biting Winter them would starve.   

The Physician prays health may stand,  
If sickness come, send him horse well man'd:  
No age so healthy but some must needs die,  
And some recovered by Physics reply.   

The Chirurgeon joineth heart and hand,  
To the cure of the wounded man:  
And more that doth increase his fame,  
He makes to walk the cripple, lame.   

The Chandlour when the darksome night  
Doth bar from us the comfortable light;  
Then appears his Candles set in frames,  
For guides in the streets his Torches flames.   

The Musitianer heavenly voice,  
Delights the ears, the heart rejoice:  
He turns and winds with curious strain,  
Leaves idle songs to fellows vain.   

The Imbroyderer works gold and pearl,  
Fit for the Noble Lord, and Earl:  
The meaner sort a golden praise,  
To see them in good Country grayse.   

The Labourer that works by the day,  
Sleepeth more sound than they that play:  
Content with what he eats and drinks,  
As them worth thousands as merrily thinks.   

The Brazier, and the Pewterer,  
Early and late themselves bestir,  
To help Housekeepers new and old,  
With things needful as silver and gold.   

The Tinker seeing others to work fall,  
And he having none, aloud doth call:  
Or on a Pan a peal doth ring,  
That work unto him some would bring.   

The Plasterer and Painter rare,  
Shapeth the Lion, with Bull and Bear,  
With other objects of delight,  
For exercising of the sight.   

The Glazier his glass so clear,  
The glorious Sunshine doth appear,  
A welcome to our house we show,  
But blustering winds without to blow.   

The Chimney-sweeper with holly bush,  
From top to bottom down doth brush;  
The fiery sparks that turns to ashes,  
Bred colly black with smoky flashee.   

The Barber with his washball sweet,  
With Basin, Towel, and all things meet;  
He cuts, and shaves with skilful aim,  
No cause to cry, fie, fie for shame.   

The Vintner's treasure lies deep in ground,  
Being well fenced and buckled round:  
Near to it sets a watch in a Bar,  
To see what goes to the Sun and the Star.   

The Saddler them that please to ride,  
Of men or women that ride aside:  
Provideth furniture good and strong,  
They may ride easy, and the horse not wrong.   

The Cutler makes the well tempted blade,  
Both back and edge he learned well his trade:  
He that will be angry at a straw,  
Give him a wooden sword to wear and draw.   

The Pedlar comes with his pack at's back,  
Saying, Dame what now do you lack?  
See choice of Needles, Pins, Points, and Laces,  
And for your little girls I have Bongraces.   

The Servingman we may espy,  
Diligent to his Master, 'tis no lie:  
And if by chance a thief bid stand,  
He strives to vanquish that proud command.   

The Printer paper and Ink he finds,  
To print the thoughts of many minds:  
One age to let another know,  
What things hath happened here below.   

The Lawyer marks well the poor man's case,  
Lest wrong should force right to give place;  
His organ voice in the Judges care rings,  
While the adverse part full sore he stings.   

The reverend Divine and grave,  
Fights with God's Word 'gainst the devil's slave;  
And humbly crave if this they see,  
That no offence they take at me.    


NOw comes three Sergeants to arrest our bones,  
And carry them between hard stores:  
Age, Sickness, Death, with his sting,  
Remember always of this thing.    
FINIS.