Few words are best.  
Come buy this new Ballad before you do go,  
If you rail at the Author, I know what I know.  
To the tune of, I tell you but so.  
 

IT is an old saying,  
that few words are best,  
And he that say a little,  
shall live most at rest,  
And I by experence,  
do find it right so,  
Therefore I'll spare speech,  

but I know what I know.    

Yet shall you perceive well,  
though littele I say,  
That many enormities,  
I will display,  
You may guess my meaning,  
by that which I show.  
I will not tell all.  

but I know, etc.    

There be some great climbers.  
composed of ambition.  
To whom better borne men:  
do bend with submission,  
Proud Lucifer climbing.  
was cast very low:  
I'll not stay these men.  

but I know, &c    

There be many Foxes,  
that go on two legs,  
They steal greater matters.  
then Cocks, Hens, and Eggs,  
To catch many Gulls,  
in shéep's clothing they go:  
They might be destroyed.  

but I know, etc.    

There be many men,  
that Devotion pretend.  
And makes us believe,  
that true fatih they'll defend,  
Three times in one day,  
to Church they will go.  
They cozon the world,  

but I know. &c,    

There be many rich men,  
both Yeoman and Gentry.  
That for their own private gain  
hurt a whole Country  
By clothing free common.  
yet they'll make as though.  
'tTwere for commons good,  

but I know, etc.    

There be divers Papists,  
that to save their Fine,  
Come to Church once a month  
to hear Service Divine,  
The Pope gives them power,  
as they say to do so,  
They save money by'to,  

but I know, etc.    

There be many upstarts,  
that spring from the, Cart,  
What gotten to the Court,  
play the Gentleman's part:  
Their fathers were plain-men,  
they scorn to be so,  
They think themselves brave,  

but I know, etc.    

There be many Officers,  
men of great place,  
To whom if one sue,  
for their favour and grace,  
He must bribe their servants,  
while they make as though,  
They know no such thing,  

but I know. etc.    
 

THere be many woman,  
that seem very pure,  
A kiss from a stranger,  
they'll hardly endure:  
They are like Lucretia,  
modest in show;  
I will accuse none,  

but I know what I know.    

Likewise there be many,  
dissembling men,  
That seem to hate Drinking,  
and Whoring yet when  
They meet with a Wench,  
to the Tavern they'll go;  
They are civil all day,  

but I know, etc.    

There be many Bachelors,  
that so beguile,  
Beléeving kind Lasses,  
use many a wile,  
They all swear that they love,  
when they mean nothing so,  
And boast of these tricks,  

but I know, etc.    

There's many an Usurer,  
that l●ke a Drone,  
Doth idly live,  
upon his moneys loan,  
From ten unto hundreds,  
his money doth grow:  
He says he does good,  

but I know, etc.    

There be many Gallants,  
that go in gay raiment,  
For which the Tailor,  
did ne'er receive payment,  
They rufle it out,  
with a gorgeous show,  
Some take them for Knights,  

but I know, etc.    

There be many Roarers,  
that swagger and roar,  
As though they i' th'war had, been,  
seven years and more.  
And yet they ner looked  
in the face of a Foe:  
They seem gallant Sparks,  

but I know, etc.    

There's many both women,  
and men that appear.  
With beautiful out sides,  
the world's eyes to blear:  
But all is not gold,  
that doth glister in show,  
They are fine with a pox,  

but I know, etc.    

There is many rich Tradesmen  
who live by deceit,  
And in weight and measure,  
the poor they do cheat,  
They'll not swear an oath,  
but indeed I and no,  
They truly protest,  

but I know, etc.    

There be many people.  
so given to strife,  
That they'll go to law,  
for a two penny knife.  
The Lawyer ne'er asks them,  
why they do so,  
He gets by their Hate,  

but I know, etc.    

I know there be many,  
will carp at this Ballad,  
Because it is like,  
sour sauce to their :  
But he, she or they,  
let me tell ere I go,  
If they speak against this song,  

I know what I know.    
Finis.   

London Printed for W. Gilbertson, in Gilt-spur-street.