Pasquils fooles-cap sent to such (to keepe their weake braines warme) as are not able to conceiue aright of his mad-cap. With Pasquils passion for the worlds waywardnesse. Begun by himselfe, and finished by his friend Morphorius. Pasquils mad-cap. Part 2 Breton, Nicholas, 1545?-1626? 1600 Approx. 56 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 19 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A16770 STC 3677.5 ESTC S120884 99899046 99899046 21596 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A16770) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 21596) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 178:10; 1982:12) Pasquils fooles-cap sent to such (to keepe their weake braines warme) as are not able to conceiue aright of his mad-cap. With Pasquils passion for the worlds waywardnesse. Begun by himselfe, and finished by his friend Morphorius. Pasquils mad-cap. Part 2 Breton, Nicholas, 1545?-1626? [40] p. [by R. Bradock] for Thomas Iohnes, dwelling neere Holborne Conduit, Imprinted at London : 1600. Pasquil = Nicholas Breton--STC. Printer's name from STC. In verse. Vertical chainlines. Part 2 only. A revised edition of the edition published the same year (STC 3677)--STC. Signatures: A-E⁴. Reproductions of original in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, England. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng 2003-10 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-10 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-11 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2003-11 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-12 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion PASQVILS FOOLES-CAP SENT TO SVCH ( TO keepe their weake braines warme ) as are not able to conceiue aright of his Mad-cap . With Pasquils PASSION for the worlds waywardnesse . Begun by himselfe , and finished by his Friend MORPHORIVS . ¶ Imprinted at LONDON , for Thomas Iohnes , dwelling neere Holborne Conduit . 1600. TO MY VERY GOOD friende , Master Edward Conquest , as much happinesse from Heauen , as his worthy heart can wish . SIR , to forget your vndeserued kindnesse , were a note out of my nature : & yet how kindely to requite it , is many notes aboue my ability . But as a lame man , that striues to goe , shewes hee would runne , if hee had legges : so , in the humour of my good will , imagin a Desire of a greater matter . But leauing these complements , and to come to my purpose ; as I haue found you a kinde Spectator of my Labours , so let mee entreat you , at my hands to accept this treatise , with a foolish title . Where , if VVit haue plaid the Wagge , let him not haue his name for nothing : and where you finde a head fit for this Cappe , either bestowe it vpon him in charity , or send him where he may haue them for his money . I know you are acquainted with many that well deserue it : whome , least they should be mistaken for better men , I pray you giue them the Cappe for their Cognisaunce . And so , hoping that your discretion will beare with my imperfection , to finde no better worke , to giue notice of my good will ; I rest , with much thankfulnesse , in more Affection than Protestation . Yours assured , to commaund , N. B. ❧ To the Reader . YOV that Read , to tearme you Gentle and he not , you would thinke I did mocke you : & therefore giue me leaue to thinke of you , as I finde you . But to the matter : Mad-cap hath past one fit , and new is fallen into another : what it is , you may partly guesse by the Title . For , in a Foole , is hidde a great deale of vaine matter : which you shall heere finde runne ouer , in a fewe Verses ; not the best that euer you redde , nor perhaps the worst that you may meete with . But to be short , what Pasquill begun , Morphorius hath ended : how well I say not : but the better , if you like it : to whose kindnesse , in hope of patience , I commit it ; and so abruptly I leaue it . Your friend : ❧ TO HIS HONEST friende Pasquill , in all haste . FRiende Pasquill , hearing of late of the paines that thou hast taken in reprehending of the wicked ( among the spirits of best condition , not a little cōmēded ) I haue thought good ( finding the corruption of this Age ) to put a Foole , to thy Knaue . Among which weak witted brains , I haue not let slip such Beetle headed Asses , as taking vpon thē the worke of thy Wit ( in seeking to rob thee of thy VVorthinesse ) haue shewed the height of their Foolishnesse . Who , among other such wise people , finding their names but in their Natures , will ( I hope ) like good children , rather mend their faults , then be angry with their maisters : if not , let them sinke in their owne sorrowe : giue the Mad-man his Mad-Cappe , and the Foole his Fooles-Cappe : thou and I be friends , and the world fare as it list . And so farewell . Thine , as his owne , MORPHORIO . Morphorius to the Reader , in the behalfe of his friende Pasquill . HEE , that of late was in a Madding fit , Doth from a franzy to a folly fall : And which is better , madde , or foolishe witte ? I thinke as good , almost haue none at all . Well , Sugar sweete , or bitter as the gall , T is Pasquils humour , so I pray you take it : And as you like it , chuse it , or forsake it . His meaning was , to please none but himselfe , Nor to displease but those that well deserue it : He doth not care , though Enuy play the elfe : His dishe is drest , and he will not Reserue it : But to the world , for such poore diet serue it , As are content with ordinarie dishes , While Nicer Gulles are choakt with Gugin fishes . When he was Madde , hee Rag'd against the knaue : Now idely fitted , falles vpon the Foole , In hope that Doctors better wisdome haue , Than Carpe at schollers that doe goe to schoole , And wishe a workeman but to knowe his toole : For Graues-end Barge can neuer passage haue , Till it be furnisht with a Foole or Knaue . FINIS . PASQVILS Fooles-Cap . WHat meanes this world , that Muses can not rest , But one or other will be working still ? T is not time now to breake too broad a iest ; Least , had I wist , repent a heedlesse will , While hāmering skonces haue vnhappy skill Which in their Cradles , being borne accurst , Will euer construe all things to the woorst . But since the Wisdome of the world I finde , Before Heauens VVisdome , Foolishnesse indeede , While such Illusions doe the spirit blinde , As onely growe vpon vngratious seede : Which wicked Humours in the heart doe breede , While truest Wisdome liues aboue the Sunne : Let me but play the Foole , and I haue done . But some , perhaps , in pieuish spight will say , The fielde is large , wherein I am to walke : Where I may wander many an idle way , And make a deale of fiddle faddle talke : But say , my Muse mistake greene Cheese for Chalke , This is the worst ( to hide her idle braines ) She shall haue but the Fooles-cappe for her paines . But , let her weare it , since it is her due . Who hath no Wisdom , can not speake of Wit : Who neuer came where Wit and Reason grue , Must needs shoot wide , whē that they aime at it . For , while the Gander by the Goose doth sit , T is ten to one , how euer prooue the weather , But that the birds will all be of a feather . Then , good Wise Man , if such a one thou bee , That dost these lines of little matter reede , I pray thee be not in a chafe with mee , Although a lade be spurred till hee bleede : Keepe thou thy Stable for a better Steede : Who hath beene well brought vp in Reasons Schoole , May haue the patience to goe by the Foole. But , if it be , you can not goe along , But that you needes will stumble at a strawe ; If that your selfe will doe your selfe such wrong , To let the Worme vpon your Wits to gnawe , Vntill a Crowe be come to be a Dawe : Then do but thinke how some this ●east will smother , Why should one Foole be angry with another ? Then be not angry , let the Foole alone , Except thou be a bird of his owne broode : For trust it true , it will be ten to one , If once thy heade be couerd with his Hoode , It will so heate thy braines , and staine thy bloode , That thou wilt fall into such Extasies , As while thou liu'st , thou neuer wilt be wise . Beware therefore in time of Had I wist , Let not Impatience shewe thy pieuishnesse : Keepe thy Conceipt within Discretions List : Where thou maiest looke vpon that Idlenesse , That fils the world too full of Foolishnesse : Seeke thou to knowe but where true wit doth dwell , And learne to laugh at Fooles , and all is well . And if thou chaunce to meete an idle Mate , Whose tongue goes all too glibbe vpon the ●eare , And chiefe delight is so much in his prate , As where hee comes , will be chiefe Prater there : In friendly kindnesse tell him in his eare , That in the Rules of Wit and Reasons schoole , He will be counted but a prating foole . And if you hap to light vpon a Gull , That is conceipted of his Mother wit , And doth apply his beetle-headed scull But to an humour of an idle fit ; In honest kindnesse let him heare of it , That in the Rowles of Wisdomes Rules you reede , Lesse hope of him , than of a Foole indeede . And if you chaunce to see the Sonne of Pride Looke fifteene thousand mile aboue the Moone , And lye abedde vntill his idle hide Must make a Morning , of an after-noone ; For feare his Worshippe should be vp too soone : Least that the Ayer should happe to doe him harme , Lend him the Fooles-cappe for to keepe him warme . And if you chaunce to spy a Subtill Staue , That hath a world of Simple wits beguilde , And , like a cunning , cogging coosening knaue , On others harmes , his helpes doth onely builde , Tell him that Sathan is a subtill childe : That while the wicked golde for drosse doe sell , Makes Fooles seeme wise , vntill they come in hell . Hee that doth murther twentie thousand men , And sacke their cities , and their townes deface : And , with the dash but of a wicked Penne , Bring a poore world into a pitious case , To gaine himselfe a kinde of Monarches grace : Tell him what Angels read in Vertues schoole , That bloudy Pride doth breede a hellish Foole. Hee that doth couet more then is his owne , And scrapes and scratcheth for a little drosse : And , all with ease is like a Bladder blowne , And neuer cares for any neighbours crosse , For his owne gaine , to giue a thousand losse : Tell him , when Wisdome beates the world about , The Foole will quickly lay the Miser out , The swaggring Huffecappe that will stare and sweare , That hee will cut through the whole piece of cloath ; And face to face , will meete the olde blinde Beare , And breake the Canne , that 's filled vp with froath , And cares not how he throwe away anoath : Let him be sure when Vertues Honours fall , In VVisdomes Court he hath no place at all , The sneaking Coward that doth closely creepe , And feareth euery shadowe where hee goes : And of himselfe both watch and warde doth keepe , For feare his Friendes should growe to be his Foes : Doth so much title of true Manhoode lose , That hee may reade what Truthe in honour tries , A Coward neuer can be truely wise . The Idle Spendthrift that will sell his land , To feede the humours of an addle heade : And sowes his seede vpon the barren sand , Till late Repentance liue to begge his bread , Let him beleeue what many a one hath read : How euer Fancy make excuse for it , Such Had I wist had neuer happy wit. Hee that doth thinke that Wit is but in Wealth , And plots to purch●se kingdomes with a Purse , And neuer thinketh of the Spirits health : But doth his heart with wicked humours nurse , And for a blessing , falles vpon a curse : Let him confesse , if in heau'ns blessings blot , Hee finde himselfe a wicked Foole , or not . Hee that lookes Babies in his Mistris eyes , And beates his braines to tell an Idle tale : And thinkes himselfe , that hee is wondrous wise , That breakes a ●east , though it be nere so stale : And for a Nut , crackes nothing but a Shale : How ere hee thinke of his owne wit amisse , Wisdome will tell him , what a Foole hee is . She that is neither Noble , faire , nor wise , Nor scarce so rich as a newe shorned Eawe ; And yet , conceited in her owne foule eyes , When shee is dabbled three foote in the deawe , That shee may seeme a prettie handsome shrewe : Let her not thinke , but such a Shut the do●re Is halfe a Foole ; and if she be no more . Hee that hath neither Trueth nor Honestie , Good hand , good legge , good body , nor good face , Nor any such exceeding qualitie As may aduaunce him vnto Honours place : Yet , thinkes himselfe a man of speciall grace ; When mad-men treade the Woodcockes Morris daūce , Giue him the Fooles-cappe for his Cognisaunce . Shee that is fifteene mile about the waste , And all with fat vnable is to goe , Yet makes her face vp in a piece of paste , As though she were an Image of Rie Dowe ; Tell her but trueth that VVit and Reason knowe , That this is all , that Fame doth her affoorde , A filthie Owle is but a foolish Birde . Hee that doth hit vpon a printed booke , And findes a name neere fitting to his owne , And of his owne poore wit hath vndertooke The ground of all hath from his humor growne , When euery Bird is by her feather knowne , Pasquill doth tell him that poore Aesops Pie Will shewe him how his Wit hath gone awry . Hee that doth many , all for Wanton loue , And hath no Reason for his fond affection : But all too late doth with Repentance prooue The wofull fruites of wretched wils direction , While Want and Sorrowe are the Soules correction : Tell him , such babies may the dugge goe sucke ; While louing Fooles haue neuer better lucke . Shee , in a glasse , that sees her Sorrell haire , And straight will put it to the Painters die , And then doth thinke that shee is wondrous faire ; When flatt●ry feedes her humour with a Lie , Oh , let her not in such an errour die ; But bid her kindly cracke this friendly Nut , So foule a Dowd ' is but a foolish Slut. Hee that delights to tell an idle tale , Vpon the prattle of a cogging Mate , And carelessly his credit se● to sale : Which being noted for his foolish prate , He shall be sure to finde , although too late ; That Wisdom reades these Rounds in Reasons schooles , Newes-Carriers are next Neighbours vnto Fooles . She that doth file her tongue for Eloquence , To entertaine a world with Idle talke : And thinkes shee hath the very Quintescence Of quicke conceite , wherein her wits do walke , Yet doth not knowe a Buzzard from a Hawlke ; Let her beleeue , such giddie headed Tittes Are not commended for the truest Wittes . Hee that doth loue to talke of Robin Hoode , Yet neuer drewe one Arrowe in his Bowe : And yet doth thinke his skill is wondrous good , That scarce the compasse of a marke doth knowe : When such a Goose-cappe doth a shooting goe , Tell him , that in the aime of Wisdomes eye , Wide handed Wits will euer shoote awry . Hee that doth put his state vpon his friendes , In hope of grace , when all his good is lost , Shall finde his Wit not worth two puddings endes , When want of pence to reckon with the Hoste , Doth make the Begger chalke vpon the poste : Whose base condition doth too plainely showe , Hee was not wise , that plaide the Woodcocke so . Shee that doth thinke , shee hath a rare conceite , That giues the Cuckoe to her kindest friend ; And laughes to thinke vpon that close deceit , That doth but breede Repentance in the ende : Tell her , if she the sooner not amend , Wisdom sets downe , that knows what Wit doth mean● A wicked Drabbe is but a foolish queane . He that that is proud of his conceipted wit , When he can cogge , and cozen , prate , and lie : And place himselfe with better men to sit , Then may beseeme so base a Rascaldry , As is too farre from thought of Chyualry ; When euery Asse his due reward shall haue , The Fooles-cappe is too good for such a Knaue . Hee that in heart doth say there is no God , And neither thinkes of Heau'n , nor yet of Hell : Nor hath a feeling of that heau'nly Rodde , That makes the Sowle , in Sorrowes teares , to tell How Mercie doth within the Spirit dwell : Within the booke of Wisdomes blessed Schoole , The Lord of Heauen hath set him downe a Foole. Hee that will lende more than he well may spare , And he that spendes all that he hath and more ; And onely trusteth vnto Fortunes share , And cares not how he runne vpon the score , Vntill the Begger meete him at his dore : Wisdome will tell him truely in the end , Hee is a Foole that is not his owne friend . Shee that can looke as mildely as a Lambe , Yet is a Tigre inwardly in hearte ; And cares not how , nor where she leaue the Ramme , When she hath gotten once the rutting parte : It is a Rule , in Wit and Reasons Arte , That she , that hath no better natur'd Wit , The Wise will tearme a dogged foolish Tit. Hee that is brought vp idly in his Youth , And scornes to labour in his elder yeeres , And neuer thinkes vpon the day of Ruthe , When want ( entangled in the Beggers breers ) The heauie sound of helpelesse Sorrowe heares : Let him beleeue , that Trueth doth plainely wright ; The Fooles-cappe fits the Idle begger right . Hee that can plot a world of villany , And neuer cares what Vertues loue deserueth : And sortes himselfe with wicked company , That from the way of perfect Wisdome swarueth , While Mercies hand the gratious heart preserueth : That sinfull wretch will finde in Sathans schoole , A damned villaine is a cursed Foole. Hee that doth fill his Cophers full of Goulde , Yet will not weare good Cloathes on his backe : But doth a kinde of Clownish humor houlde , To haue his Garment cut out , like a sacke , And thinkes Redde Herings haue a daintie smacke : Tell him in kindenesse ( that he may not quarrel ) The Fooles-Cappe will be fit for his Apparrell . Shee that is giuen to Ease and Sluttishnesse , And trifles out the time in Trompery : And yet will thinke it is no pieuishnesse , To feede her selfe with Idle Foppery ; May hap to finde in Sorrowes Misery , That when the Grashopper doth leaue to sing , An idle Hielding is a foolish thing . Hee that doth studie twentie things at once , And hath intent for to performe them all : And yet his beetle addle-headed skonce , In full conclusion can doe none at all : If that the Fooles-cappe to his fortune fall , Let him not thinke but it will finely fit The Idle heade , that hath no better Wit. Shee that is giuen to Pride and Brauery , And Ruffin-like , will sweare , and swash it out ; And studies nothing els but Knauery , To bring a wicked kinde of world about ; And cares not whome she followes with a flout : Such foolish Kittes of such a skittish kinde , In Bridewell booke are euery where to finde . Hee that is here to day , yonder to morowe , And cares not how hee raungeth here and there : Not careth what hee can or begge , or borowe , To spende or spoile , he cares not how nor where : Oh , tell that Idle Fellowe in his eare , If that hee doe not take the greater care , The Foole will catch him , ere hee be aware . Shee that doth loue to gossippe , and to tattle , And leaues her house to keepe it selfe alone ; And cares not how she spend the time in prattle , Till shee haue bar'd her Husband to the boane : Let her not thinke but such an Idle Ioane Must haue this note set downe vpon ●er name ; A Tattling houswife is a foolish Dame. Hee that can combe his head and curle his bearde , And set his Ruffes , and weare his Cloake in print , And by his side can finely weare his swearde , And learne to fleere , and leere , and looke a squint , And keepe his steppes , within a measures stint : Let him be sure to passe with this good flout ; Hee lackes the Fooles-Cappe yet to set him out . Hee that is well in seruice entertainde , And iustly hath the due of his desart ; And by his labour , findes that hee hath gainde The carefull comfort of an honest heart ; Yet fondly will with such a Master part : Tell him , what Truthe doth by Experience knowe ▪ Hee is a Foole , leaues such a Master , so . Hee that will let his Wit to runne on Wheeles , And in proud tearmes will with his betters stand , Vntill his Tongue be tempered by his heeles , Vntill his Braines haue better manners scand : And if the Foole doe take him by the hand , Bid him haue Patience , to endure the sounde ; That lacke of Wit will lay a Foole a ground . Hee that in Libels takes delight to write , And cares not whom hee wickedly defame ; But pieuishly will shewe a baggage Spite , To touch the Honour of an Honest name : What shall I say , that hee is much to blame ? Yea , and so much , as for his idle vaines , Hee well deserues the Fooles-cappe for his paines . Hee that hath all his studie in the Clowdes , And all misliketh euery thing hee reedes : And what the Sunne within her Circle shrowdes , All in the height his haughty Humour feedes : If hee doe chaunce to light on Herbes for Weedes , Hee is but foolish ; rise he nere so soone , That runnes in haste to ouertake the Moone . Hee that will Reade , before he learne to Spell ; And write a Booke , before he knowe a Blot ; And keepe a Shoppe , before he learne to sell ; And fall to galloppe ere hee learne to trot : Whither such one thinke himselfe wise or not , Let him be sure that better wits doe reede , Such Madhead fellowes are but Fooles indeede . Hee that with pleasure followes Cardes and Dice , Drinking and wenching , and such Idle sportes : Vntill too late Repentance knowe the price Of Patience passage to Saint Sorrowes portes ; Whereto the Begger most of all resortes : Oh let him knowe when he doth comfort lacke . The Begger Foole will haue him by the backe . Shee that doth finde her Husband true and kinde , And for her wants to worke both ●ight and day : Yet like the Wethercocke , with euery winde , Will turne her Humour euery idle way , And cares not how hee fall into decay , So shee be fedde according to her fit ; Shee is a Baggage , and a foolish 〈◊〉 . Hee that is maried to an honest wife , That , as her life , in loue doth holde him deare : With whome his heart may haue a quiet life , And , in content , liue many a merry yeare Yet leaues a Doe to take a Rascall Deere : The fruites of Will doe prooue his Wit accurst , That so will leaue the best , to take the worst . Hee that doth enuie euery mans good happe , And knowes not how to get himselfe in grace : And layes his Loue but all in Fortunes lappe , Whose custome is her followers to deface : When hee is fallen into a pitious case , Oh let him knowe , before he hang himselfe , An enuious foole is euen such an Elfe . Shee that doth keepe an Inne for euery Guest , And makes no care what winde blowe vp her skirt , And readie is to breake a Chaucers ieast , To make a Smocke euen measure with a Shirt : If such a one be call'd a Foolish flirt , T was not for nothing that she had her name , When all the world is witnesse to her shame , Hee that doth take the lawe , but as a Ieast , And will be hangd but for good fellowshippe , And thinkes it nothing to be halter blest , When from the Gallowes it is but a skippe ▪ Oh , let him not in anger hang the lippe , If by desert this due reward hee take ; Hee was a Foole , that hangd for fashion sake , He that wil weary out his friends with borrowing , And be behoulding to an Enemy , And kill himselfe with too much Sorrowing , To thinke , the touch of Treasons villany Should make such worke in wicked company : Wisdome will tell him , what Experience tries , That kinde of Wit will neuer make him Wise. Hee that importunes an approued friend , And hee that feares to speake where hee may speede ; And in beginning , lookes not to the end ; But loues to glorie in a Wicked deede , And will his heart with wicked humours feede : These Wits doe shewe ( that are so fitly matcht ) A Neast of Fooles , that Wisdome neuer hatcht . Hee that doth set his hand to euery Bill , And neither cares for Right nor Equitie , And onely bendeth his vnhappie skill , But to the ouerthrowe of Honesty : Fooles , that are so neere in affinitie , When VVisdome makes a tryall of true Wit , Not one of these that hath to doe with it , He that doth build high Castles in the Ayre , Vntill they headlong tumble on his necke : And hee that will not an olde Shippe repaire , Till it be too farre tainted with a leake : If that the Woodcocke giue his Wits the peake : Let him not chafe if that it be his chaunce , To weare the Fooles-Cappe , in a Moris-daunce . Hee that can play on Twentie hands at once , And turnes his humour vnto euery time : And hath his Spirit tempered for the nonce , To set his flowers onely in the prime : If when he thinkes most warily to clime , By due desart a breakeneck-fall hee haue , His craft doth prooue him but a Foolish knaue He that will talke of euery thing hee knowes , And credit giue to euery thing hee heares : And builds his knowledge only on suppose , Yet vnderstands not what too plaine appeares : How young or ould soeuer be his yeares , Who of his poore Wit giueth witnesse so ; Thinke him an arrant Foole , and let him goe , Hee that doth wonder at a Weathercocke , And plaies with euery feather in the winde , And is in loue with euery Nannicocke ; Yet scarcely knowes an Orange by the Rinde : When euery Foole is found out in his Kinde , How is it possible but he should passe , For a poore silly simple witted Asse ? Hee that doth thinke it is no Wickednesse , To lead a young man into Wantonnesse . But takes delight in all Vngodlinesse ; Vntil the Heart in Sorrowes he auinesse , Doe shewe the fruites of VVils vnhappinesse ; Let that vile villaine reade in Vertues Schooles , Such wicked wretches are Vngratious Fooles . Hee that will chaunge a Iennet for a Iade , And put his Land into a little Howse : And , in the way where Little VVit doth wade , Watch a great Mountaine for a little Mowse , And sits to feede a Monkey with a Lowse : Where VVill is so in folly ouergone , Wisdome sayes plainely , his is small or none . Hee that will put his state vpon aduenture , And may be safe and if it please himselfe : And hee that bindes his seruice by Indenture , To baggage courses for a little pelfe : If that his Shippe doe runne vpon a Shelfe , Let him not thinke , but that poore Wit of his , From VVisdomes Course , was carried quite amisse . Hee that will creepe vnto an olde Ioyne-stoole , And serue a Thatcher for a Bunch of strawe , And hee that goes to worke without his toole , And loues to wrangle with a man of Lawe , And thinkes no Birde so prettie as the Dawe : How ere such one be of his Wit conceiued , Wisdome will tell him he is much deceiued . Hee that will treade a Measure as he walkes , And connterfaite Maide Marians countenance : And loues to fall into those whisper talkes , That bring poore Wit into a pitious traunce : If that the Foole doe light on him by chaunce , Hee must assume what Fates to him assigne : I can not helpe him , t is no fault of mine . Hee that will Drinke vntill his braines be merry , And Eate vntill his stomacke be too full , And Lie a bed vntill his boanes be wearie , And Prate so long vntill he prooue a Gull : If that such braines be lin'd with Ganders wooll , When such Wise creatures put their Wits together , To chuse the wisest , who knowes which is whether ? Hee that all day sits blowing at a cole , And neuer leaues till hee put out the fire : And hee that houlds his finger in a hole , To please the humour of a fond desire : And hee that loues to trample in the mire : When these wise men togither make a play , The Foole will runne with all their Wits away . Hee that will in an humour leaue a friend , And in a furie fall vpon a foe : While ill beginnings make as bad an end , When poore Repentance doth too late beshrowe The heedelesse Will , that Wit doth ouerthrowe : That Foole must needes be turn'd vnto the List , Emong the number of the Had I wist . Hee that will tell his secrets to a stranger , And play the Coward with an enemie : Hee that will put himselfe in needelesse daunger , To followe a mad headed companie : Let him take heede a sodaine villany Make him not finde in true Repentance Schoole , A backward Wit lackes little of A Foole. Hee that will weare his wealth vpon his backe , Yet in his purse doth scarce his dinner carry : And hee that saies to giue his necke the cracke , Because he will not for his fortune tarry : If such a Foole become a Buzzards quarry , When Carelesse Will doth shewe his Wit so smal , T is not my fault , I cannot doe withall . Hee that doth studie out his braines in trifles , And misse the humour of a better marke : And cosens his conceite with Foolish nifles , In taking of a Bunting for a Larke , And euery Pibble for a Diamond sparke : Hee that doth so his Will to folly fit , Doth plainely shewe he hath no perfect Wit. Hee that can eate no other Meate but Milke , And for his Horse , must haue an Ambling Nagge : And cannot weare a Shirt , but soft as Silke : Nor keepe his Coyne , but in a Golden Bagge , And must be knowne his Mothers kindest VVagge : Such smoothed Godsons shew in Wisdomes schoole , A Milk-soppe Babie is more halfe a Foole. Hee that will be afraide of euery dreame , And thinketh euery puddle is a poole : And runnes ten miles to eate a messe of Creame , And can not sit but on a Cushin stoole : If such a Noddy be not thought a foole , Hee hath great fauour in the Rule of Wit , That sees his Weakenesse , and concealeth it . Hee that doth fill his heade so full of humours , Hee knowes not where hee may in quiet sit : And hee that loues to raise vnciuill rumours , Vntill that Iustice doe in Iudgement sit , Vpon the workes of such a wicked wit : Such wicked VVits , for honest peoples health , Might well be banisht from a Common wealth . Hee that all night doth watch a Conny borough , To catch a Ferret , that hath broke his Muzzle : And hee that squats a Hare within a furrowe , And sees how shee within her Muce doth Nuzzle ; And yet so long about the Bush doth puzzle , That she is gone ere he can well beset her , Which , of these two good Fooles , may be the better ? Hee that doth put all to the latter day , To recken euen with all the world at once : And in the meane time is at such a stay , Hee knowes not how to vse his addle Skonce : If such an Asse be noddied for the nonce , I say but this , to helpe his Idle fit ; Let him but thanke himselfe for lacke of Wit , Hee that wilfully falles into offence , And satisfaction neuer cares to make : But carelessely stands in his owne defence , While that the Foole his Wits doth ouertake : When late Repentance makes his heart to ake , Hee scapeth well , if ( for such idle vaines ) Worse then the Fooles-cappe answere not his paines . Hee that loues to be noted for strange fashions , And for his lockes , and for his kinde of gate : And in his Muses , and his Passions , Will not be thought an ordinany mate : If that his Wittes come to themselues , too late , I know not well how to be his Aduiser ; But euen be sory , that hee was not wiser . Hee that will hoorde vp all for a deere yeare ; Yet in the meane time want necessities Hee that will be vnto himselfe so neere , As bring himselfe into extreamities , By his owne wilfull caus'd calamities , This is the end that will fall out of it ; Such Niggard Fooles haue neuer better Wit. Hee that doth put his wealth vpon a Cocke , A Carde , a Die , or such an Idle toy : And hath his humour so much on the Smocke , As if it were his Spirits onely ioy : When Soorrowes sighes doe shewe the heartes annoy , Let him goe backe vnto Repentance schoole , And see how long his VVit hath plaid the Foole. Hee that will busie be with Euery matter , Yet scarce hath power to bring one well to passe : And neuer leaues to cosen , lie , and flatter , Vntill hee prooue himselfe a Craftre Asse : Let him but looke in the Foles looking Glasse , And there his Woodcocke Wit shall plainely haue The true proportion of a Paltry Knaue . Hee that perswades himselfe , He is a King , Yet all the world doth for a Begger knowe him : And hee that takes the VVinter for the Spring , Because the Sunne a little light doth showe him If want of VVit doe wholly ouerthrowe him , And that the Cockes combe to his cappe doe fall , T is not my fault , I can not doe withall . Hee that puts fifteene elles into a Ruffe , And seauenteene yards into a swagg'ring slappe : And twentie thousand Crownes into a Muffe , And halfe his land into a hunting Cappe : If that the foole doe catch him in his trappe , There like a Woodcocke let him walke about : When hee is in , I cannot helpe him out . Hee that in all his thoughts is so vnholy , Hee makes no care of any good conceight : But giues himselfe so much to Idle folly , That vnto Hell hee runnes the high way straight : If hee be poysoned with the Diuels baight , I can not choose but tell him like a friend , Such wicked Fooles will haue a wofull end . Hee that will Brase his face at Lothebury , Because he will not blush at Knauery : And hee that will refuse no Drudgery , To gather Drosse by any Slauery ; And yet will stand vpon his Brauery : He is no foole , whoeuer be an Asse , Makes such a Couer for a looking glasse . Hee that repents him of no wickednesse , Nor takes delight in any godlinesse : But in the way of all vnthriftinesse , Doth wast the time of Natures wretchednesse ; Where helplesse Sorrowes , in vnhappinesse , Doe breede the Spirits endlesse heauinesse : That Foole is in the height of foolishnesse . Hee that regardes not how hee vse his speech , Nor careth how the world doe goe about , Nor maketh reckening who beholde his breech , Nor how hee play the Logger headed lowte : Where VVisemen liue , if hee be beaten out , Let him be patient , if it come to passe A beastly Foole be handled like an Asse . Hee that doth make his Tongue a two hand sword , And only seekes his Honour all by stealth : And cares not how hee falsifie his worde , Nor by how much disgrace to gather wealth : How euer so his Carcasse be in health , Wisdom describes him , in true Honours schoole , A Gull , a Knaue , a Coward , and a Foole. Hee that doth gaine more , then he well may spend , And prattles more then Trueth doth vnderstand : And in his actions , alwaies doth intend Vpon the stay of wicked workes to stande : If that the Diuell take him by the hand , Let him beleeue what highest Trueth doth tell ; Hee is a Foole , that leaueth Heau'n for Hell. Hee that doth take a Shadowe for a Substance ; And yet doth thinke he hath a perfect sight : And hee that takes an Humour for an Instance ; And yet beleeues his braines be in the right : Hee that in darkenesse so doth looke for light ( How euer Will do take his VVittes to schoole ) Wisdome in deede will finde him but a Foole. Hee that hath once a piece of worke begunne , And knowes not how nor when to make an end : And hee whose will his Wittes doth ouerrunne , To make a Foe in wronging of a Friend : Hee that doth so amisse his Spirit spend , ( Howeuer so his owne conceit doe deeme him ) Wisdome in deede will but a Foole esteeme him . Hee that is Esau for Vnthriftinesse , And followes Caine in his vngodlinesse : And loues Achit●phell for wickednesse , And is a Iudas , in vnfaithfulnesse , Whateuer showe he make of holinesse : That man I finde in too much foolishnesse , Hath redde the Scripture in vnhappinesse . Hee that of Machauile doth take instruction To manage all the matters of his thought ; And treades the way but to his owne destruction , Till late Repentance be too dearely bought , Shall finde it true , that hath beene often taught : As good be Idle as to goe to schoole , To come away with nothing but the Foole , For feare whereof , least some of mine owne sect ( That haue but plaid the Fooles , with lacke of VVit ) Doe kindely tell mee of my Cares neglect , In finding humours for the time more fit : While wicked Spirits doe their venome spit : I will conclude ( to prooue worlds VVit an Asse ) Mans Wit is vaine , shal be , and euer was . Sapientia mundi , stultitia coram Deo. Pasquils passion for the worlds waiwardnesse . WIcked , vngratious , and vngodly Age , Where hatefull thoughts are gotten to their height , How should my spirit in true passions rage ? Describe the courses of thy vile conceight , That feede the world but with the diuels baight : While wofull hearts , with inward sorrowes wounded , Finde Wit and Reason in their sense confounded . No , no , the depth of thy vnknowne distresse ( Wherein the heart is ouerwhelm'd with woes ) Exceedes the power of passion to expresse ; While so much griefe within the Spirit growes , As all the power of Patience ouerthrowes : While vertuous minds , within their sowles agrieued , Must helpelesse die , and cannot be relieued . The clearest eye must seeme to haue no seeing , And Eloquence must be to silence bound , And Honours essence seeme to haue no beeing , Where wicked windes runne Vertues shippe a ground , While healthfull spirits fall into a swound ; That only Pride , that weares the golden horne , May liue at ease , and laugh the world to scorne . If euery right were rightly apprehended , And best deseruings best might be regarded , And Carefull workes were to their worth commended , And Gratious spirits gratiously rewarded , And wicked craft from Conscience care discarded ; Then might the Angels sing in Heaeuen , to see What blessed courses on the earth would be . But oh , the world is at an other passe , Fooles haue such Maskes , men can not see their faces : There is such flattery in a looking Glasse , That winking eyes can not see their disgraces , That are apparant in too open places : But what auailes vnto a wicked minde ? No eye so clowdy , as the wilfull blinde . To see the sleight of subtill sneaking spirits ( That dare not see the Glasse of their disgraces ) Thriue in the World , while better natur'd merits Can not aspire vnto those blessed places , Where faithlesse hearts should neuer shewe there faces : Would it not grieue an honest heart to knowe it ? Although the tongue be sworne it may not showe it . To see a horse of seruice in the field , Hurt by a Iade , that can but kicke and fling : To see Vlisses weare Achilles shield , While hissing Serpents haue a Hellish sting : To see the Knaue of Clubbes take vp the King , Although hee be a wicked helpe at Mawe , T was but a clowne that yet deuis'd the lawe . To see a sight of Curres worry a Hound , A flight of Buzzards fall vpon a Hauke , A Coward villaine giue a Knight a wound , To heare a Rascall to a King to talke , Or see a Peasant crosse a Princes walke , Would it not fret the heart that doth behould it , And yet in figures may not dare vnfolde it ? But what a kinde of wretched world is this ! They that are honest , let them be so still . Such as are settled in their course amisse , Haue much a doe for to reforme their will. It is the winde that driues about the Mill , That grindes the Corne that sometimes fils the Sacke , That laide awry may breake the Loaders backe . What shall I say ? that knowes not what to say . This worlds vile Grammar hath a wicked speach : Where Wealth and Will doe carry such a sway , That many a time the Goodwife weares the breech , And the stowte Oke must yeelde vnto the Beech. Such vile coniunctions such constructions make , That some are pois'ned with a Sugar Cake . Terence his Plaies are too much in request . The Knaue , the Foole , the Swagg'rer , and the Whore , Thraso and Gnato , Lais and the rest Of all the crue ( that I dare say no more ; But ware the dogges that keepe the Diuels dore ) So play their parts vpon the worldly Stage , That thieues are hangd before they come to age . Oh , t is a word to heare a Gander keake , And all the Geese to giue a histe to beere : To heare an Owle to teach a Parrat speake , While Cuckoes notes make better Musique deere ; Where nere a better singing bird is neere , Would it not grieue a good Musitians eare , To be enforst to stand attentiue there ? To see a Wise man handled like a Foole , An Asse exalted like a proper man : To see a Puddle honour'd like a Poole , An olde blinde Goose swimme wagers with a Swan , Or Siluer Cuppes disgraced by a Canne : Who wold not grieue that so the world should go ? But who can helpe it , if it will be so ? No , no , alas it is in vaine for mee , To helpe the eyes , that ioy not in the light : Hee that is sworne that hee will neuer see , Let him play Buzzard , with his blinded sight . An Owle will neuer haue an Eagles flight ; Hee , that is once conceited of his Wit , Must die of folly : ther 's no helpe for it . And yet good Fooles , that can not doe withall , May well be borne with , for their simple Wits : But Knauish Wits , that wicked Fooles wee call , ( Where hellish Sathan with his Angels sits , To worke the feates of many a thousand fits ) Those foolish knaues , or knauish fooles I meane , I would to God , the world were ridde of cleane . And yet it is in vaine such world to wish : There is no packe of Cardes without a Knaue : Who loues to feede vpon a Sallet dish , Among his Herbes some wicked weede may haue . Some men must winne , some lose , and some must saue . Fooles wil be Fooles , doe wise men what they can , And many a Knaue deceiue an honest man. A Curtall Iade will shewe his hackney trickes , And Snarling Curres will bite a man behinde : The Blacke Thorne Shrubbe is best knowne by his Prickes : A Kestrell can not chuse but shewe her kinde . Wise men sometime must wait , till Fooles haue din'd : And yet , those Fooles , in common Wits conceite ; Are Wise , when Wisdom on their wealth doth wait . And yet the wealthy Foole is but a Foole , The Knaue with all his wealth is but a Knaue : For truest VVisdome reades in Vertues schoole , That there is no man happy till his graue . The Hermit liues more quiet in his Caue , Then many a King that long vsurpes a Crowne ; That in the end comes head long tūbling downe . Yet who so base , as would not be a King ? And who so fond as thinkes not hee is VVise ? Doth not the Cuckoe thinke that shee can sing , As clearely as the Birde of Paradise ? The fowlest Dowd ' is faire in her owne eyes . Conceipt is strong , and hath such kinde of vaine , As workes strange wonders in a Woodcocks brain . But , what should Fancy dwell vpon a Fable ? In some farre Contries , Women ride a-stride : The Foole that in the kinde can vse his bable , Shall haue Fat meate and somewhat els beside . For Wit doth wonders vnder folly hide : Yet in true Wisdome , all are Fooles approued , They that loue Fooles , and Fooles that are beloued . But since t is best that all agree in one , The prouerbe saies , t is mery when friends meete . It is a kinde of death to liue alone . A louing humour is a pleasing sweete , Let VVise men studie on the Winding sheete , And weaker Wits this poore contentment haue , T is better be a Foole then be a Knaue . And so , good friend , if so thou be , farewell : I must not stand vpon the Foole too long ; Least that my spirits so with folly swell , As doe perhaps my better humours wrong ▪ And therefore thus in briefe I end my song ; The wisest man hath writ , that euer was , Vanitas vanitatum , & omnia vanitas . Vanitie all , all is but vanitie , Nothing on earth but that will haue an end : Where hee that trustes to bare Humanitie , Shall hardly liue to finde in Heauen a friend . Take heede therefore the Highest to offend : Either learne Wit , where truest Wisdome lies , Or take my word , thou neuer wilt be Wise. And therefore let the wise not be displeas'd , If they be counted Fonde as well as other : For , t is a plague , that hath the world diseas'd , Sinch sinne became vnhappie Natures Mother : And let me say but this , my gentle brother ; Since all is vaine , that liues vnder the Sunne , Good wise man be are with Fooles , and I haue done . FINIS .