<£arlv <£njli«l) Mtamatiiti 
 
 THE SPIDER AND 
 THE FLY . . . . 
 
 ALSO AN ATTRIBUTED INTER- 
 LUDE, ENTITLED . 
 
 GENTLENESS AND 
 
 NOBILITY . . . . 
 
 By JOHN HEYWOOD 
 
jSarl;!) iSngliBfj dramatists 
 
 The Spider and the Fly 
 
 TOGETHER WITH AN ATTRIBUTED INTERLUDE 
 ENTITLED 
 
 Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 BY 
 
 JOHN HEYWOOD 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 JOHN S. FARMER 
 
 Privately Printed for Subscribers by the 
 
 Early English Drama Society, i8 Bury Street 
 
 Bloomsbury, W.C. 
 
 MCMVIII 
 
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 CONTENTS 
 
 rAGK 
 
 Prefatory Note vii 
 
 The Spider and the Fly i 
 
 Gentleness and Nobility 431 
 
 \ 
 
 167293 
 
PREFATORY NOTE 
 
 With the present volume is completed the 
 text of the first and only collected edition of 
 the known and attributed writings of John 
 Heywood, "the father of English comedy." 
 The glossaries attached to the first two 
 volumes will more than suffice for all reason- 
 able requirements in respect to such matters 
 in the present one. It had, however, been 
 hoped that it would have been possible 
 to include a biographical sketch, together with 
 other points of interest and concern connected 
 with John Heywood, but all reasonable limits 
 of space have already been largely exceeded. 
 Moreover, on other grounds it is wiser to defer 
 such a monograph pending investigations now 
 in progress, but which are proving to have 
 barely commenced. It is a gratifying fact 
 that at length the much-desired materials for 
 an intelligent biography of John Heywood are 
 gradually being collected. New facts are being 
 brought to light; fresh dates are being fixed, 
 
viii Prefatory Note 
 
 and others hitherto problematical verified ; 
 whilst, most important of all, new avenues of 
 research are being opened up and suggested. 
 I hope in due course to publish a volume deal- 
 ing, to better purpose than has hitherto been 
 possible, with John Hey wood's life, times, and 
 writings. Due notice will be given to the sub- 
 scribers to the Early English Drama Society's 
 edition of Hey wood's Works. 
 
 John S. Farmer. 
 
[Reduced Facsimile of the title-page of " The Spider 
 
 and the Fly" (ed. 1556), from a copy (C34, ^. n) 
 now in the British Museum.} 
 
 HEY. III. - I B 
 
 i?^XB]R^:f^ 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ^^. 
 
 A 
 
 UNIVERSITY ] 
 
^Reduced Facsimile of the woodcut portrait of John 
 Hevwood, forming a frontispiece to " The Spider and 
 the Fly.''] 
 
[THE SPIDER AND THE FLY] 
 
 THE PREFACE [^^.r. 
 
 Parable is properly one thing- 
 That of another doth conceiving 
 bring". [scanned, 
 
 Yea (oftentimes) as parables are 
 One score of things by one be 
 understand. 
 Each one of all, scanned and used well, 
 May teach the scanner good to take and tell. 
 Contrarily, scanned and used ill, 
 Like ill likewise the fruit amounteth until. 
 Wherefore, before entrance to scanning here, 
 In present parable here to appear, 
 First to induct (for to conduct) the way, 
 How readers and scanners readily may 
 Right scanning (in right reading) here pur- 
 chase, [case. 
 Good readers ! read and scan (rightly) this 
 There chanced at once, at one fair glass to be. 
 Themselves t 'attire at once, fair women three. 
 Where one another envied till all were dressed, 
 W^ho might (when all were dressed) seem 
 
 dressed best. 
 But, in the time of trimming of their gear, 
 Their foreheads striking up, broiding their hair. 
 Lacing and laying it, with everything, 
 Looked in the glass, directing trim trimming. 
 
 B 2 
 
4 The Spider and the Fly — Preface 
 
 In all this time these women everyone 
 
 Beheld each other, but themselves not one" 
 
 That in the glass upon herself cast eye, 
 
 Good or ill tiring- (in herself) t'espie. 
 
 One hair lay low, one other lay too high, 
 
 On this side, or on that side, clean awry. 
 
 But hereupon, when each had other espied, 
 
 In tire attired, all awry or wide, 
 
 Lord ! in all three what inward sport there was, 
 
 [A.ti.v. 
 
 Each one to see another in that glass ! 
 
 All three sore swelled : but be it best or worst, 
 
 Twain must vent upward straight, or both must 
 
 burst. 
 While Margaret went aside, her pins to set, 
 Marian and Margery back they both get 
 To touch th 'attire, of Margaret thus worn, 
 Between them twain to laugh that third to 
 
 scorn. 
 Marion said to Margery : See you not 
 How Meg is dressed ? Yes, Madge (quoth she) 
 
 God wot 
 Might not a beetle, blind beast, bring to pass, 
 To dress herself as well at any glass ? 
 Yes, Madge ; and with one eye I can now see 
 What spots (unseen to her) in her face be. 
 Yea, Moll (quoth Madge), I think I should ill 
 
 hie me. 
 To dress myself so ill, the glass so nigh me. 
 God hath done his part : she hath a good face, 
 Which gift of God herself doth ill disgrace. 
 Marion at this stepping from Margery, 
 Margaret to Margery stepped by and by. 
 And straight of Marion Margaret falleth in 
 
 hand, 
 How far from frame Marion's attire doth stand. 
 
The Spider and the Fly— Preface 5 
 
 Madge and Meg finding fault at Marion more 
 Than Madge and Marion found at Meg before. 
 The third course was that Madge did start 
 
 aside, 
 Wherewith Marion to Meg hastily hied, 
 And Margery's attire they set abroach, 
 As ill or worse (the worse her to reproach), 
 Than she was tired indeed. Thus all these 
 
 three, 
 Divided thrice in twain, did thrice agree, 
 Each twain, the third to mock and jest upon, 
 
 [A.iti.r. 
 Till every one had mocked every one. 
 Each mocking other's fault, they faulty all, 
 Each mocker's mock most on herself did fall. 
 This done, one of these three to the glass went, 
 No face but hers then being represent ; 
 Where, when she did herself only behold, 
 Her silent sight her fore folly so told 
 That, marking first herself, herself she attired. 
 And then the rest, (in their attire) desired 
 That each upon herself would set sure eye, 
 Ere she cast eye on other, low or high. 
 They doing so, all were attired so, 
 That whether apart, or they together go, 
 Had they been willing, they had been unable 
 Spark or speck to spy discommendable 
 Each in other's attire. Which women and 
 
 glass 
 Are a glass this book and readers to compass, 
 In scanning sense to touch men in this book. 
 As glass lookers looked, if book readers look, 
 He upon him, and he on him, to scan 
 Since most and best, nay most and worst they 
 
 can. 
 Scanning who is the spider, who the fly, 
 
6 The Spider and the Fly — Preface 
 
 Neither of either to himself t'apply ; 
 Scanning no whit, by scanning here to see, 
 In case spiders, in case flies, all scanned may 
 
 be, 
 Glass looking and book reading, in such wise 
 May well be scanned one like vain exercise. 
 Who that this parable doth thus define. 
 This parable thus is his and not mine. 
 To this, this one thing I must mind you to 
 
 mind, [A.iiz.v. 
 
 Concerning spiders, flies, and eke th'ants' kind. 
 Where I their natural operation 
 With the largest enlarge, t 'enlarge foundation 
 Whereon I frame this top story, here to see 
 As both, both in length and breadth, may most 
 
 agree, [and wide. 
 
 This (for this cause) stretched the more long 
 I pray you bear with me, where it is spied 
 Wherein my fault may seem somewhat the less, 
 That wiser men than I (in like process). 
 Have done the like : and late, one wise and old 
 In an old book did read (as he me told), 
 That whensoever spiders, flies, and ants speak, 
 Their appropriate properties they likewise 
 
 break. 
 Which if themselves do ye will grant, I hope, 
 That I (doing it for them) may have like scope. 
 Thus wishing wishingly, in reading this. 
 Readers to read and scan all sentences 
 As we first mark and mend ourselves, and then 
 ' To mark, to mend, the faults of other men. 
 Without more scanning here. I now herein 
 End circumstance the substance to begin. 
 
 Finis. 
 
 [The tail-piece on p. 38 is here given in 
 
 original.] 
 
THE TABLE [A.iv.r.] 
 
 THE Introduction to the matter, showing- 
 how the fly chanced to fall in the spider's 
 cobweb. Cap. primu 
 
 UThe lamentation of the fly, with declaration 
 (partly) of the property of Fortune, and of his 
 own estate past and present. Cap. 2. 
 
 UThe dreadful wonder of the spider, at sudden 
 shaking- of his cobweb. Cap. 3. 
 
 UThe spider, taking comfort, entereth in quarrel 
 with the fly. Cap. 4. 
 
 5IThe spider starting into his house to comfort 
 his household, the fly deviseth what way to 
 escape the danger of the spider. Cap. 5. 
 
 UThe spider being returned to the fly, after a 
 few words between them had, the fly sueth to 
 the spider to be heard speak, which he 
 granteth. Cap. 6. 
 
 UThe oration of the fly to the spider, com- 
 mending justice, and just justicers, requiring 
 to have his cause heard thoroughly and ad- 
 judged justly. Cap. 7. 
 UThe spider granteth the fly both to hear and 
 adjudge this case, as may most agreeably stand 
 with reason, law, custom, and conscience. 
 
 Cap. 8. 
 UThey stand both in hope to convince each 
 
8 The Spider and the Fly— The Table, Cap. lo 
 
 other by just cause, the fly praying the spider's 
 pardon of such rude speech and all behaviour, 
 as he may chance to overshoot himself in, the 
 which the spider doth grant. Cap. 9. 
 
 UThey enter into the principal argument. The 
 fly supposing no lawful proof by witness of any 
 ill there against him, the spider allegeth the 
 contrary. The fly (upon occasion), requiring 
 to be bailed under surety, the spider denieth 
 it. Cap. 10. 
 
 [A.iv.v. 
 HThe spider chargeth the fly, first with bur- 
 glary, which the fly answereth unto : then the 
 spider chargeth him with single felony, which 
 the fly reasoneth unto. Cap. 11. 
 
 ^The spider (in a manner) granteth that the fly 
 came into the cobweb against the fly's own 
 will ; which the spider so granteth, for such 
 policy forthwith appearing as seemeth to weigh 
 sore against the fly. Cap. 12. 
 
 UThe fly herewith is abashed, but anon he 
 gathereth himself to a stay, showing a reason 
 that maketh a manifest show clearly to over- 
 throw the spider's foresaid policy. Cap. 13. 
 ^The spider checketh the fly for his comparing 
 above the spider in knowledge of law and 
 custom, which the fly maintaineth by one 
 reason commonly reported. Whereupon the 
 spider, perceiving the policy for which he seemed 
 to grant the fly to come against his will taketh 
 little or no place, that much weakening his 
 part, he driveth the fly to draw back that grant. 
 
 Cap. 14. 
 UThey reason afresh to try whether the fly came 
 into the spider's cobweb with or against his 
 will. Cap. 15. 
 
The Spider and the Fly— The Table, Cap. 22 9 
 
 ^They continue in pursuit of trial whether the 
 fly came thither willingly or unwillingly so far, 
 that the fly at length offereth to take a book 
 oath that he came against his will. Cap. 16. 
 HThe spider not admitting the fly to his oath, 
 the fly bringeth in the strength of the afl[irma- 
 tive for his part, against the negative on the 
 spider's side. Whereunto adjoined his other 
 reasons laid in discharge of charge past, he 
 hopeth, according to justice promised, to be 
 straight discharged. Cap. 17. 
 
 HThe spider, upon a case in law touching the 
 affirmative, taketh hold to detain the fly still 
 in possession, but yet under [B.i.r.] promise 
 of justice before promised. Cap. 18. 
 
 lIThe spider, seeing that he cannot take full 
 hold of the fly in case of burglary nor felony, 
 he chargeth him now with trespass, to which 
 the fly reasoneth. Cap. 19. 
 
 HThe spider (at the fly's answering him to a 
 question) chargeth the fly with procuring of 
 other flies to disturb him in his cobwebs, which 
 the fly denieth. Cap. 20. 
 
 ^iThey fall in comparison touching their evi- 
 dence written or unwritten. Whereunto the fly 
 layeth prescription of custom, which he before 
 (alleged), supposing thereby, that the spider 
 ought both to deliver him and make him 
 amends. Cap. 21. 
 
 5IThe spider denieth the fly's description of 
 custom, alleging the saying of ancient spiders 
 for his interest by custom. Wherein anon 
 both showing each to give small credit to other, 
 the fly moveth to put the matter in arbitrament, 
 which (as yet), the spider doth not grant. 
 
 Cap. 21. 
 
10 The Spider and the Fly— The Table, Cap. 23 
 
 ^The fly (after a few words concerning- appeal) 
 doth briefly recapitulate the effect passed in 
 the principal case. Cap. 23. 
 
 UThe spider putteth a case in appeal ill (in ap- 
 pearance) for the fly, as the spider draweth it, 
 and anon he by example of the lord's will had 
 in courts of copyhold, seeming to lean toward 
 will, the fly laboureth to qualify that will. 
 
 Cap. 24. 
 UThe fly claimeth all holes in all windows to be 
 flies' in freehold, and that spiders should build 
 by the sides or in the tops. Which case to be 
 tried by law or custom, they in manner agree : 
 but the fly moving it to be tried at the common 
 law, the spider refuseth it, whereupon ariseth 
 matter of digression [B.i.v.], in which the fly 
 commendeth the spider for expedite hearing 
 hereof, briefly defining the properties of justice, 
 mercy, and tyranny. Cap. 25. 
 
 UThe fly (for cause here appearing) desireth to 
 repeat his distinction of justice, mercy, and ty- 
 ranny, which the spider denieth. Wherewith 
 the fly layeth to the spider breach of promise 
 made to him before. In discharge whereof, 
 the spider answereth. Cap. 26. 
 
 UThe spider (reducing the fly to the principal 
 matter) moveth the trial to be had in his own 
 lordship, which the fly misliketh. Whereon 
 ensueth a glance at the diversity of government, 
 between one spider and twelve flies. Cap. 2^. 
 UThey agree to be tried by arbitrament, whether 
 all or how many holes in all windows belong 
 to spiders, and how many to flies, the spider 
 choosing for his part the ant or pismire, the 
 fly choosing for his side the butterfly. Where- 
 upon they, th'one couple in one part, and 
 
The Spider and the Fly— The Table, Cap. 35 1 1 
 
 th 'other couple in another part, talk tog-ether 
 forthwith. Cap. 28. 
 
 ^The spider to the ant, and fly to butterfly 
 (after words of greeting-) declare that they are 
 chosen their arbiters herein, wherein the ant 
 and butterfly promise to do their best. And 
 they then anon draw all four together in (or at) 
 the cobweb. Cap. 29. 
 
 UThe spider declareth, and the fly granteth the 
 issue to be, that all flies claim (in freehold) all 
 holes in all windows to be theirs by custom. 
 And spiders claim all holes with all parts of all 
 windows to be their freehold by custom. And 
 after talk between them therein had, the ant 
 requireth full instruction of the two parties to 
 them two arbiters. Cap. 30. 
 
 UThey (in couples separate again) declare each 
 how he would [B.ii.r.] have his arbiter handle 
 his part. And first is here told the tale of the 
 spider to the ant. Cap. 31. 
 
 UTh© tale of the fly to the butterfly how he 
 shall use the fly's part. Which done, the ar- 
 biters withdraw themselves toward the top of 
 the window. Cap. 32. 
 
 UThe ant and the butterfly met together in the 
 top of the window, certain spiders on their 
 one side, and certain flies on their other side. 
 Th 'arbiters command them to stand back while 
 they two talk together. Cap. 33. 
 
 HTh'ant declaring the cause of that meeting, 
 the spiders and flies acknowledging the same, 
 and that they come to give evidence, the flies 
 are appointed to depart while the spiders first 
 show what they can say for their part. Cap. 34. 
 lIAfter a few words between the ant and the 
 butterfly, one spider, as might be for all, de- 
 
12 The Spider and the Fly— The Table, Cap. 36 
 
 clareth to those two th 'arbiters all evidence that 
 all spiders for their part can devise. And that 
 done, the spiders are commanded away, and 
 the flies bidden to approach. Cap. 35. 
 
 UUpon a short talk between the arbiters, one 
 fly, spokesfly for all flies, discloseth all evi- 
 dence for their part. Wherewith the flies at 
 commandment depart aside. Cap. 36. 
 
 UThe arbiters (in debating- th 'evidence on both 
 parts given) cannot otherwise agree, but that 
 the same weigheth even as much for the t'one 
 part as for the t'other. At end whereof, they 
 call again all the said sort. Cap. 37. 
 
 UThe ant showeth to them all that th 'evidence 
 weigheth to one effect on both sides, so that 
 all resteth now upon knowledge which part to 
 credit most. And upon that motion, one spider 
 and one fly fall in argument to try the same, 
 wherein> is touched (partly) the properties of 
 credence, worship, and honesty, they agreeing- 
 that credence standeth upon [B.ii.v.] honesty, 
 as thus — as every spider or fly is honest, so is 
 he credible. Which talk ended, they are all 
 again sequestered. Cap. 38. 
 
 UBy th 'ant's provocation the butterfly repeateth 
 th'argument before made in his gross terms, 
 not far from full. And they twain seeming^ to 
 agree upon the point herein, they command the 
 spiders and flies back again. Cap. 39. 
 
 UTh'ant telleth them, that where th 'evidence 
 for both sides goeth to one effect, and that in 
 debating- which side is most credible to award 
 the window unto, it is concluded that credence 
 standeth upon honesty, and that as all spiders 
 and flies are honest, so are they credible, now 
 must it first be tried which side is most honest, 
 
The Spider and the Fly— The Table, Cap. 45 13 
 
 thereon to judge which side is most credible. 
 
 Cap. 40. 
 llOne spider and one fly reasoning which side 
 is most honest agreeing (in conclusion) that 
 th'onesty on both sides appeareth to them two 
 to be one, that fly requireth the arbiters to 
 ponder the case as they shall think good. 
 
 Cap. 41. 
 UTh 'arbiters commanding all to go apart again, 
 they fall in talking somewhat at large touch- 
 ing both credence and honesty in both these 
 sides. Which done, to show therein their 
 minds, they call all before them again. Cap. 42. 
 ^The ant telleth them that they two determine 
 th'onesty on both sides to be one, willing them 
 to go forth in the matter. Wherewith one tart 
 taunting spider and one sharp saucy fly, for- 
 bearing till this time (with much pain) speaking 
 or rather railing, stand now forth (upon tip 
 toes) to chop logic each with other in rude 
 reasoning of this case. Cap. 43. 
 
 HWhere another spider and fly reasoned late 
 before to prove which side of both is most 
 honest, this said quarrelling spider and cocking 
 fly labour to prove which part of both is most 
 [B.iii.r.] dishonest in words and deeds, as 
 by usurpation in windows and other mis- 
 behaviour. At end whereof infurious fumes, 
 thence runneth the spider one way, and the 
 fly flingeth another. Cap. 44. 
 
 HAfter a few words, which the ant speaketh to 
 the rest of both sorts there, they are assigned 
 to stand back again, while th 'arbiters gather 
 out of this railing such reasons as they can. 
 
 9^'P- 45- 
 5ITh 'arbiters consider, in this said taunting talk, 
 
14 The Spider and the Fly— The Table, Cap. 46 
 
 that sundry dishonest abuses there are in 
 sundry parties on both sides. Upon their 
 agreement of conchision wherein, they have 
 before them those other spiders and flies again. 
 
 Cap. 46. 
 ^Th'ant declareth to those spiders and flies 
 that the tales of the pert spider and fly, before 
 told, do charge each other's part in such sort 
 that they cannot say which side is most dis- 
 honest, but they two adjudge clearly, in dis- 
 honest things, both sides of like dishonesty. 
 Wherewith they all avoided back again, th 'arbi- 
 ters talk to fall to appoint between themselves 
 what report finally and fully to make. Cap. 47. 
 UTh 'arbiters being agreed on their report, they 
 call to them again the spiders and the flies. 
 
 Cap. 48. 
 ^Th'ant showeth them that the butterfly and 
 he are at point what to report, devising it to 
 be reported before the head spider and the fly 
 in the cobweb, the two principal parties, and 
 to have with them, to hear and witness their 
 report, two spiders and two flies, witty and 
 discreet, and the rest to stay there till their 
 return. Which being agreed, they set forth 
 straight to the said cobweb. Cap. 49. 
 
 5IThe ant associate with the said sort pro- 
 nounceth at length (to the spider and fly in the 
 cobweb) this brief effect : — That inasmuch as 
 on both sides the evidence is one, and that the 
 ere [B.wi.'z;.]dence is one, by th'onesty being 
 one, they two can (in reason) no way try how 
 to lay th 'accustomed right more on th'one side 
 than on th 'other, they finally leave the case even 
 at liberty as they found it. And so depart to 
 the place of arbitrament again. Cap. 50. 
 
The Spider and the Fly— The Table, Cap. 56 15 
 
 ^Th'ant and butterfly set where they had sit, 
 th'ant repeateth to those spiders and flies the 
 report made by him at the said cobweb. At 
 end whereof, the spiders and flies, seeing- that 
 time spent all in vain, each side among them- 
 selves fall in murmuring-. Cap. 51. 
 ^Upon the spiders' and the flies* muttering 
 murmuring, suddenly there come nigh about 
 them a wonderful number of all manner of flies 
 in their warlike manner. Whereat with 
 twink of an eye (as it were) the head spider 
 (with a great number of spiders) hath builded 
 a strong castle in that cobweb, with ordnance 
 and weapons and spiders ready in order of 
 defence. Cap. 52. 
 UThis huge heap of flies light about th'arbiters, 
 apprehending th'ant, casting a halter about his 
 neck, drawing him to their tree of reformation 
 (as they call it) to hang him straight. But at 
 his suit to be heard speak ere he die, one fly 
 fleeth into the tree, wherewith the captain com- 
 mandeth silence. Cap. 53. 
 IIThe fly in the tree, to persuade the flies to hear 
 the ant speak, wadeth honestly, politically to 
 allure them to quiet hearing of the ant before 
 they put him to death. His which tale told, he 
 removeth to his place again. Cap. 54. 
 HThe fly's former fine tale no whit stirreth the 
 gross flies to the hearing of the ant. Where- 
 upon the butterfly (that was an arbiter) fleeth 
 into the tree, labouring the flies to have the ant 
 heard speak ere he die. Cap. 55. [B.iv.r.] 
 HThe butterfly (to get th'ant to be heard) telleth 
 his tale in such rude manner and matter that 
 anon he setteth them all (well nigh) together 
 by the ears. But upon his gross tale grossly 
 
i6 The Spider and the Fly, The Table— Cap. 57 
 
 told, (much more liked than the fly's finer tale) 
 they grant to hear the ant speak. Cap. 56. 
 
 ^The ant prayeth to be heard speak thoroughly 
 before any part of his tale be adjudged, and 
 then they to adjudge the whole as standeth 
 with equity, first alleging matter to clear him- 
 self from offending the flies, finally giving them 
 (as it seemeth) friendly counsel, (touching this 
 strife) grounded upon this common saying : 
 Before thou ought begin, have an eye to the 
 end. Cap. 57. 
 
 UTh'ant hath set the flies in such fear of the 
 spiders, that most are ready to run away; 
 whom to stay, the captain fly deviseth th'ant 
 to set the spiders in like fear of them, by a 
 tale told on the same ground that he told this, 
 in pain of hanging at his return. Cap. 58. 
 
 •flTh'ant, after entry in talk (before the head 
 spider) he to him, and all the spiders (upon 
 this said ground : Ere thou ought begin, have 
 an eye to the end), inveigheth what he can to 
 set the spiders in fear of the flies. Cap. 59. 
 
 HTh'ant, having brought the spiders in great 
 fear of the multitude of flies, the head spider 
 taking great displeasure with the ant for the 
 same, he answereth th'ant's tale so that he 
 bringeth all the spiders in courage again, giv- 
 ing (in his own name and all theirs) defiance 
 to the flies. Cap. 60. 
 
 UUpon defiance given by the spider to the flies, 
 the ant, brought again to the flies, maketh full 
 report of all said at the cobweb. At end 
 whereof, two flies argue whether th'ant have 
 deserved life or death by keeping or breaking 
 former commandment to bring the spiders in 
 fear of the flies. Cap. 61. 
 
 iB.iv.v. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, The Table— Cap. 67 17 
 
 lIAt end of this last argument, the captain 
 asking the ant what he can say why he should 
 not die, the ant, after a few words, submitteth 
 him to their order. Whereupon, the captain 
 going to the question, the ant is condemned 
 by the voice of the most number. The captain 
 then willing him to make his last prayers, he 
 doth so. Cap. 62. 
 
 HWhile the ant saith his prayers on the ladder, 
 two flies, thinking him to be wrongfully cast 
 away, pitying the case, they touch (in talk) 
 three sorts of flies seen there then. Wherein 
 is touched some part of properties of neuter 
 flies. Cap. 63. 
 
 HThe ant, having now made his prayers, being 
 at point to be turned from the ladder, a fly, afar 
 off, crieth "Hold." Who (lighting in the 
 tree) bringeth such a message from the head 
 spider, as the ant (thereby) is reprieved, and 
 carried to prison. Cap. 64. 
 
 ^The captain fly inveigheth upon matter before 
 past in such sort so encouraging the flies again, 
 that anon they all crying to the captain to 
 march forward, they bravely set forth, and, 
 laying their ordnance to the cobweb castle, 
 they besiege it round. Cap. 65. 
 
 UThe flies give onset in assault upon the castle, 
 the spiders defending it in furious fight. And 
 upon the slaughter on both sides, the flies 
 retire to their camp, the spider's wife and chil- 
 dren on knees to him beseeching him to take 
 peace with the flies. Cap. 66. 
 
 UThe spider, having compassion on his wife 
 and children as on himself, he saith that he 
 will, with the advice of his council, in their 
 suit do all that may be done for the best. 
 
 Cap. 67. 
 
 HEY. III. C 
 
i8 The Spider and the Fly, The Table— Cap. 68 
 
 IIThe spider, set with twelve of his council, de- 
 clareth his wife's and children's suit (adjoin- 
 ing thereunto considerations of [C.i.r.] his 
 own) for peace to be taken with the flies, 
 requiring those councillors (while he depart 
 and return) to determine what way he shall 
 take. Cap. 68. 
 
 ^Straight as the spider is gone, the rest arise, 
 withdrawing asunder in three plumps, four in 
 a plump, no one knot knowing what the rest 
 saith. Which done, they all set down again 
 against the spider's return. Cap. 69. 
 
 ^The spider, set again with his council, in 
 those three said sorts arise three divers ways 
 to take herein, the best one whereof to choose, 
 the spider departeth to devise upon, willing 
 them to cause all corners of that castle to be 
 cleansed and all battered places made strong 
 again. Cap. 70. 
 
 ^The flies in camp be at council, desirously de- 
 vising by what means to get peace best. 
 Whereupon the captain inventing a means to 
 drive the ant to sue for peace if they will be 
 ruled by him, they thereunto agree. And 
 thereupon the ant is brought before the flies. 
 
 Cap. 71. 
 5IThe captain telleth the ant that the flies have 
 retired from th 'assault, (where many spiders 
 are slain) to see whether the spiders will sue 
 for peace, for which since they sue not, the 
 flies will assault them again. But the ant they 
 will hang straight before they go. Cap. 72. 
 HThe ant, upon sudden short warning of his 
 death being much dismayed, laying all that 
 he can for his life, and yet can get no grace, 
 he prayeth respite while he be brought to the 
 
The Spider and the Fly, The Table— Cap. 78 19 
 
 spider to see whether he will grow to any 
 peace to save the ant's life. Which granted, 
 the ant is brought before the spider. Cap. 73. 
 UTh'ant (in way of petition) suing to the 
 spider for peace, laying considerations to pro- 
 voke him the rather thereto, the spider doth 
 attentively give the ant hearing. Cap. 74. 
 
 [C.i'.v. 
 5IThe spider (upon th'ant's tale told to him) 
 allegeth certain things by which he seemeth 
 in doubt much to grant peace to the flies. 
 Wherein the ant and he traversing somewhat, 
 anon he granteth peace to them under condi- 
 tion expressed, wherewith th'ant is brought to 
 the flies again. Cap. 75. 
 
 ^Th'ant declaring peace as it is granted, the 
 files in much joy set the ant thankfully at 
 liberty, and home goeth he. Whereupon the 
 captain commandeth all flies to draw near to 
 hear him speak ere they depart. But they 
 flee all away, a few except. Cap. 76. 
 
 ^Upon a little talk had between the captain 
 and the few flies there left, touching the rude- 
 ness and lightness of the common sort of flies, 
 misliking their former light lewd demeanour, 
 they depart, the camps, on both sides, clear 
 broken up. Cap. '^'j. 
 
 UTh'ant, being come to the molehill, solemnly 
 received of his wife and children and a great 
 number of ants, he telleth to them all a tale 
 discoursing th 'effect of all his trouble had 
 among the spiders and flies, willing them dili- 
 gently to mark what he saith. Cap. 78. 
 *lTh'ant having said what he will say, willeth 
 all ants to note why he said that he said. 
 Which is to warn them by his harms to be- 
 
 c 2 
 
20 The Spider and the Fly, The Table— Cap. 79 
 
 ware how they meddle in matters between 
 spiders and flies. Cap. 79. 
 
 ITFour flies (in the name of all flies) at the 
 cobweb, thanking- the spider for pardon and 
 peace, declaringf the conditions and the per- 
 formance on their part, sue to the spider on 
 his part, to perform his grant, in laying out 
 and possessing them of their limits with half 
 the holes in the window, which he granteth, 
 bidding them a little time stay, in which while 
 he sendeth the youngest spider of his twain to 
 the ant, praying him to come to him again 
 to divide and [C.ii.r.] deliver the holes to the 
 flies as the spider will appoint them. Cap. 80. 
 ITUpon this message done, th'ant feig"neth a let 
 of his coming by a hurt mischancing him that 
 morning, with which answer the young spider 
 returneth to the old. Cap. 81. 
 
 5iThe spider, after a few words to the four 
 flies, assigneth to them all the small holes be- 
 neath, half the holes in number, but scant the 
 fixed part of the room, at which they somewhat 
 grudge. But they must take them or none. 
 
 Cap. S2. 
 UThe four flies flown thence, the spider to the 
 fly in prison layeth : that in all kinds of trial 
 that day on both parts laid, he thinketh his 
 own part approved best, as he thinketh the fly 
 would think were he a spider, contrary judg- 
 ment whereof, the fly thinketh in the spider 
 were he a fly. Whereupon they agree to 
 change, places (each for the time) to imagine 
 and set forth other's part the best they can. 
 
 Cap. St,. 
 ^They having changed places, they allege each 
 
The Spider and the Fly, The Table— Cap. 87 21 
 
 for his dissembled side. Wherein the fly anon 
 is so allured to pride and ambition in occupy- 
 ing (for the while) the spider's stately place, 
 that he at last with an oath affirmeth that 
 ^ spiders are owners of all windows. The spider 
 granting- it true, stateth to the fly, seeming to 
 take end upon the fly's own judgment. Cap. 84. 
 
 ^The fly out of that chair fallen flat before the 
 spider, perceiving his oversight and danger 
 therein, he declareth how change of place 
 changed his affection. In discoursing of 
 ' which case, he partly toucheth the commodity 
 of adversity, and the discommodity of pros- 
 perity, beseeching the spider to relinquish all 
 advantage therein to be taken against him. 
 Which the spider granteth. Cap. 85. 
 
 llThe spider, upon a glance given at his desert 
 of thanks to [C.ii.v.] be had at the fly's hand, 
 allegeth custom to be his warrant to destroy 
 the fly, which the fly cannot deny. Where- 
 upon he desireth that the case may be reasoned 
 in conscience, which the spider now granteth. 
 
 Cap. 86. 
 
 UThey both lay sundry sharp reasons in con- 
 science for the spider's life and death. But 
 the spider in conclusion draweth these four 
 principles (reason, law, custom, and conscience, 
 which he at beginning granteth to try all by) so 
 to combine that he maketh thereby an appear- 
 ance, to show the fly convinced. And straight 
 by custom he giveth judgment of the fly's 
 death. To which the fly yieldeth, praying to 
 speak with twelve flies before he die. And it 
 is granted. Cap. 87. 
 
 HThe fly (to twelve grave flies for all flies) 
 
22 The Spider and the Fly, The Table— Cap. 88 
 
 giveth his advice for avoiding- the perils by 
 their strife had in windows against spiders, the 
 great ground of which tale standeth most upon 
 consideration of these three things, where- 
 fore they strive, with whom they strive, and 
 how they strive. Cap. 88. 
 
 ^lAs the spider is about to kill the fly, the maid 
 of the house cometh in and striketh down the 
 cobweb and the spider to the ground. Cap. 89. 
 HThe maid being at point to tread the spider 
 to death, the spider prayeth her to hear him 
 speak ere he die, and then to adjudge him 
 justly, the maid granting to use him (as he 
 did use the fly) as may best stand with reason, 
 law, custom, and conscience. She at his re- 
 quest (for the time) withdrawing her foot, they 
 fall to reasoning of the case. Cap. go. 
 
 ^In reasoning of both sides, the maid driveth 
 the spider to grant himself convinced (by cus- 
 tom aided with the other principles erst said) 
 as he convinced and adjudged the fly before. 
 Whereupon she (by custom) decreeth the spider 
 to die, he then desiring to speak with his son 
 and his counsel, which the maid granteth. 
 
 Cap. 91. 
 [ C. Hi. r. 
 ^The spider to his son and twelve spiders 
 giveth his best advice for most quiet and best 
 governance, his tale standing most upon these 
 three terms — first a declaration of himself, 
 second an exhortation to them, the third a 
 submission for himself. Whereunto he desireth 
 licence to take his child in his arms now at 
 their departing, which the maid granteth. 
 
 Cap. 92. 
 ^After a few woeful words of the spider had to 
 
The Spider and the Fly, The Table, Cap. 98 23 
 
 his son (they both clasping each other in arms 
 very naturally) he kisseth and blesseth him. 
 Wherewith that son with all the twelve spiders 
 dolefully depart from the spider. Cap. 93. 
 
 lIThe maid (appearing- as woe to destroy the 
 spider as he is to be destroyed) with her foot 
 presseth him to death. Cap. 94. 
 
 IIThe maid hath before her the twelve spiders 
 and the twelve flies that had been before in 
 place. And upon her show that all harms done 
 by those generations is grown by misorder, 
 she finally deviseth full redress in pointing 
 them to grow to order. Cap. 95. 
 
 HThe twelve spiders and twelve flies, having 
 heard their order set by the maid, they thank- 
 fully receive it. And upon her commandment 
 to them, to put this order in ure among all 
 spiders and flies, they joyfully depart that 
 commandment to fulfil. Cap. 96. 
 
 ^The spiders and flies being now absent, the 
 maid sweepeth the window clean in every place 
 as far as her broom and arm will stretch, which 
 done she departeth. Cap. 97. 
 
 ^The maid being gone, the author cometh in. 
 And upon his [C.iii.'v.] beholding the window 
 fair and clean swept, without any cumbrous 
 cobwebs or excessive flocks of flies, he de- 
 parteth. Cap. 98. 
 
 Finis Tabula. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 154 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
[On C.iv.r. in the original is repeated the 
 portrait of the author which in the present 
 volume is given on page 2 facing the preface.] 
 
[THE SPIDER AND THE FLY] 
 
 ^The Introduction to the matter, showing how 
 the fly chanced to fall in the spider's cohweh. 
 
 Cap. primu. 
 
26 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. i 
 
 [A.z.r. 
 N season what time every growing 
 thing, 
 That ripeth by root, hath lively 
 
 taken heart, 
 Grass, leaf, and flower, in field 
 so flourishing 
 That wintered withered stalks stand in covert ; 
 Though weary withered hearts play then like 
 
 part, 
 Covertly couched in bed, themselves to hide, 
 Yet hearts of lust the bed can not abide. 
 
 But up they must, proof of that lust to make : 
 In which like cheerful time it chanced me 
 From sleep one night so timely to awake 
 That how far night, or how nigh day might be, 
 It passed my reach of search sure sign to see ; 
 But straight the search of nature wrought the 
 
 crow 
 Of dawning of the day, warning to show. 
 
 Upon which admonition I arose ; 
 But by the time that I could get me out, 
 The day appeareth and so broad breaketh loose, 
 Leading mine eye at large to look about 
 The fields so fresh, that be ye out of doubt, 
 For savour, sight, and hearing each bird's 
 
 voice, 
 No change could chance to choose the better 
 
 choice. 
 
 Which I (rejoicingly) heard and beheld 
 Till such time as the sun was come in sight, 
 So that the dew (drawn by his power) must 
 yield [night ; 
 
 From th 'earth to th'air, from whence it fell that 
 And having herein had mine appetite, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. i 27 
 
 I made return (temperately to remain) 
 Out of hot sun to temperate house again. 
 
 Whereas (anon) a book I took in hand [A.z.v. 
 Something- to read, to fode forth fantasy, 
 And stepping- to a window, there to stand, 
 In at a lattice hole, right suddenly. 
 Even at a fling, fast iiew there in a fly 
 That sang as shrill and freshly in my mind 
 As any bird could do, bred of that kind. 
 
 About the parlour flew this fly full round, 
 And, as appeared, he sought for food indeed, 
 But when in no wise aught would there be 
 
 found, 
 Into the buttery (hastily) he yede, 
 And stole into the almery to feed. 
 Where he (at pleasure) triumphed uncontrolled, 
 Till he had there (at will) wrought what he 
 
 would. 
 
 From whence (anon) courageously he flang 
 Now here, now there, of wing he made no store, 
 But for a fly, oh Lord ! how he than sang 
 Two notes above his highest note before ! 
 Wherein, increased his courage more and more, 
 He flew, he frisked, he tossed, he turned about, 
 The fly of flies, no fly, I trow, so stout. 
 
 But as the firmament most clear and blue. 
 The golden sunbeams bent to beautify. 
 The curtain drawn of cloudy weeping hue 
 Withdraweth, and changeth that crystal azure 
 
 sky 
 From blue to black, so fareth It with the fly; 
 Amid whose joy, at window to have passed, 
 
28 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. i 
 
 A cobweb masketh his wings and maketh him 
 
 fast. 
 
 [A.ti.r. 
 Thus chance hath (by exchange) the fly so 
 
 trapped, 
 That suddenly he lost his liberty ; 
 The more he wrang, the faster was he wrapt, 
 And all to th 'increase of his jeopardy; 
 Which peril, when he did conceive and see, 
 Such was his rage in haste from thence to flit 
 As made him seem well nigh out of his wit. 
 
 He wafted his wings, he wagged his tail, 
 
 He shook his head, he frowned, he stared wide, 
 
 He spurned, he kicked, but when nought would 
 
 avail 
 To rid him thence, but there he must abide, 
 As breath and breast would bear, loudly he 
 
 cried. 
 And, woefully as any one fly can, 
 In following form this woeful fly began. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 2 29 
 
 [A.h'.v. 
 ^The lamentation of the fly, with declaration 
 {partly) of the property of Fortune, and of his 
 own estate past and present. Cap. 2. 
 
 [A.ni.r. 
 
 ALAS, alas, alas and wellaway ! 
 To cry aloud, alas ! what cause have I ! 
 Alas (I say) that ever I saw this day ! 
 My whole estate, in twinkling- of an eye, 
 Is here transformed from mirth to misery ; 
 For froward fortune hath led my mishap 
 To lay and lock me in mine enemy's lap. 
 
30 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 2 
 
 Oh sudden sorrow, from settled solace ! 
 
 For so sat I in solace, as methoug^ht. 
 
 Oh fortune, false flatterer that ever was 
 
 In one moment, and in another wrought 
 
 So furious, that both th 'effects forth brought, 
 
 Fury or flattery, which is worth in thee 
 
 Hard for a fly to judge the certainty. 
 
 Namely for me, who all my life have been 
 Lapped in lap of thy fair flattering flowers, 
 Till from those roses, now thou castest me 
 
 clean 
 Into these nettles of thy furious showers, 
 Wherein my lack of practice lacketh powers 
 (My whole time having been spent in the t'one) 
 To judge in these two, which is the worst one. 
 
 I lack (I mean) judgment to judge at full 
 Both these said sides ; howbeit here to declare 
 Somewhat in both parts, I both can and will; 
 Mine entry now, in change from joy to care, 
 Hath in this instant taught me to compare 
 Flattery with fury, truth in both to try. 
 When Fortune telleth truth, and when Fortune 
 doth lie. 
 
 {A.iii.v. 
 
 Who, while she was (or rather seemed) my 
 
 friend, 
 Th 'appearance of her pleasant countenance 
 Promised me my wealth should have none end ; 
 But swifter than the star doth seem to glance 
 That assemblance turneth to dissemblance ; 
 Mine ended wealth, now turned to endless woe, 
 Amid 'mong her false flattery, proveth so. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 2 3 1 
 
 And putting- now her fury here in ure, 
 
 Threatening- the danger of my Hfe present, 
 
 Performance thereof doth appear as sure 
 
 As it in manner had experiment ; 
 
 Her fury is a glass right excellent 
 
 Between fury and flattery to devise 
 
 To take her threats true, and her promise lies. 
 
 Flattery and fury thus in her this goes — 
 When she speaketh fair, then hath she lust to 
 
 lie; [disclose. 
 
 When she speaketh foul, then truth she will 
 Which thing showeth somewhat strange, but 
 
 commonly 
 In man to man, man's use doth verify, 
 In love and hate disclosing truth and lies, 
 The self show showed in daily exercise. 
 
 In sundry things experience doth tell 
 
 No friend with friend (in friendship) will be 
 
 plain, 
 As foe with foe will in his fury fell. 
 Love, to tell truth, doth oft for love refrain; 
 Hate hideth no jot untold for to remain. 
 Love locketh in truth, lest truth might friends 
 
 displease ; 
 Hate lasheth out truth, foes to displease and 
 
 disease. 
 
 [A.w.r. 
 Friends (in this case) will hide truth, and show 
 
 lies ; [truth ; 
 
 Foes (in this case) will hide lies and show 
 Of truth that toucheth in displeasant wise 
 Hate hideth nought that memory endueth ; 
 In man, and fortune, who that fully vieweth . 
 How use of truth and lies herein hath gone. 
 Shall see in both small difference save this one. 
 
32 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 2 
 
 Love causeth friends to hide displeasant truth, 
 To keep their friends in quiet while they may ; 
 By love in friends to friends, a lothness 
 
 g-row'th 
 In thing extreme, the truth extreme to say ; 
 Where hiding of the truth harmeth no way, 
 Or that the truth is better hid than told, 
 There friend to friend by love will truth with- 
 hold. 
 
 But those respects fortune doth nought attend ; 
 Her hidden truth, in pleasant present show, 
 Is to beguile such as on her depend, 
 When from her grace their grief unknown shall 
 
 grow 
 By fore-purposed, following overthrow ; 
 In quiet calm, she shadoweth shipwreck rocks, 
 To make her mariners her mocking stocks. 
 
 And noting here (from her proclaimed calm) 
 How suddenly her stolen storms do arise 
 Of joy long sought, late had, the sudden qualm 
 I judge to be her great joy to devise ; 
 By her which joy, my sorrow in this wise, 
 Teacheth me (I say) to say that I have said. 
 And so much more as is next after laid. 
 
 [A.iv.v. 
 What is long liking life, the time once past, 
 Except the same have been orderly spent? 
 Th'accounted audit day must come at last. 
 When word, and deed, with thought of each 
 
 intent, 
 Shall have a just account with like judgment. 
 Would God, for all which dreadful doubtful 
 
 doubts. 
 That I had died even in my swaddling clouts. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 2 33 
 
 For live we never so long a time here, 
 
 The time determined once that hence must we, 
 
 Then doth all worldly pleasure past appear, 
 
 Even as indeed it is, all vanity ; 
 
 Which pleasure hath been long possessed in 
 
 me, 
 I think in no creature living more 
 That ever lived here, a fly before. 
 
 Full many a night have I escaped harm, 
 When many a fly to harm was bought and sold, 
 And many a night have I lain close and warm 
 When many a fly abroad hath died for cold ; 
 And many a fly the flap hath jobbed and jolled, 
 When I have safely kept from jeopardy. 
 Myself and all the flies that followed me. 
 
 Whereby (with flies) I was then so esteemed 
 That few things passed without my counsel. 
 And where I passed there was no danger 
 
 deemed, 
 Nor no cause why, for in all things that fell 
 My work did then approve my wit so well 
 That no whit car^d I what fly did know it, 
 Nor yet how far or broad all flies did blow it. 
 
 [B.i.r. 
 I have been (ere this day) these many days, 
 By mine experience and mother wit. 
 Highly in estimation many ways. 
 And where I was present, no fly would sit. 
 Nor pertly press, to blow or bite one bit 
 Till I were set ; for where were flesh or fish, 
 The choice of both was mine in every dish. 
 
 And I suppose as long as present tense 
 May keep possessed possession peaceably. 
 To stand in place and case of reverence 
 
 HEY. Ill D 
 
34 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 2 
 
 Is thing much pleasant to all flies well nigh; 
 But once in changed case as now am I, 
 The preter tense presently taking place, 
 Then hath the present tense lost all his grace. 
 
 Alas ! my joyful joy of yesterday. 
 How can it cure my careful care present? 
 Of pleasure past, remembrance doth alway 
 The pinch of present pain right much augment ; 
 Then in this present case this consequent, 
 Concludeth (I say) all pleasure past to be 
 Nought else but vanished vain vanity. 
 
 Thus lieth there now in charge of my repreef. 
 Those things which I have long time gloried in, 
 Which glory past, increaseth present grief; 
 And as my worthy wit did worship win, 
 So shall show of my folly never blin 
 To bruit defame, report of his distress 
 Shall toss and turn my wit to foolishness, 
 
 \B. i V. 
 As thus, the simplest fly which by my school 
 Is taught (ere this) of cobwebs to beware. 
 And seeth his m.aster play so far the fool 
 To be myself now tripped in the same snare, 
 Shall by report my folly full declare. 
 Which surely shall among all flies survive 
 As long as any one fly is alive. 
 
 And though this fall I take to be as clean 
 
 Without my fault, as without remedy, 
 
 And patience the medicinable mean 
 
 To take all faultless falls rejoicingly. 
 
 And eke where no help helpeth malady 
 
 To make a virtue of necessity. 
 
 Yet those two points are points too high for me. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 2 35 
 
 For be I faulty, or be I faultless, 
 
 Since I this dreadful danger must endure, 
 
 I am not mortified to bear distress, 
 
 And beinor clear remediless from cure 
 
 Of all my pains, that putteth most pain in ure 
 
 From step to step stretched on this straining 
 
 stair. 
 No step like that straineth danger of despair. 
 
 For whereas if remedy anywhere, 
 Hope (out of hand) should set me there about, 
 As hope of help is drowned, so I forbear 
 All diligence that hence might help me out ; 
 Thus though the caged bird (with stomach stout 
 And voice right sweet) can sing his songs by 
 
 rote, 
 Yet can the fettered fly so sing no note. 
 
 [B. 12. r. 
 Example of myself, whose weeping eyes, 
 With sobbing sighing heart bewaileth my pain, 
 Appearing such, by ought I can surmise, 
 As doth (in manner) show my death certain ; 
 Namely, if so the spider now remain 
 In this his mansion, set here presently, 
 Then dread I, doubtless, here forthwith to die 
 
 Of such a death as most abhorreth us flies, 
 Which flies have felt and folk have seen too 
 Of property the spider hath the guise [plain ; 
 First to suck out and so eat up our brain 
 To his small gain and our most loss and pain. 
 Thus hath it been, thus it is, and thus shall be. 
 Till pity may mitigate th 'extremity. 
 
 [The tailpiece as on pafre 28 is here given in 
 the original.] 
 
 D 2 
 
36 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 3 
 
 [B.ii.v. 
 ^The dreadful wonder of the spider at sudden 
 shaking of his cohweh. Cap. 3. 
 
 [B.zn.r. 
 
 WHAT time the fly this to himself had said. 
 About the house he cast a doleful look, 
 Wherewith (to break away) he made abraid 
 With such a thrust that all the cobweb shook ; 
 At which the spider start, and straight awoke 
 Out of sound sleep, full fast trembling- for fear, 
 And faintly spake (anon) as ye shall hear. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 3 37 
 
 Alas ! where am I ? Alas ! whence came I ? 
 
 Or whither shall I? What's this? An earth- 
 quake ? 
 
 Or Cometh the day of doom now suddenly? 
 
 Nought else (I trow) but that my house could 
 make 
 
 In every place to shatter and to shake. 
 
 What is this buzzing- blumbering, trow we? 
 thunder? 
 
 Hold, house ! alas ! my ceiling riveth asunder. 
 
 No part hath rest in all parts of this frame, 
 From roof to groundsill, within any room. 
 Is it the devil? or is it our dame? 
 Or is it the page? or is it the groom? 
 Or is it our maid with her birchen broom? 
 Between the devil and all these, last and first, 
 The devil take me if I can choose the worst. 
 
 But ill, worse and worst, devil, and all to- 
 gether 
 Do me assault as it (to me) doth seem ; 
 Hath fortune wrought my foes at this time 
 
 hither, 
 And not so much as warned me to misdeem? 
 Now fie on fickle fortune thus extreme. 
 And I defy the guard of such a guider ! 
 Alas (this day) I am but a dead spider. 
 
 [B. Hi. V. 
 These words thus spoken, down anon he sank, 
 Kneeling awhile devoutly on his knee. 
 And then, round on a heap, to ground he 
 
 shrank. 
 Like an urchin under an apple tree ; 
 No felon, fast in fetters for his fee, 
 Nor ape in chain, that ever looked more pale 
 Than looked this spider, after this told tale. 
 
38 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 3 
 
 So that these twain stand now in one estate, 
 
 For in like languor both be now here led, 
 
 And of their lives both like desperate ; 
 
 For now the spider is as far in dread, 
 
 And by that dread he is even as near dead, 
 
 As is the fly, who thinketh he seeth at eye 
 
 His death approaching him apparently. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 4 39 
 
 [B.iv.r. 
 ^The spider, taking comfort, entereth in 
 quarrel with the fly. Cap. 4. 
 
 [B.w.v. 
 Howbeit, anon the spider well espied 
 That enemies were there none save only one, 
 And him he saw so safe and surely tied, 
 That up he stood to stretch him, and anon 
 (His former fear from him now being- gfone) 
 To the top of his cobweb he stept boldly, 
 And in these words began to common coldly. 
 
40 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 4 
 
 Who are you that lieth there? speak, if you 
 
 can? 
 Forsooth (said then the fly), sir, it is I. 
 I? be you I? (quoth he) I pray you then 
 What I be you? tell me that by and by. 
 What I am I ? forsooth, sir, a poor fly. 
 What ! thou false thief, art thou here? quoth 
 
 the spider, 
 Thou shalt feel cause to wish thou hadst gone 
 
 wider. 
 
 And therewithal full furiously he flang- 
 Toward the fly, but what time he espied him, 
 Oh lord ! how his feat feet and hands he 
 
 wrang. 
 Beseeching his great God that day to guide him, 
 And from his mortal enemy to divide him : 
 Without whose aid, from which his foe to flit, 
 He saw it past a fly's poor power and wit. 
 
 And his dreadful despair was much the more 
 To see how speedily the spider span 
 All round about his house each side to shore ; 
 No weaving workman in this world that can 
 Weave that like web of that like stuff woven 
 
 than. 
 In each weak place is woven a weaving cast, 
 Byward, inward, toward the fly more fast. 
 
 [C.z.r. 
 Which done, these words the spider sourly said, 
 Thou ancient enemy and arrant thief. 
 Whose lineage always hath showed banner 
 
 'splayed 
 Against my parentage, to their great grief; 
 And now thyself, renewing their mischief 
 With malice of thine own in ure to put. 
 Art stolen into my house, my throat to cut. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 4 
 
 41 
 
 And never had my house and household harm 
 By any fly, so much as now by thee. 
 I shrew thy naked heart ! I was full warm, 
 Naked abed, asleep so mote I thee. 
 Thereas my wife and all my children be ; 
 Where God knoweth what they do, or how they 
 do, [to. 
 
 By fear which thou at this time bring-est them 
 
42 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 5 
 
 [C.i.v. 
 liT/ie spider starting into his house to comfort 
 his household, the fly deviseth what way to 
 escape the danger of the spider. Cap. 5. 
 
 [ C. ii. r. 
 
 AND with these words aside the spider 
 start [were, 
 
 Where his said bedfellow and offspring 
 Saying- these words : Now, g^ood my own sweet- 
 heart. 
 And my two babes, be ye all of good cheer. 
 The present cause of all your present fear 
 Is past ; I have the caitiff fast in snare 
 That was the cause of all your fearful care. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 5 43 
 
 What whoreson is it, husband? (Quoth he) 
 
 Wife, 
 A flesh fly a.s big- as a humble bee. 
 That shall (if I live) surely lose his life. 
 The young-est spider there, at this cried he, 
 Oh, father, father, I heartily pray ye, 
 Remember when ye shall return again 
 To bring me some part of that flesh fly's brain. 
 
 How say ye to this babe? (quoth the mother) 
 Will ye hear this urchin of eight weeks old? 
 It is a babbling brat above all other. 
 Yea (quoth the father), child, hardily be bold. 
 Thorns prick young that shall be sharp, folk 
 
 have told ; 
 Which showeth in thee, in that thou art inclined 
 To crave (thus young) according to thy kind. 
 
 And while the spider dallied in this wise, 
 
 The fly (considering this extremity) 
 
 Did with himself advisedly devise, 
 
 To 'scape with life, what might his best means 
 
 be; 
 Softly, as I might hear, saying, I see 
 Like as much contention can nought prevail, 
 So to much cowardice might all quail. 
 
 [C.n.v. 
 Between these two, cowardice and contention, 
 The spider's ire the rather to assuage, 
 I temperately must temper mine invention. 
 To plead my right in reason, not in rage. 
 And since my body lieth in jail for gage. 
 My jailor fair and gently to beseech ; 
 That is (in flies) no flattery but fair speech. 
 
44 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 5 
 
 From desperate fear hope maketh me now sup- 
 pose, 
 If I may obtain hearing- reasonably, 
 I neither life nor liberty shall lose, 
 But be let loose from bondage by and by. 
 And hereupon the spider, suddenly 
 From where he was, returned back again, 
 And straight to gripe the fly began to strain, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 6 
 
 45 
 
 [C.iii.r. 
 UT/ie spider being returned to the fiy, after a 
 few words between them had, the fly sueth to 
 the spider to be heard speak, which he grant- 
 eth. Cap. 6. 
 
 [C.ut.v 
 
 THE fly (to him) lift up both heart and 
 hands, 
 And, in most mild behaviour humbly, 
 Said : Sir, since I am bound here in your bands, 
 Under commandment thus assuredly, 
 What bruit mig^ht breed to you more infamy 
 Than here (in hucker mucker) me to murder, 
 The cause wherefore I die published no further. 
 
46 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 6 
 
 Fly (quQth the spider), I dare say the cause 
 Is open enough, for a thousand mark 
 Will not repair that which, ag^ainst all laws, 
 Thou hast here broken. Behold thine own 
 
 work, 
 Wherein to answer all that at me bark, 
 To whom thy doleful death shall be apparent ; 
 To them thy devilish deed shall be my warrant. 
 
 Sir (said the fly), if it indeed so be 
 That this my deed apparently appear 
 So far my fault that it may warrant ye 
 To give me death therefore with conscious 
 
 clear ; 
 Then as my body is in prison here, 
 So with my body yield my will, will I, 
 Unto your will, at will to live or die. 
 
 But, sir, before we shall be so far forth, 
 
 I you beseech right humbly as I may. 
 
 Allow my suit for s'uch and so much worth, 
 
 To win your grant (ere I be cast away) 
 
 To hear what I can in this matter say. 
 
 So thou with speed show what thou hast to 
 
 break, 
 I (quoth the spider) grant to hear thee speak. 
 
 \^C.iv.r. 
 I thank you humbly (quoth the flv), but, sir, 
 Of a goose with garlick sauced so late I eat. 
 That my breath stinketh, and since I may not 
 
 stir 
 From you, for you I think it very meet 
 To step from me aloof to air more sweet. 
 The spider stepping back a little way, 
 The fly therewith (somewhat lightened) did say. 
 
 [The tailpiece as on pas^e 44 is here given in 
 the original.] 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 7 
 
 47 
 
 \C.iv.v. 
 ^iThe oration of the fly to the spider, commend- 
 ing justice, and just justicers, requiring to have 
 his cause heard thoroughly and adjudged 
 justly. Cap. 7. 
 
 ID.i.r. 
 
 MASTER spider, note (I beseech you) 
 this: 
 Ye know right well the virtue of justice 
 In every creature here living- is, 
 Both in you spiders, and eke in us flies. 
 And in every other wight being wise, 
 The thing which is generally pretended, 
 And, where it is in deed, highly commended : 
 
48 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 7 
 
 And where that virtue lacketh in any wight, 
 All other virtues there do bid adieu ; 
 What virtue can (in place) take place of right, 
 In such as to show justice to eschew? 
 Who lacketh justice, he cannot be true ; 
 And who in judging all things, justly judgeth, 
 To choose that judge his judge, no wise wight 
 grudgeth. 
 
 Great lets wherein are four — love, hate, meed, 
 and dread, 
 
 In all which judgments given, adjudging gains, 
 
 Love judgeth the loved more than justice 
 showeth decreed. 
 
 Hate judgeth the hated less than justice con- 
 strains : 
 
 Meed judgeth the meeder more than justice 
 contains, 
 
 Dread, in dread of the dreaded the dreader 
 drives [trives. 
 
 To judge, more or less, as the dreaded con- 
 
 And t'avoid partial judgment between parties, 
 Though th'one party for judge, I wish none of 
 
 them. 
 Yet change of mind or matter doth oft so rise, 
 That the judge is judge and party one of them ; 
 As you seem judge here, being the tone of 
 
 them. 
 Self love in which judge, he th 'other part 
 
 hating, [rating : 
 
 May judge much judgment of much unjust 
 
 {D.i.v. 
 Yea, though the judge hate th 'other party no 
 
 deal, [enough, 
 
 That self judge, himself loving more than 
 Less right than enough, th 'other part may soon 
 
 feel ; 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 7 49 
 
 Self love, to himself tender, to the rest tough, 
 Is of just justice neither root, branch, nor 
 
 boug^h. 
 Love (namely self love) corruptibly growing, 
 Is chief lodestar of lets In justice showing. 
 
 For though corrupt love and hate, contraries 
 
 mere, [linked, 
 
 Work one like wrong, both in one like degree 
 
 Yet that love worse than that hate I adjudge 
 
 here; 
 It is more hard love to ourselves to extinct, 
 Than hate to other to pluck from the heart's 
 
 precinct ; 
 Thus of justice no let leadeth Interruption, 
 Like this love (named self love) grown of cor- 
 ruption. 
 
 But to the point : judges that justice use 
 In all, between themselves and all the rest. 
 To claim or hold by will who doth refuse 
 Things whereof they would be or be possessed ; 
 And even as justice justly hath addressed, 
 Both give and take the due extended rate. 
 Those are (for judgment) worthy most estate. 
 
 Since justice that sweet flower full fair doth 
 
 grow 
 In persons such as of most base sort be. 
 That flower more fair and sweet must needly 
 
 show 
 In those that stand above the mean degree. 
 Being thereto knit unto authority ; 
 As more or less who may command at will. 
 So more or less he may do good or ill. 
 
 HEY. III. E 
 
50 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 7 
 
 [D.ii.r. 
 And in our case, were just justice clean reject, 
 What injuries might thereby here arise ! 
 Of flies' facts, if spiders* wills weighed, 
 
 th 'effect 
 Right soon might wilful will, without justice, 
 Draw unto death a hundred thousand flies, 
 Which will may do (if will shall knit the knot) 
 Whether that we flies offend or offend not. 
 
 Howbeit, I hope ye will do justice, such 
 As may with this just justice join justly ; 
 In mine account your wisdom is too much 
 To blot or blur your fame for any fly; 
 Whereby I stand in trust assuredly 
 Just judgment in this matter now to have, 
 And other thing than that I do none crave. 
 
 Save that this case may be first fully heard, 
 And fully perceived by reasoning likewise, 
 Which done, as equity best afterward 
 Shall you advise my judgment to devise. 
 Without further appeal in enterprise, 
 I shall (as I say) either to live or die, 
 Into your hands yield me contentedly. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 8 
 
 51 
 
 [Z>. ii. V. 
 
 ^The spider granteth the fly both to hear and 
 adjudge this case, as may most agreeably stand 
 with Reason, Law, Custom, and Conscience. 
 
 Cap. 8. 
 
 [Z>. in. r. 
 
 FLY (quoth the spider) I espy right well 
 Thy brain is much, which I right much set 
 
 by, 
 
 By which thy present suit, the truth to tell, 
 Thou showest here wittily and honestly, 
 Request wherein showeth such conveniency, 
 Full hearing and reasoning to win me to, 
 That reason biddeth me ^rant, and so I do. 
 
 E 2 
 
5Z The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 8 
 
 And for the rest, behold me now (quoth he) ; 
 Wherewith his feet to his mouth he tosses, 
 Saying- these words : Now, fly, here unto thee 
 I swear a solemn oath, by all these crosses. 
 Thou shalt have justice, though I sustain 
 
 losses. 
 As reasonably may stand, for thy defence, 
 In reason, law, custom, and conscience. 
 
 In compass of which four principles touched, 
 
 All debates discoursed and discussed should 
 be ; 
 
 Reason, to perceive man's great ground is 
 vouched ; 
 
 Law on reason must take ground to agree ; 
 
 Custom standeth (or should) on reason's de- 
 cree ; [draw 
 
 Conscience with reason concurreth to with- 
 
 Th 'extremities of custom and of law. 
 
 Upon these four, each one one corner post, 
 The stinting of debate taketh standing stay. 
 Whereon this building shall be so embossed, 
 That, as I sware, again I swear, I s"ay, 
 Without corruption on my part, this day, 
 Thou shalt be used herein at my hand 
 As most with reason and this rest may stand. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 9 
 
 53 
 
 [Z>. in. V. 
 ^They stand both in hope to convince each 
 other by just cause, the fly praying the spider's 
 pardon of such rude speech, and all behaviour 
 as he may chance to overshoot himself in, the 
 which the spider doth grant. Cap. 9. 
 
 [D. iv. r. 
 
 THERE never was friar limiter that 
 ducked 
 So low, where begging won him twenty 
 
 cheeses, 
 As is the fly now to the spider rucked ; 
 
54 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 9 
 
 He maketh him sure to win, whoever leses ; 
 And here withal (by chance) the spider sneezes. 
 Now (quoth the liy) chance I to win or lese, 
 Christ help, and long in health well mote ye 
 sneeze. 
 
 The spider herefore gave the fly such thank 
 
 As hath in usage, course of courtesy ; 
 
 But note these twain, so lately so like blank 
 
 And both now in like mirth immediately ; 
 
 Methought that chanced very prettily ; 
 
 The fly thinketh reason shall sure make his 
 
 way ; 
 The spider thinketh in reason surely nay. 
 
 Sir (quoth the fly), I must you here beseech 
 
 To ratify your pardon my protection 
 
 In my behaviour, namely in such speech 
 
 As may (by rudeness) rightly crave correction; 
 
 If I shall lack your aid to this election 
 
 Then may my reasoning for my liberty 
 
 Lose my liberty, and win my jeopardy. 
 
 This is included, fly, in my sworn oath 
 By which I erst have promised thee justice ; 
 Such speech as in thy case directly goeth, 
 So that thou rail not too far out of size. 
 For which thou seemest a fly as far too wise, 
 Spare not to speak thy mind, and unto me 
 (So said) say what thou wilt : I pardon thee. 
 
 {D.iv.v. 
 That pardon I receive with hearty heart. 
 And heartily thank your granting of the same; 
 The shell now of this nut shelled clear apart, 
 The cracking of this nut, to put in frame, 
 For winning of the kernel of this game. 
 To your pardon had, your patience praying, 
 To hear for further searching, further saying. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 9 
 
 55 
 
 Here stood they both, awhile in silent stay, 
 The fly devising* warily what to speak ; 
 The spider likewise warily watched at bay 
 What great words out of his mouth, small and 
 
 weak, 
 Of challenge to defence should there then 
 
 break. 
 Wherewith at courtesy, low and reverent, 
 From circumstance to substance the fly went. 
 
S6 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. lo 
 
 [£.i.r. 
 ^They enter into the principal argument, the fiy 
 supposing no lawful proof hy witness of any 
 ill there against him, the spider allegeth the 
 contrary. The fly {upon occasion) requiring 
 to he hailed under surety, the spider denieth it. 
 
 Cap. lo. 
 
 [E.i.v. 
 
 MASTER spider, the pith now to advance, 
 I pray you declare plainly (quoth the fly), 
 How can (by law) in reason this mischance 
 Support in you — to keep me cruelly 
 To lie in prison here thus piteously, 
 And with your fetters fettering- me thus fast, 
 No lawful proof of cause by witness past? 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. lo 57 
 
 No lawful proof? (qouth he) fly, sayst thou so? 
 What proof can reason show in law more clear 
 Than sight of him that one inch cannot g^o 
 From present place, where plainly doth appear 
 Such an act done as thou hast now done here? 
 I think the falsest fly of all thy kin 
 Would judge for heinous thy thus breaking in. 
 
 But put the case, that I attached you, 
 
 In this my lordship, fast in jail to sit 
 
 But as suspect, no act approve^d now. 
 
 Yet might I keep ye fast, lest ye might flit, 
 
 Till ye were found guilty, or else acquit, 
 
 Except this case run right, and law runneth 
 
 wrong, 
 For this is law, and law it hath been long. 
 
 Keep (quoth the fly) I pray you, in suspense 
 The first alleged case of these last twain, 
 Till in this last law lay experience ; 
 Whereby it may appear ye may detain 
 A fly suspect of crime, not proved plain ; 
 But under surety, out of common jail, 
 The prisoner shall at suit be let to bail. 
 
 [E.ii.r. 
 Let flies to bail? friend fly (quoth the spider) 
 Nay, by my father's soul, that will not be, 
 Except he here will be such a bider 
 That he will sit fast by the feet for thee 
 And take thy turn : him will I take surety. 
 Nay (quoth the fly) that trieth a friend too 
 
 much ; 
 I have good friends, but sure I have none such. 
 
58 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. lo 
 
 To bind a fly herein, body for body, 
 Were bond sufficient for a thing thus slight. 
 Well (quoth the spider) fly, call thou me noddy 
 Except I prove this a thing of much weight. 
 But thou alluredst me in way of receipt 
 Of one fly here, now fastened fast in jail, 
 To go lay salt on another fly's tail. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. il 59 
 
 [E.u.v. 
 ^The spider chargeth the fly, first with bur- 
 glary, which the fly answereth unto; then the 
 spider chargeth him with single felony, which 
 the fly reasoneth unto. Cap. ii. 
 
 THIS reason driveth us now (quoth the fly) 
 Straight to your reason, before suspensed, 
 Wherein mine act, appearing evidently 
 So huge, and heinous offence commenced, 
 As by that reason it is pretenced. 
 Then law and reason both will that I fail, 
 Of light surety, to borrow me to bail. 
 
6o The Spider and the Fly, Cap. ii 
 
 But in mine act apparently committed, 
 Althoug-h the deed I no whit do deny, 
 
 Yet how can law, by any wight well witted, 
 Lay in my fault offensive fact thereby? 
 
 Fly (quoth the spider) that can (and will) I, 
 And thy reproach, to broach forthwith at large, 
 I lay (in law) burglary to thy charge. 
 
 That charge is soon discharged, sir, said he ; 
 The breach of houses in the time of night 
 Showeth evidence where those offenders be. 
 But not only the sun doth shine full bright 
 Ere flies a mornings come abroad in sight, 
 But also at eve, ere the sun be set. 
 Each fly to his lodgino- again will get. 
 
 By this, this breach can be no burglary. 
 And ere I now came here all men might see 
 The sun appearing universally. 
 Though it (at thy coming) were day with thee. 
 Yet was it night (quoth the spider) with me ; 
 I was asleep, and no day yet had seen 
 These two long hours, had not this mischance 
 been. 
 
 l^E.iii.v. 
 Sir (quoth the fly) admit that ye now were 
 Asleep, till that the sun were six hours high, 
 Could any reason show reason to bear 
 You to affirm, or firmly verify. 
 The day for night, till time ye day espy? 
 So were it a thing easy to be done, 
 With a wink, to make it midnight at noon. 
 
 Why, fly, at noon? midnight is it with me 
 If I at noon be asleep. Yea (quoth the fly) 
 But if ye against one noon-sleeper shall see 
 Ten thousand noon-wakers, night from noon to 
 try, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. ii 6i 
 
 Ye shall poorly prove this night noon burglary. 
 And slept ye till noon, yet in course of the sun, 
 Ye are not ignorant how the day doth run. 
 
 Well said (said the spider) and put the case, 
 That I in this case yield thee the mastery ; 
 Yet shall this other case (I trow) take place. 
 I here arrest thee, fly, of felony, 
 Which cause of arrest thou canst not deny ; 
 For breaking in here thus, and never knock, 
 As good or better, were to pick the lock. 
 
 I brake into this house now (quoth the fly) 
 Like as a thief doth break into Newgate, 
 Saving that the thief doth most commonly 
 Pretend at his entry there more estate ; 
 For break a thief in there, early or late. 
 He hath as many leaders as a bride, 
 With waiters, attendant on every side. 
 
 [E, iv. r. 
 And yet no thief is there of all the rout 
 That into that house breaketh so willingly. 
 But he would rather go ten mile about 
 To shun the vanity of vain glory, 
 Then be received so honourably. 
 Accounting his life no day the shorter 
 In taking pain to be his own porter. 
 
 And as the thief, full far against his will. 
 Doth break in there, so break I now in here, 
 For thief or fly, what one hath wit so ill 
 To press to rob where he hath knowledge clear 
 By robbery to steal ought, nought can appear? 
 Nor no commodity there consequent 
 But death or perpetual prisonment. 
 
 \T}ie tailpiece as on pap^e 28 is here given in 
 the original.^ 
 
62 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 12 
 
 [E.iv.v. 
 ^The spider {in a manner) granteth that the fly 
 came into the cobweb against the fly's own will, 
 which the spider so granteth, for such policy 
 forthwith appearing as seemeth to weigh sore 
 against the fly. Cap. 12. 
 
 [F.i.r. 
 So mote I thee, gfood fellow fly (said he) 
 That allegation reacheth here, so far and near, 
 That in appearance it concludeth me. 
 For, glad or willingly, who would come where 
 As he should clearly know his coming were 
 An evident and undoubted induction 
 To his infallible fall of destruction ; — 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 12 62 
 
 Whereby it seemeth I can no way avoid 
 
 Thy coming- here to be against thy will. 
 
 But now the fly so far is overjoyed, 
 
 That by no manner mean he can sit still. 
 
 He stretched, and fet a hem right sharp and 
 
 shrill. 
 Whereat the spider smirk and smoothly smiled, 
 To see the silly fly so far beguiled. 
 
 And yet showed the semblance of falsity, 
 So as it might appear that he did smile 
 (For joy) upon the fly's behalf, that he 
 So wittily wound out of this exile. 
 Which set the fly in glory for the while. 
 In sight whereof, the spider's pleasure had, 
 From laughing look to lowering look full sad. 
 
 These words he sourly said, Though I now 
 
 yield. 
 Granting that thou cam'st here unwillingly, 
 Yet shall the fly (at one stroke) lose the field, 
 In all the rest hereof immediately 
 Even with the same weapon thou wonnest this 
 
 by; 
 As thus, by the danger that flies here find. 
 Thou provest to come hither against thy mind. 
 
 [F.i.v. 
 This well excuseth thy coming hither, 
 But (quoth the spider) for thy going hence, 
 When we have scanned these words together, 
 Thy reason is hardly worth forty pence. 
 It is a perfect proof in evidence 
 For my part, and includeth brief conclusion, 
 Of condemnation, to thy confusion. 
 
64 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 12 
 
 For though thy coming-, were against thy will, 
 What hope to help thee hence doth that imply, 
 Since death here had or imprisonment still 
 Is all thy proof, thy so coming to try? 
 Now (quoth the spider) speak out, good man 
 
 . fly- . 
 
 This verdict thus given by your own consent, 
 Who can blame me thereon to give judgment? 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 13 
 
 65 
 
 [/". ii. r. 
 ^The fly herewith is abashed, hut anon he 
 gathereth himself to a stay showing a reason, 
 that maketh a manifest show clearly to over- 
 throw the spider's foresaid policy. Cap. 13. 
 
 [J^. ii. V. 
 
 THE fly at this set such a piercing sigh 
 As made the heart in his poor carcass 
 quake, 
 And clapt his hand so hard upon his thigh 
 That of that cobweb every part did shake; 
 And time it was for him, now to awake ; 
 
 HEY. Ill* F 
 
66 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 13 
 
 Such a choking check to a fly in cloister, 
 
 A mean wit may deem it was a choking oyster. 
 
 The spider yielding to the fly's fore saying, 
 Was a cast beyond the fly's expectation. 
 Whereon the fly, spying the spider's inveighing, 
 Thus far against the fly in approbation, 
 He seemed to take great discontentation 
 With himself, to see his own words give state 
 To the spider to give him this blind mate. 
 
 Howbeit anon stay in himself he took, 
 
 Saying these words, both with good heart and 
 
 wit : 
 Good master spider, if ye rightly look 
 In all yet past, all knots between us knit. 
 Judgment with justice shall fear me no whit. 
 Fly (quoth the spider) tell me that tale soon ; 
 We have well begun, but nothing nigh done. 
 
 And yet even now for all thy bragging boast, 
 T'account this case, if we now condescend, 
 The payment of th 'account will be thy cost; 
 For though thou burglary do here defend. 
 And felony, that doth hereon depend. 
 Yet for my purpose thine own confession 
 Hath peaceably put me in possession. 
 
 [F.iii.r. 
 What though thou didst unwillingly this deed. 
 Yet thyself confessing, as thou doest here, 
 Death or dealy prisonment to proceed, 
 What helpeth, I say, thy proof to stand clear, 
 Since notwithstanding though that proof ap- 
 pear, 
 Thyself hast confessed here thyself to be 
 Dead, or dead prisoner at least, with me, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 13 67 
 
 Indeed, sir (said the fly) even as ye say, 
 Except my words for my now hither coming, 
 May have exposition some other way 
 Than it seemeth they shall have, after your 
 
 summing. 
 Better for me were to exercise mumming, 
 Than that my speech should show me such an 
 
 elf 
 To make mine own words condemn mine own 
 
 self. 
 
 But since my reason, joined with your consent, 
 Approveth my coming here against my will. 
 By foreknown death (I say) or prisonment, 
 Then is my reason to the point not ill ; 
 For as ye have granted, and must grant still. 
 Discharge me (at full) it doeth and must do. 
 Of burglary and felony, both two. 
 
 And thus this one reason of mine (ye see) 
 
 Answereth all your reasons (save one) whereby 
 
 Ye lay to me that I acknowledge me 
 
 (In manner) by agreement here to die, 
 
 Or, till I die, here in prison to lie ; 
 
 But once mine answer to those words spoken. 
 
 If Justice hold, this prison is broken. 
 
 [F.iii.v. 
 For though I acknowledge to know before 
 Such danger, as witnesseth my confession. 
 Yet lieth the right or the wrong still in store. 
 The which must try, whether your possession. 
 Of me here be lawful, or oppression ; 
 But have I known perils here never so long, 
 Doth that knowledge prove you to do no wrong. 
 
 F 2 
 
68 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 13 
 
 If that were true, every thief might say. 
 In place whereas robberies accustomed were, 
 That he might by custom rob there alway, 
 Because custom avoucheth that thieves rob 
 
 there. 
 I see this example offendeth your ear. 
 And so it may ; for it proveth by proof clear 
 That I am imprisoned wrongfully here. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 14 
 
 69 
 
 [F.iv.i 
 
 ^The spider clieclzeth the fly, for his comparing 
 above the spider in knowledge of law and cus- 
 tom, which the fly maintaineth by one reason 
 commonly reported. Whereupon the spider 
 perceiving the policy, for which he seemed to 
 grant the fly to come against his will, taketh 
 little or no place, that much weakening his part, 
 he driveth the fly to draw back that grant. 
 
 Cap. 14. 
 
 [F.iv.v. 
 
 THIS is a g-ood brag-, fly (quoth the spider) 
 To set in the forefront of thy battle, 
 And a meet reason, for an outrider. 
 
70 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 14 
 
 That would, by facing-, his enemies expel ; 
 And be ye sure it doth wonderfully well 
 To see a fly think himself presumptuously 
 Better seen in law and custom than I. 
 
 Forsooth (quoth the fly) no displeasure taken, 
 
 My learning- of reason ought to pass yours, 
 
 In Westminster Hall I am not forsaken, 
 
 But may be a termer all times and hours ; 
 
 And that in appearance passeth your powers ; 
 
 For, as common report may be a proof, 
 
 There never com'th cobweb in that hall roof. 
 
 The buzzing being in Westminster Hall 
 Of a flesh fly, every man may forbear 
 As well as my presence. And sure I shall 
 Prove it as hard for thee to get out here, 
 As thou would 'st prove for me to get in there : 
 And ere w^e depart, I shall turn that journey 
 From personal appearance to attorney. 
 
 And which of our learnings also is best 
 Shall come to trial when we come to end. 
 And my replication as yet shall rest 
 Unto your answer, by which ye pretend 
 To prove me, by extortion, to offend, 
 Wherein in effect ye say that I lay 
 No reason of right, your body to stay. 
 
 [G.i.r. 
 In which, what matter I have to allege, 
 By reason, conscience, custom and law, 
 Not only to keep you here as in pledge. 
 But also your body to death to draw, 
 That cor'sive would cursedly vour stomach 
 
 g-naw. 
 Howbeit, for an ease to your panting heart, 
 I shall (for a season) set that apart. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 14 71 
 
 And partly peruse, by way of retreat, 
 
 Some part of this matter granted before. 
 
 Nay sir (quoth the fly) that were but a let ; 
 
 Let us here retreat, or repeat no more, 
 
 Till time that judgment do try our whole store. 
 
 By Gis, fly, thou speaketh like a fool (quoth he) 
 
 The sooner we take end, the worse for thee. 
 
 But I perceive thou wouldst pass over this, 
 Thereby to win all between us yet passed, 
 Wherein I grant thine advantage grown is, 
 By mean of my granting in over much haste 
 That thou art here against thy will now placed ; 
 Which grant I granted to make thine own 
 
 ground 
 Prove thee in prison here rightfully bound. 
 
 And yet my words in this grant, thoroughly 
 
 weighed, 
 Weigh not this absolutely granted to be. 
 To thy words for coming against thy will laid, 
 I said they (in appearance) concluded me. 
 And that as it seemed I must grant it to thee ; 
 Which words import not full power to be able 
 To bind this thus granted irrevocable. 
 
 [G.i.v. 
 But since thou hast found this feat starting hole 
 To hide thy head in, thus promptly provided, 
 I will yet once again quicken this cole. 
 Whether will or not will thee hither guided. 
 Why sir (quoth the fly), then am I derided. 
 Not a whit (quoth the spider), be content; 
 An old tale misreckoning is no payment. 
 
72 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 14 
 
 And if thou think it an hindrance to thee 
 This part of process to call back again, 
 When thou canst take like advantage of me, 
 I grant thee like liberty to obtain. 
 Agreed (quoth the fly) for when he saw plain 
 The spider thus bent determinately, 
 He thought it folly him to contrary. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 15 73 
 
 [G.ii.r. 
 
 ^They reason afresh, to try whether the fly 
 came into the spider's cobweb against his will 
 or not. ^^P' ^5- 
 
 [G.ii.v. 
 
 FLY (quoth the spider) go we to the pith. 
 Thou sayest thou camst hither against thy 
 will, 
 And thy only reason to prove it with 
 Is foreknowledge of death, or this, as ill, 
 Perpetual prisoner here to lie still ; 
 Concluding as no wight were so unwise 
 Willingly to come where known perils arise. 
 
74 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 15 
 
 Contrary whereof is seen every day, 
 In seeing- daily that thieves every one, 
 Committing robberies in any highway, 
 Do know assuredly, twentv to one, 
 If they be had, they shall hang thereupon; 
 And yet if they totter twenty together. 
 Still do thieves rob there ; now who leadeth 
 them thither? 
 
 That do themselves (quoth the fly) and cause 
 
 why, 
 Each thief thinketh to escape thence, as hath 
 
 escaped mo. 
 Think they so? (said he) then why may not I 
 Think that thou thoughtest likewise from hence 
 
 to go? 
 Nay, sir (quoth the fly) I could not think so ; 
 Never was there fly in this net, thus masked. 
 That ever escaped, as far as I have asked. 
 
 Well fly (quoth he), if thou this part wilt save. 
 Answer well these questions that follow here. 
 Hast thou had free will, as other flies have? 
 Yea, sir. Is not (quoth he) thine eyesight 
 
 clear? 
 Yes, sir. Did ever frenzy In thee appear? 
 Nay, sir. Be thy wings good and each other 
 
 limb? 
 Yea, sir. And all thy body lusty and trim? 
 
 [G.iii.r. 
 Yea, sir. Then (quoth the spider) it should 
 
 seem 
 Thou art thine own leader? Yea (quoth the 
 
 fly). 
 Did any wight (quoth he) use means extreme 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 15 75 
 
 To bring- thee? None that I can verify. 
 Did I send for thee? Nay, sir, verily. 
 And yet thou art here, art thou not, quoth he? 
 Yes, sir, against my will, I assure ye. 
 
 Well then (quoth the spider) thou grantest to 
 
 have had 
 Free will, and that thou hast good sight of eye, 
 Lusty limbs to lead thee, and never wast mad, 
 Compelled to come, as who say forcibly. 
 Or to be sent for, thyself dost deny ; 
 And yet thorough facing, thou fainest here 
 To come now hither, against thy will clear. 
 
 Which the false demeanour, consider who will, 
 Doth well approve thee a crafty kind thief. 
 Lying and stealing, will together still. 
 Oh (quoth the fly) this augmenteth my grief, 
 Thus to be charged with desertless repreef ! 
 I am a true fly, sure I can no false knacks ; 
 Alas, master spider, ye be too capax ! 
 
 As by this example may well be tried. 
 
 Put case free will, and your limbs led you now 
 
 To pass some narrow bridge by some highway's 
 
 side. 
 And in that passage should chance (God save 
 
 you) 
 To slip into the ditch, and break your brow, 
 Or else (in a good hour be it spoken) 
 Ye were in peril your neck to be broken : — 
 
 [G.iii.v. 
 And that while ye were in that ditch scrawling, 
 And scratching in the mire to save your life. 
 The lord of that soil would in that falling 
 
76 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 15 
 
 Attach you of theft, and then would be rife 
 To charge you, as ye charge me in this strife, 
 Against your will ye were not thither brought, 
 But your will itself brought yourself unsought. 
 
 How would ye answer this, sir? (quoth the fly) 
 I would (quoth the spider) say that my will 
 Led me not to fall in, but to pass by. 
 What if that saying liked him so ill 
 That he would say he might call ye thief still, 
 In that for your passing, under or over, 
 Ye were of your will let in neither nother? 
 
 Then were I driven (quoth the spider) to move 
 Some part of the difference between these three, 
 Will, power, and chance, wherein I might soon 
 
 prove 
 That although my will be never so free. 
 Yet in active things will cannot bring me 
 To accomplish those acts, for power or chance 
 Must join with will, ere outward act advance. 
 
 For would I never so willingly will 
 To wear Paul's steeple for a turkey hat, 
 Yet since I might indeed eat a horse-mill 
 As soon as have power so to prank with that, 
 That will were as wise as will of a wat ; 
 My will may will freely this to obtain. 
 But will above power, thus wild, is in vain. 
 
 [G.iv.r. 
 Will without power, as in things actual, 
 Can work nought, and where power and will 
 
 both be. 
 Chance doth right oft both power and will 
 
 appal ; 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 15 77 
 
 Above power and ag^ainst will, oft we see 
 That, contrary to powers and will's decree. 
 Chance chanceth so, as when by power and will 
 We are pressed forth, chance charmeth us to 
 stand still. 
 
 Example hereof let us here now make 
 By the said bridge and ditch, that you erst laid, 
 At which, though power and will would under- 
 take 
 To bring- me over, chance mig-ht see me stayed, 
 And both from power and will so far conveyed 
 In going- over that bridge, that chance's trip 
 Might pop me into that ditch even at a whip. 
 
78 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. i6 
 
 [G.iv.v. 
 ^They continue in pursuit of trial, whether the 
 fly came thither willingly or unwillingly, so far, 
 that the fly {at length) offereth to take a hook 
 oath that he came against his will. Cap. i6. 
 
 [H.i.r. 
 
 THIS is unanswerable (quoth the fly) 
 And a reason for my part worth a pike, 
 As chance ag^ainst will might make you there 
 
 lie, 
 Why might not chance even as well in case like 
 Lay me in this cobweb, as you in that dike? 
 Fly (quoth the spider) thou art not asked 
 Whether chance so might, but whether chance 
 so did. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 16 79 
 
 What (quoth the fly) if this man did purpose? 
 That question to you, I could (quoth he) well 
 Make apparent proof, on my part disclose, 
 That into that ditch chance did me compel. 
 For nought is there to steal, but apparel, 
 And all men know I nought desire nor need 
 Those staring garments of mire and green 
 weed. 
 
 In faith (quoth the fly) and I love as ill 
 
 To be in these russets at Whitsuntide ; 
 
 I wear your grey garment with as ill will 
 
 As ye would the green at the ditch's side. 
 
 Wherefore this reason is as well applied 
 
 For my delivery out of this place, 
 
 As for yours (God save you) were ye in case. 
 
 Yea (quoth the spider) but our two cases 
 Be as unlike, as our grey and our green ; 
 Ditches be common and open places. 
 Wherein to spiders and all folk is seen 
 That neither now is, nor never hath been, 
 For spiders in ditches, ought to desire 
 By stealth, gift, borrowing, buying or hire. 
 
 [H.i.v. 
 But what commodity here Is for thee 
 That is to thee and to all the world hidden ? 
 This house is too close, thou seest, in to see, 
 And also all flies that herein have slidden 
 They have (as thou sayest) so long here abid- 
 
 den, 
 That by return of any messenger 
 Tidings from hence (I know) thou couldst none 
 
 hear. 
 
8o 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. i6 
 
 Wherefore although thou find nought here in- 
 deed, [better. 
 Yet I think thou thoughtest sure to have found 
 Sir, though ye think I thought better to speed. 
 Shall thinking lead you, without word or letter, 
 To cast me away thus, the proof no greater? 
 Remember (quoth he), and began to tremble, 
 The peril of your soul, if ye dissemble. 
 
 For by the way that my soul shall go too 
 I came hither against my will unfeigned, 
 Which clearly declareth I thought to do 
 No robbery here, but fain would have refrained 
 Any part of this house to have constrained. 
 Which to be true (quoth the fly) if ye look 
 To have me sworn, I will swear on a book. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 17 81 
 
 [H.ii.r. 
 ^The spider not admitting the fly to his oath, 
 the fly bringeth in the strength of the affirma- 
 tive for his part against the negative on the 
 spider's side. Whereunto adjoined his other 
 reasons laid in discharge of charge past, he 
 hopeth, according to Justice promised, to he 
 straight discharged. Cap. 17. 
 
 [H.ii.v. 
 
 WHY hast thou (quoth he) thou unhappy 
 hook, 
 No conscience to be a perjured wretch? 
 That oath (quoth he) by the way that God took, 
 
 HEY. III. G 
 
82 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 17 
 
 Should of my conscience neither make breach, 
 Nor yet any part of my conscience stretch. 
 Well (quoth the spider) yet would I be loth, 
 In this case, to trust a fly by an oath. 
 
 Sir, mine affirmance in th 'affirmative, 
 
 In law and reason, is much more credible 
 
 Than your denial in the negative ; 
 
 Your nay, to my yea, must needs be fallible. 
 
 And in case present, it is impossible 
 
 To approve your part ; for how can it be 
 
 That you the secrets of my breast can see? 
 
 It is as certain that you know them not 
 As it is certain they are known to me. 
 Then if I swear that chance me hither got 
 Against my will, were it reason if ye 
 Swear the contrary, believed should be 
 As well as myself, when truth can appear 
 To none but myself, as appeareth clear? 
 
 I make myself sure, yourself thinketh not so : 
 Which considered, let us now consider 
 Some part of this past ere we further go, 
 Wherein proof proveth my coming hither 
 To be against my will altogether. 
 Which square shall square me, a scantling well 
 
 bent 
 For a right rule, to show me innocent. 
 
 [H.iii.f. 
 And in the ears of all that ought can skill 
 Shall discharge me in all that hath been said. 
 Or can be laid coming against my will, 
 How can burglary against me be weighed, 
 And in this felony what can be said? 
 Thanking my truth I may here truly say 
 This wisp hath wiped all this work away. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 17 83 
 
 That wisp of yours (quoth the spider) showeth 
 
 want 
 Of cleanly scouring-, when all cometh together. 
 Proof of your tale, I take it very scant 
 To make me take your present coming- hither 
 To be against your will, for how or whither 
 Could ye thus come, but ye might soon deny 
 To come with will, as long as ye can lie? 
 
 Though I can lie, that is yet no trial 
 
 That I have lied, in which, sir (quoth the fly), 
 
 Only except stiff or stern denial, 
 
 Ye can allege no reason to bide by, 
 
 Wherein I have alleged approbately. 
 
 Your nay, against my yea, can in this case 
 
 By no reasonable mean rightly take place. 
 
 Now since this part we have not only brought, 
 To yea and nay, and that mine affirmance 
 Hath fully brought your negative to nought, 
 So that the same, by grounded sure substance, 
 Dischargeth (in effect) this charged chance, 
 Performed promise of justice, I trist. 
 Shall from this court now seem straight dis- 
 miss'ed. 
 
 G 2 
 
84 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. i8 
 
 [H.iii.v. 
 ^,The spider upon a case in la^v touching th'affir- 
 inative, taketh hold to detain the fly still in pos- 
 session, hut yet under promise of justice before 
 promised. Cap. i8. 
 
 [H.iv.r. 
 
 WOULD ye trudge in post haste, fly ? nay, 
 not so; 
 Ye may report in me small courtesy 
 Except I make ye drink once ere ye go. 
 I thank you (quoth the fly) but verily 
 I will not drink, for I am now not dry. 
 Though ye will not tarry to drink (quoth he) 
 Yet must ye tarry of necessity. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. i8 85 
 
 Put case your allegations match with mine, 
 And further set your yea above my nay, 
 Yet will I not permute nor yet resign 
 Pos'session of your body here this day 
 For your affirmative which ye do lay 
 Against my negative ; for without witness 
 Th 'affirmative doth no title dispossess. 
 
 Thus, though possession fully not suffice 
 To be a bar against your affirmatives. 
 Yet bringeth possession clause of warrantise. 
 By which I here may keep you in thes'e gyves 
 (You lacking witness) some part of our lives. 
 But (quoth the spider) truth, truly to tell, 
 Thou hast (for a fly) said exceeding well. 
 
 Concerning coming here against thy will, 
 Whereon (as yet) our matter all doth stay, 
 Both parts appear of so pure perfect s'kill 
 That we have brought each other to the bay, 
 I thee to yea, and thou me to nay ; 
 And as in law thy yea seemeth to seem greater, 
 Than doth my nay, which showeth thy part the 
 
 better. 
 
 [Il.iv.v. 
 For that ye once by witness well approved 
 That thou against thy will dost here appear, 
 Then hast thou won the whole (as yet) here 
 
 moved, 
 Approving thys'elf clearly to stand clear 
 Of burglary and felony laid here. 
 For by what mean can any wight make preef 
 That any wight without will is a thief? 
 
 But forasmuch as that point is not yet 
 Lawfully proved, I intend to keep 
 Thee in possession, awhile here to sit, 
 
86 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. i8 
 
 Till we this matter weigh somewhat more deep. 
 Nay, feare not, fly, thou are unwise to weep, 
 For I will not all only not destroy thee, 
 (Unrightfully) but further not annoy thee. 
 
 Nor of or on give judgment any way, 
 Till time thyself (if thou reasonable be) 
 Shalt see that I may justly do and say. 
 By justice erst promised unto thee. 
 All that shall be said or done here by me. 
 Which justice shall prove me so just a judge, 
 That thou, nor no fly, shall have cause to 
 grudge. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 19 87 
 
 [I.i.r. 
 
 UT/ie spider, seeing that he cannot take full 
 hold of the fly in case of burglary nor felony, 
 he chargeth him now with trespass, to which 
 the fly reasoneth. Cap. 19. 
 
 [I.i.v. 
 
 HEREUNTO, for entry toward an end, 
 Admit for time thou cam'st against thy 
 mind, 
 Declaring thy defence, well to defend 
 Burglary and felony of each kind ; 
 Yet thou nor no fly is so beetle blind 
 But thou and they apparently may see 
 That at the least thou hast trespassed me. 
 
88 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 19 
 
 I say and thou dost see, a thousand mark, 
 Frameth not this frame, as it framed ere this 
 
 fill; 
 Were it then meet in such a piece of work 
 I cry you mercy, I thought you none ill? 
 Or else, I came hither ag-ainst my will, 
 Should be full restitution for the act. 
 Without a more amends made in compact. 
 
 In case it is, and in case it is not. 
 As by example (quoth the fly) put case 
 That in some highway it should be my lot 
 To drive a cart, in some one such a place. 
 As from that way's side, within little space 
 There were standing a house on a fair green. 
 And I, perceiving that way much more clean 
 
 Than the highway, straight to that way I coast. 
 And as I drive, the said house to pass by, 
 My cart wheel catcheth hold of the corner post 
 Against my will, and by violency 
 Asunder crusheth it, to which haply 
 The rest of that house is so bent and bound, 
 That in default thereof, all falleth to the 
 ground, 
 
 [I.ii.f. 
 In this case, master spider (quoth the fly) 
 Chance the chance by day, or chance it by 
 
 night, 
 And chance it never so unwillingly. 
 Yet law and lawful reason showeth it right 
 That recompense punish mine oversight ; 
 Law maintaineth no man, with or against will. 
 To do an act so to any man's ill. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 19 89 
 
 But now put case, that within this highway 
 This house were set, whereas my cart should 
 
 go, 
 Which did so crush the same that there it lay ; 
 For houses in highways encroaching so, 
 Cast I down one house, or a thousand more, 
 There am I bound by reason nor by law, 
 To recompense the value of a straw? 
 
 Weigheth not the law (fly) thes"e cases for such. 
 
 As both in the t'one case and in the t'other, 
 
 The owner's hurt to be fully as much 
 
 In one of these cases, as in another? 
 
 His hurt is (quoth the fly) in th'one and 
 
 th'other 
 Hurtful alike, for be he lief or loath, 
 Down Cometh his house, in either cas'e of both. 
 
 But the doing differeth, for the first fact 
 I did against the law, as law doth tell. 
 And every wight is charged with every act 
 Of his own doing at his own peril. 
 Whereby the law provideth very well. 
 Driving my cart, by adventure at large, 
 The hurt in th 'adventure I must discharge. 
 
 [I.ii.v. 
 But in this last fact the fault (quoth the fly) 
 Is wholly turned unto the sufferer's side, 
 For himself did an act unlawfully 
 His house to set up there, which deed so tried 
 Myself and eke my cart, law doth provide 
 Harmless to save, for, sir, the law is strong, 
 In taking such hurts, for hurts without wrong. 
 
90 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 19 
 
 And in this last case (quoth the fly) stand we, 
 In all this hurt here done I do no wrong, 
 But all the hurt ye have, Is (ye may see) 
 By your wrong doing on yourself along. 
 What can you spiders show yourselves among. 
 By any kind of law, what way ye may 
 Lawfully build within this my highway? 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 20 
 
 91 
 
 [I.iii. 
 
 ^The spider {at the fly's answering him to a 
 question) chargeth the fly with procuring of 
 other flies to disturb him in his cohwehs, which 
 the fly denieth. Cap. 2a. 
 
 [l.iii.v 
 
 THY hig-hway (fly)? art thou lord of this 
 soil? 
 A poor lord, sir, but if truth may be found, 
 I stand in case to defend this spoil. 
 What is thy name (quoth the spider) speak 
 
 round ? 
 Buz (quoth the fly) with curtsey to the ground. 
 That name of Buz (quoth the spider) doth show 
 
 thee, 
 Even for a ringleader to make me know thee. 
 
92 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 20 
 
 Of all the flies that herein have been stayed, 
 Never was there one in my conscience 
 But the first word that ever he hath said 
 Was buz, which is apparent evidence 
 That all flies have thee in great reverence, 
 Thinking- the policy or power of thee 
 Shall set them all from hence at liberty. 
 
 Whereby I may (and do) take occasion, 
 
 To think that thou hast been the fool procurer 
 
 Ot every fly that hath rnade invasion 
 
 Into my house, and such a lewd allurer 
 
 Ought by g-ood reason to be kept much surer 
 
 Than forty flies, such as thou hast beforne 
 
 Enticed hither, and then laughed them to scorn. 
 
 Sir (quoth the fly) truth is my true record, 
 
 I am guiltless of this suspected blame ; 
 
 I have enticed, in earnest nor in bourd, 
 
 Any fly hither, nor it is no game 
 
 One fly to mock at another's harm or shame, 
 
 Nor by enticement to bring a fly where 
 
 As the enticer doth stick, to come there. 
 
 [I.iv.r. 
 And though (as I said) I can prove it such 
 That this highway is mine for free passage, 
 And that every fly hath right here as much. 
 Yet was I never so set in dotage 
 To set any fly (by indiscreet courage) 
 To put possession of his right in ure, 
 To his destruction and your displeas"ure. 
 
 If ye can prove that ever I provoked 
 
 Any fly hither, by word or writing. 
 
 Or by sign of purpose, craftily cloaked, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 20 
 
 93 
 
 To possession here any fly eri^hting", 
 
 Then, without more words by mouth or endit- 
 
 In our whole case much doubtful how to try, 
 I yield myself condemned undoubtedly. 
 
94 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 21 
 
 [I.iv.v. 
 ^They fall in comparison touching their evi- 
 dence written or unwritten, whereunto the fly 
 layeth prescription of custom, {which he before 
 alleged) supposing thereby that the spider ought 
 both to deliver him, and make him amends. 
 
 Cap. 21. 
 
 [K.i.r. 
 
 WELL (quoth the spider) though this sus- 
 picion 
 Were clearly cleared, yet hast thyself clear 
 Brought in another of worse condition. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 21 95 
 
 As thus : thy claim to have thy highway here 
 Bringeth thee suspected a thief to appear ; 
 This is th'old use alway ; all the world knows 
 True men in at doors, thieves' in at windows. 
 
 Master spider, harp no more on that string ; 
 I come the same way that your mastership 
 
 doth; 
 There is small melody in that harping. 
 Conferring precedents with present sooth, 
 Changeth oft the barking tongue to biting 
 
 tooth. 
 Bark or bite who will, fly, I dare abide 
 To see title present by precedent tried. 
 
 Sir, so dare I then, and shall be well able 
 To void your suspicion and prove my guise 
 Not only lawful, but thereto laudable. 
 What evidence have you contrarywise, 
 But gnats, bees, wasps, hornets, and all we 
 
 flies. 
 At crevice, and windows, with bag and bag- 
 gage. 
 Have had egress to regress by old usage? 
 
 This weigheth as (who say) there's none evi- 
 dence 
 Showeth contrary, but this way thine may be, 
 Which is no proof for thy part worth twopence, 
 So might I claim everything that I see 
 Which were in writing not forbidden me ; 
 But it is not enough not to be denied, 
 For titles must specially be specified. 
 
 [K.i.v, 
 Sir (quoth the fly) specialties in writing 
 Specially to specify yours and mine. 
 Should we be driven to show such enditing, 
 
96 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 21 
 
 That would (I fear) blank both our parts in fine. 
 Our chief evidence that we can assign 
 For proof or disproof, by any decrees, 
 Standeth in virtue of unwritten verities. 
 
 Fly, this tale welg-heth not a fly tail (quoth he) 
 Canst thou show aught of proof or disproof 
 
 clear 
 By written or unwritten words to see 
 But that our possession shall clear appear 
 As ancient as thy succession here? 
 Sir (quoth the fly) I stick not to agree 
 Ye have been possessed here as long as we. 
 
 And long might be ; for by the god of might 
 I never knew fly but was with the same 
 Heartily content, as far as by right 
 Your own ground might bear, to enlarge your 
 
 frame. 
 But to be plain, this is the thing we blame — 
 That ye thus of will, without our consent, 
 Usurp on us by mean of encroachment. 
 
 Good honest flies a thousand that I know 
 
 Will say and sweare it was th 'accustomed guise 
 
 That spiders builded in every window 
 
 In the top, or by the sides in such wise 
 
 As the rest of the lattice for all flies. 
 
 By common known custom, when we would set. 
 
 Stood free at liberty from any let. 
 
 [K.ii.r. 
 
 But this is building of another size 
 
 How may any fly this way easily get 
 
 By any way that his wit can devise. 
 
 Here is a frame in such a fashion set. 
 
 As all were fish that might come to the net. 
 
 So far this lattice is overcovered 
 
 I marvel yourself will see it suffered. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 21 
 
 97 
 
 The case of the cart in law laid ere this 
 
 (Custom adjoined) this way mine own to try, 
 
 Avoucheth for me that you have done amiss 
 
 To encroach or usurp unlawfully 
 
 In my highway ; then of reason think I 
 
 Ye oug-ht in law, custom, and conscience, 
 
 Both let me pass and make me recompense. 
 
 HEY. 111. 
 
 H 
 
98 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 22 
 
 [KM.v. 
 ^The spider denyeth the fly's description of cus- 
 tom, alleging the saying of ancient spiders for 
 his interest hy custom. Wherein anon, both 
 showing each to give small credit to other, the 
 fly moveth to put the matter in arbitrament, 
 which (as yet) the spider doth not grant. 
 
 Cap. 22. 
 
 [K.iii.r. 
 
 LAW and custom, those twain of thy laid 
 three 
 (Namely law) somewhat reasoned here have 
 
 been. 
 But of conscience (save that name named we) 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 22 99 
 
 No word was touched since we did first begin. 
 Time cometh not yet to bring conscience in 
 Of law and custom; to ease rigor's force 
 Conscience at last course procureth remorse. 
 
 But thy cart case, and all cases last laid 
 In charge of trespass thy part to defend, 
 May be determined (for ought here yet weighed) 
 As they on law and custom do depend, 
 Which thou dost allege, with me to contend. 
 But thy description of prescription here 
 In our accustomed rights, I deny clear. 
 
 Fly, I can bring forth spiders true and old, 
 More worshipful than thou canst bring forth 
 
 flies, 
 To swear that to them their forefathers told, 
 Time far beyond mind, custom's exercise 
 Approved us to build in as large size 
 As I have builded here, and in thy plat 
 Ten or twelve holes, to creep in and out at. 
 
 Touching custom, th'oath of ten thousand flies 
 Can (by way of witness) bring nought to ease 
 In flies' credence to spiders, there doth rise 
 No difference in oath the worth of a pease 
 Between a thousand flies and a thousand fleas. 
 Nay fly (quoth he) and shook him by the neb, 
 There shall no fly's oaths 'minish this cobweb. 
 
 [K.iii.v. 
 Where ye (quoth the fly) think flies partial, 
 For witness herein, that challenge may be 
 In spiders and flies in this case equal. 
 Since spiders be parties as well as we, 
 Why should not we fear partiality, 
 As much in you as you think it in us. 
 And trust you as little, this standing thus? 
 
 H 2 
 
icx) The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 22 
 
 But reason (said the spider) ye so do, 
 Then can this trespass not be tried this way? 
 We are at yea and nay again both two, 
 For you no credence give to that I say, 
 And I as little credit that you lay, 
 Naught granting each to other, but denial : 
 How can we twain determine then this trial ? 
 
 If (quoth the s'pider) I would condescend 
 To build in corners at thine assignment, 
 And straight let thee pass, we were straight at 
 
 end. 
 So were we (quoth the fly) were I content, 
 At your only word, my life to relent. 
 Of which two ways, if the tone nor the tother 
 Be reasonable, let us look out another. 
 
 What way (fly) by thy faith, canst thou espy 
 
 That may seem meet to make us twain agree? 
 
 If I be the deviser (quoth the fly) 
 
 Then shall you choose one, whom it pleaseth ye. 
 
 And I another whom it pleaseth me ; 
 
 And as they two award upon the whole 
 
 We two to bide : happy man, happy dole. 
 
 [K.iv.r. 
 So might I haply be happy (quoth he) 
 But I could not be both happy and wise. 
 This proverb proveth this a fool's decree, 
 A thing assured to hazard at the dice, 
 It bought and had, to buy at a new price, 
 Or bring a certainty for any saying, 
 To an uncertainty by doubtful daying. 
 
 All things considered in this time and place, 
 What were my wit to put this thing in ure? 
 What could I win by that cast in this case. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 22 
 
 lOI 
 
 And what couldst thou here lose since thou art 
 
 sure, 
 At will, in my hand to die or endure? 
 The worst of this way were hurtless to thee, 
 And the best of this way fruitless to me. 
 
I02 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 23 
 
 [K.tv.v. 
 
 ^\The fly (after a few words concerning appeal) 
 doth briefly recapitulate th'effeci passed in the 
 principal case. Cap. 22,. 
 
 [L.i.r. 
 
 SIR, if ye consider nothing- but winning. 
 No doubt (quoth the fly) it is so indeed. 
 But by your promise made me at beginning- 
 Of justice here, I hope no haste of speed 
 For greedy getting shall make ye proceed 
 Contrary thereto, in hope of which dealing 
 I did at beginning revoke appealing. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 23 103 
 
 But if your dealing deal dole otherwise, 
 
 Contrarying- justice erst granted here. 
 
 My revocation of appeal likewise 
 
 I will revoke, and as' things now appear, 
 
 I must revoke that revocation clear, 
 
 Or else that justice here, although ye would, 
 
 Cannot (according to your promise) hold. 
 
 For so is now this matter brought about 
 
 That it to judge neither can you nor I ; 
 
 We both be parties so partial that this doubt 
 
 Must be discus'sed and judged indifferently 
 
 By folk indifferent, which if ye deny 
 
 In such form as I have here erst devised. 
 
 Than by the justice which ye erst promised, 
 
 I claim the common law, where, I am sure 
 To save me safe from harm, that law hath 
 
 ground. 
 For if your evidence be put in ure, 
 That is so slight, I shall be guiltless found. 
 And being silent, if no witness found. 
 Then, this bondage of prison to discharge. 
 Proclamation straight shall set me at large. 
 
 [L.i.v. 
 Nay, sir, ye must pay your fees ere ye go. 
 But goeth my part, fly, in thine opinion 
 No near unto the pith? Forsrooth, sir, no. 
 Your case in law is not worth an inion. 
 Well fly (quoth he) since thou art a minion 
 Of so large learning, I pray thee teach me 
 Some lesson in this tale to believe thee. 
 
 That lesson showeth here not so far behind 
 In lack of learning as of remembrance, 
 For if it like you here to call to mind 
 
104 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 23 
 
 By brief recital the very substance 
 Argued (as yet) between us in this chance, 
 I doubt not in the same yourself to see 
 Cause in my former words to credit me. 
 
 As thus : ye remember our matter past 
 Yourself hath divided into parts three, 
 Burglary, felony, and trespass last. 
 And first for burglary ye saw, and must see, 
 That flies by nature no night thieves can be ; 
 And though we could, yet might yourself in 
 
 sight 
 Witness with me to come now by daylight. 
 
 And unto this, touching the second charge, 
 
 Which chargeth me with single felony, 
 
 I am assured you searching at large, 
 
 Remembering my coming unwillingly. 
 
 Shall well perceive my pure innocency ; 
 
 In talk whereof the truth must make us say. 
 
 That we at length were driven to yea and nay. 
 
 [L.ii.t. 
 Wherein I prove that mine affirmative 
 Your negative so clearly doth confute, 
 That I dare say any jury alive 
 (You letting not the case fall to nonsuit. 
 But stand to trial, in that we dispute) 
 Shall (upon hearing what this month until) 
 Give verdict with coming against my will. 
 
 And thirdly, in trespass you charging me 
 With the hurt of your house, I nothing doubt 
 The cart case shall make jury and judge see 
 This trespass on my side clean scraped out, 
 And this debate at end so brought about 
 That in this lattice law shall well approve 
 The holes all mine, and you to build above. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 23 
 
 105 
 
 Now since of us twain no one can be judge, 
 Because we be both extreme partial parties, 
 I wonder what cause doth cause you to grudge 
 At the arbitrament that I devise. 
 In these three said cases there can arise, 
 In your recovery by the common law, 
 None advantage to the value of a straw. 
 
io6 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 24 
 
 [L.ii.v. 
 ^The spider putteth a case in appeal, ill (in 
 appearance) for the fly, as the spider draweth 
 it. And anon he by example of the lord's will 
 had in courts of copyhold, seeming to lean to- 
 ward will, the fly laboureth to qualify that will. 
 
 Cap. 24. 
 
 [L.iii.r. 
 
 THOU shalt (quoth the spider) in this 
 strife all 
 Answer thyself by thy answering me 
 To one question which now demand I shall. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 24 107 
 
 My fellow fly, I put this case to thee, 
 That this same day at London chanced to be 
 Some man committing- such a heinous deed 
 That death (by law in London) should proceed. 
 
 The which deed, being at Louvain committed, 
 Law (there) for that deed no death doth provide. 
 The faulter herein, so wilely witted. 
 To save his life appealeth to be repride 
 From London to Louvain, there to be tried. 
 Were it, fly (quoth he) reason in this case 
 That this rnan's appeal should take any place? 
 
 I think, sir (quoth the fly) it were no reason 
 To grant request of such appeal in case 
 Of crimes deserving death at any season. 
 But th 'offender, being taken in place 
 Where he did the deed, to stand to the grace 
 Of lawful law in that precinct present. 
 Which, so judging him, I take just judgment. 
 
 Quoth the spider, God have mercie on thee ! 
 
 Amen (quoth the fly) but why speak you that? 
 
 I speak (and pray) it even of charity. 
 
 Never was there yet any lark or wat, 
 
 Before hawk or dog, flatter dared or squat 
 
 Than by this answer all thy matter is. 
 
 Thou hast condemned thyself, now, in all this. 
 
 [L.iii.v. 
 
 How so? (quoth the fly). Thus (quoth the 
 spider) 
 
 Thou grantest, where faulters do an enter- 
 prise. 
 
 Which worthy death the law doth consider, 
 
 Th 'enterpriser shall appeal in no wise. 
 
 But take such chance as by law there doth rise. 
 
 Adieu arbitrament and nisi prius ! 
 
 Instead of twelve or twain one shall now try us. 
 
io8 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 24 
 
 What one shall that be? Myself, quoth he. 
 Thy deed done here, hath, by law here, death 
 
 sure, 
 Alonely to be tried at will of me. 
 At mine erst suit, (said the fly) here in ure, 
 Ye promised justice to be so pure 
 That, with or against me, ye would nought do, 
 But as myself in reason must 'gree to. 
 
 Wherein we being coming toward the point, 
 
 Ih performance of promise, to see trial, 
 
 Now is just justice so jotted out of joint, 
 
 That ye here unjustly stand at denial 
 
 To do me justice, and would by power royal 
 
 Direct mine acquital or condemnation, 
 
 Even as will in both weigheth your acceptation. 
 
 Fly, dost thou weigh my will herein thus light? 
 
 In every petty court of copyhold. 
 
 All grants that pass, passing in their most 
 
 might, 
 Pass to hold at lord's will, and so enrolled. 
 Sir (quoth the fly) copyholders of old 
 Hold to them and theirs at will of the lord, 
 As with custom of the manor doth accord. 
 
 [L.iv.r. 
 But this term cus'tom standeth not here idle ; 
 Custom (in many cases) seemeth to me 
 To tenants a buckler, to lords a bridle. 
 From trespassing wherein if tenants see 
 (On their parts) customs kept as" they should 
 
 be, 
 The will of the lord most wilfully bent. 
 Win the nought worth a bent, by custom's ex- 
 tent. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 24 
 
 109 
 
 Were this window your manor in freehold, 
 And flies here your copyholders known clear, 
 And that I, being your tenant, ye would 
 Lay in me breach of custom to appear. 
 Yet should not your only will be judge here ; 
 For as th'omag-e (upon their oath) present, 
 So custom bindeth the lord's will in judgment. 
 
 Fly, thinkest thou this case a buckler for thee ? 
 This case to our case (quoth the fly) being 
 
 scanned, 
 Is neither sword to you nor buckler to me. 
 With sword and buckler we may go or stand 
 Between both cases and touch neither hand. 
 This case to lords' and tenants is concurrent ; 
 But you are not my lord, nor I your tenant. 
 
no 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 25 
 
 [L.iv.v. 
 ^The fly claimeth all holes in all '•Jinndows to 
 he flies' in freehold, and that spiders should 
 build hv the sides or in the tops. Which case 
 to be tried by law or custom, they in manner 
 agree. But the fly moving it to be tried at the 
 common law, the spider refuseth it. Where- 
 upon ariseth matter of digression, in which 
 the fly commendeth the spider for expedite hear- 
 ing hereof, briefl.y deflning the property of 
 
 justice, mercy, and tyranny. 
 
 Cap. 25. 
 
 [M.i.r. 
 
 I TAKE not myself appointed to patise, 
 As' you will set limits and bounds far or near, 
 But clearly I claim all holes in all lattices 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 25 in 
 
 To be flies' freehold, as may right well appear 
 Where I described when I prescribed here 
 Your ancestors building- the sides and the top, 
 As flies at liberty in and out might chop. 
 
 And as' law and custom, or the t'one of them, 
 Shall judge this point wherein standeth much 
 
 part of all, 
 To that will I stand, refusing none of them, 
 Standing with your pleasure this case so stand 
 
 shall. 
 Then quoth the spider, Take cus'tom, let law 
 
 fall ; 
 Law can little say herein ; law must refar 
 The judgment to custom, to make or mar. 
 
 For true trying of custom, Sir (quoth the fly) 
 The law (please it you) may try how custom 
 
 weigheth. 
 What law, fly? The common law, sir, think I. 
 Where shall we try, fly, what that law herein 
 
 saith? 
 In Westminster Hall, sir. Why, fly, by thy 
 
 faith, 
 Wouldst thou place this case whereon hangeth 
 
 the sum 
 Where (thou sayest) I nor no spider may come ? 
 
 How far art thou from th 'equity toward me. 
 That thou desirest in me toward thee to grow ? 
 Thou wouldst bring forth a thousand flies for 
 
 thee. 
 Where no one spider for me may make show, 
 And so by stealth wouldst win mine overthrow. 
 The law is one ground of four (quoth the fly). 
 Which vour former grant granteth to try all 
 
 by.' 
 
112 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 25 
 
 [M.i.v. 
 
 And though custom (as who say) in respect 
 Of trial in this case is itself law, 
 Yet (I say) law, for form in pleading- direct, 
 Appearance of that trial for thee to draw 
 Is meet to be had I grant thee that, daw ; 
 But not without this, that we both do agree 
 The pleading to be where both present may be. 
 
 It is meet (quoth the fly) and by you well 
 weighed, 
 
 (Urgent cause except) where matter shall pro- 
 ceed 
 
 Against any person or persons laid, 
 
 That he or they answer presently in deed. 
 
 And in greatest crimes, this hath greatest need ; 
 
 For in crimes most criminal that law is pain 
 
 The charged party shall no counsel obtain. 
 
 Which showeth that law in most need, least 
 
 help t 'allow. 
 Whereto if the party be kept in absence. 
 So that he nor no man for him may avow 
 Any word in plea pleaded for his defence. 
 This law is somewhat sore, in my conscience. 
 Though fair tales in mine ear paint this a fair 
 
 case. 
 Yet in mine eye this case hath a crabbed face. 
 
 Since ye deny me not law, but ye deny 
 
 To plead this plea where ye present may not be, 
 
 Of that denial appeareth so good cause why, 
 
 That I shall not only most gladly agree 
 
 To have it pleaded where we both shall decree, 
 
 But also I rejoice that yourself espieth 
 
 This gall in this case, and what ill therein lieth. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 25 113 
 
 [M.ii.r. 
 One other joy (with many sorrows) I have. 
 The cause whereof, commendeth you unspeak- 
 ably. 
 In less time (in manner) than myself could 
 
 crave, 
 After I am brought here in prison to lie, 
 It standeth with your pleasure most charitably 
 To hear, yea, and determine out of hand 
 How my case s'tandeth, and whereto myself 
 shall stand. 
 
 Oh (master spider) the self deeds done in this 
 Commend you more than may pen or tongue of 
 
 man, 
 Th'attached of s'uspicion or fact amiss, 
 Inquiry at full had, quickly as ye can, 
 As justice judgeth, straight to dispatch him 
 
 than. 
 Not letting him lie till his limbs rot or lame ; 
 Justice and mercy both concur in the same. 
 
 Fly (quoth the spider) favour Is not all lost 
 Showed unto thee, for thou canst consider it. 
 But many other flies there be in the coast, 
 In having like favour, the Devil speed the whit, 
 They do ponder it ; wherefore it is not fit, 
 When chance or desert flies into prison strike 
 To use froward and flexible flies alike. 
 
 Justice (quoth the fly) weigheth what, and why 
 
 to do. 
 Not to whom to do, by favour, meed, or frey; 
 The man is not the mark that justice shooteth 
 
 to, 
 
 HEY. III. I 
 
114 I'he Spider and the Fly, Cap. 25 
 
 The man's matter justice shooteth at ahvay. 
 Between God and the devil justice doth display 
 His banner indifferently, yielding- each part, 
 In all due duties, the very due desert. 
 
 [M.ii.v. 
 Mercy, joined with justice, doth either remit 
 Or qualify pains that due by justice seem, 
 Tyranny not with justice, but against it. 
 Not weighing desert, awardeth pains most ex- 
 treme. 
 Tyranny and mercy thus may we here deem, — 
 Tyranny, not with but against justice showeth ; 
 Mercy, with and not against justice groweth. 
 
 Justice place I here in the midst, as who say 
 Mercy on the right hand of justice to stand, 
 Tyranny on the left hand ; now if we sway 
 From the straight line of justice to either hand, 
 That sway must needs bring our swaying to be 
 
 scanned. 
 As we may appear to sway apparently 
 Either toward mercy or tow^ard tyranny. 
 
 But in leaning to any hand of these twain 
 From sole justice when we incline to decline, 
 As commonwealth in this case may us main- 
 tain. 
 From corrupt construction this case to define, 
 I wish that we, each as our callings assign. 
 May lean to that hand with meet strength or 
 
 vigour 
 That mercy leaneth unto rather than rigour. 
 
 [The tailpiece as on page 38 is here given in 
 the original.] 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 26 iiS 
 
 [M.iii.r. 
 ^The fly {for cause here appearing) desireth to 
 repeat his distinction of justice, mercy, and 
 tyranny, which the spider denieth. Wherewith 
 the fly layeth to the spider breach of a promise 
 made to him before in discharge, whereof the 
 spider answereth. Cap. 26. 
 
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 N 
 
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 m/?/ff!'y>^^^?'^-wi 
 
 m^ 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 «tN 
 
 ^ 
 
 'a^^^ 
 
 
 ^amm 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 rnmmM^'-^] 
 
 ^=^^=M-Llj-J — '--^^^^f 
 
 ^^Sk^i^^Q^ 
 
 m 
 
 ^3fev^!s^c^v^S?^;?(^ 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
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 [Af.it/.'y. 
 
 THE spider hung down both his head and 
 his Up, 
 Like one that had nought, or wist nought, what 
 
 to speak. 
 Wherewith thought the fly, — I have given him 
 a nip; 
 
 I 2 
 
ii6 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 26 
 
 Thes"e distinctions have showed his part so 
 
 weak, 
 That studying for matter he findeth none to 
 
 break. 
 But where he thought the spider in study deep, 
 He was deceived : the spider was asleep. 
 
 And herewith starting awake, Fy, sloth, quoth 
 
 he, 
 I had forgot myself ; I heard myself rout. 
 Nay, sir (quoth the fly) ye had forgotten me ; 
 The best part (for my part) ye have slept quite 
 
 out. 
 Nay, not all, fly ; for I put thee out of doubt 
 Of all thy words had in my commendation, 
 I heard every word and can make relation. 
 
 But thine entry : to matter more serious 
 Brought me asleep ; but I pray thee heartily, 
 What's the point of that case so imperious? 
 The pith is the distinction, quoth the fly. 
 Between justice, mercy, and tyranny. 
 Which since you heard not, and it much meet 
 
 to hear, 
 I shall repeat to you in form brief and clear. 
 
 That would (quoth the spider) make me sleep 
 again. 
 
 And physic forbideth me to sleep twice a day ; 
 
 Repetition hereof I deny thee plain. 
 
 Reason, law, custom, and conscience, ye say. 
 
 Shall (quoth the fly) all our present matter 
 weigh. 
 
 But touching reason, law, custom, and con- 
 science, [since. 
 
 Two of those four principles are gone even 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 26 117 
 
 [M.iv.r. 
 Which two (quoth the spider?) These two 
 
 (quoth the fly) 
 Reason and conscience. As how, fly (quoth 
 
 he?) 
 As thus, quoth the fly. Ye retreated lately 
 And revoked a case which ye had grranted me, 
 Touching coming here against my will to be. 
 At which when 1 grudged ye made me promise 
 To have in the like case liberty likewise. 
 
 And now when I would (not revoke) but repeat 
 This piece for my part, ye plainly that deny. 
 What reason or conscience is here to get? 
 Good reason and good conscience, fellow fly. 
 But since reason is sufficient this to try. 
 Let conscience (I say) stay till the last instant, 
 Lest narrow conscience reason's wide scope 
 might scant. 
 
 And upon perusing, let reason straight judge 
 How far fled from reason thyself herein art. 
 My retreated case (whereat thou didst erst 
 
 grudge) 
 Is of matter present a principal part, 
 Between which and thy case thou mayst drive 
 
 a cart. 
 Distinction of terms in our main matter meant, 
 Is (at ne?:t) a very far set incident. 
 
 But though thou wilt say thou canst draw this 
 
 thy case 
 To stand with (or within) our ground principal, 
 Yet is it needless to be brought here in place. 
 Distinction of these terms and other all. 
 I know and can weigh as well as a fly shall. 
 This digression, in telling, lost time before, 
 And, now in repeating it, would lose time more. 
 
ii8 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 26 
 
 [M.iv.v. 
 Sir, it may length time, but not lose time ; 
 
 friend fly. 
 Length of time is no loss of time to thee indeed ; 
 Length of time is thy gain, but I lose thereby ; 
 Long time winneth the long life and loseth my 
 
 quick speed, 
 Which I should quickly have were this quickly 
 
 decreed ; 
 Of this' my fruitless walk avoiding the way 
 To win way more fruitful this way let's assay. 
 
 From pith of this process (fly) where we fled 
 
 out, 
 Thither retreat we, more loss of time to flee. 
 This repetition which thou wouldst bring about. 
 As winning thereof winneth nought at length 
 
 to thee, 
 So los'ing thereof loseth nought at length by me. 
 Since repetition the fly could not recover, 
 He shook his head, and so let it pass over. 
 
The Spider and the Fly. Cap. 27 i rg 
 
 [N.i.r. 
 ^The spider {reducing the fiy to the principal 
 matter) moveth the trial to he had in his own 
 lordship, which the fiy misliketh. Whereon en- 
 sueth a glance at the diversity of government, 
 between one spider and twelve flies. Cap. 27. 
 
 [N.i.v. 
 
 ERE while (by prescription of old flies) thou 
 leddest 
 All holes in lattices to be other flies' and thine, 
 In which prescription against us, as thou 
 saidst, 
 
120 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 27 
 
 Accustomed right in windows doth define 
 In the top and sides, our building to assign, 
 Which I denied, saying our forefathers old 
 Prescribed for us to build here where we would. 
 
 Upon this issue thou shewedst thyself content 
 That custom should (being pleaded in law) 
 Judge how the case standeth by customs ex- 
 tant, 
 Pleading whereof to common law thou didst 
 
 draw; 
 Pleading wherein, as thou saidst and I saw, 
 Should be in s'uch place as I could not come to ; 
 I denied trial there, and deny it I do. 
 
 Which denial to be reason, thyself told, 
 And here from purpose principal outfied we 
 By the digressing. But again to take hold, 
 And go forth therein, now let us further see. 
 Since the common law is as unmeet for me 
 As meet for thee, to plead custom herein 
 What other meet means ? for us both we may 
 win. 
 
 What think you? (quoth the fly). Friend fly, 
 
 this think I, 
 Since I will not, and thou canst not, go hence, 
 So that we both shall remain here presently. 
 To hear and answer in personal presence. 
 Law, in my lordship, must try custom's de- 
 fence. 
 Be ye there again? (quoth the fly). By my fay, 
 We shall catch birds to-morrow and flies to- 
 day. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 27 121 
 
 [N.ii.r. 
 Will is now come in again, and must be called 
 
 law, 
 By thy ground laid for copyhold at will ; 
 It seemeth thou needst not care for my will a 
 
 straw, 
 As the homage presenteth (saidst thou) good or 
 
 ill; ^ ^ [spill. 
 
 So doth the lord's will in judgment save or 
 So should the lord's will do, sir, I therein 
 
 meant ; 
 But here goeth the hare away, right to prevent. 
 
 I, being neither spider nor spider's peer, 
 
 Nor spider's tenant, nor spider's friend (ye say) 
 
 I may have quick speed and fail of good speed 
 
 here. 
 Though the homage should uprightly the ver- 
 dict lay, [likewise weigh. 
 And the lord (in judgment) with the right 
 Yet some say, sometime, that the law is ended 
 In some case, in some place, as folk are 
 friended. 
 
 And I (quoth the s'pider) being neither fly, 
 Nor to any fly of alliance or kin. 
 Nor taken any fly's friend, why may not I 
 In any pleading place, save that we be in. 
 Doubt there (as thou dreadest here) good speed 
 
 to win? 
 This case shall keep our case as the case now 
 
 falls 
 Both from Westminster Hall and all such law 
 
 halls. 
 
122 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 27 
 
 Thou being abroad, buzzing- in every place 
 
 Where thou hast more friendship, or less en- 
 mity 
 
 Than I have, thou may'st in every place pur- 
 chase 
 
 Friends against me more than I against thee ; 
 
 And when we in pleading joined in issue be, 
 
 Thou may'st find friendship, to impanel the 
 quest [best. 
 
 Of twelve such friendly flies as seem for thee 
 
 [N.ii.v. 
 Which kind of trial (for my part) I like not. 
 Wise learned counsel costly fine pleas first de- 
 vise, [that, 
 With cost and pain long followed, and after 
 Twelve unlearned, rude, ignorant, corrupt flies 
 Shall strike the stroke, as blind affection doth 
 
 rise. 
 By excellent wits law is ever begun. 
 And by ignorant wits end of law oft won. 
 
 Which to help, were I one of the procurers, 
 I would think it far better to breed up in brood 
 One wise true judge than twelve foolish false 
 
 jurors. 
 It is (quoth the fly) as old flies understood. 
 Not more hard (for spiders) to spy twelve flies 
 
 good. 
 Than easy (for flies) to find one spider naught ; 
 And now note we here to what end this is 
 
 brought. 
 
 In place of twelve flies were one spider placed, 
 To give verdict and judgment of matters clear, 
 Yet might that change bring small good speed 
 in great haste. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 27 123 
 
 One wily learned spider might hurt as much 
 
 here 
 As twelve unlearned blunt flies, by ought doth 
 
 appear; [ill), 
 
 And twelve good flies should (for all flies are not 
 Do more good than one ill spider, weigh who 
 
 will. 
 
 Between one good spider and twelve ill flies. 
 Or those twelve flies good and that one spider 
 
 ill, [rise. 
 
 Apt comparison (quoth the spider) doth not here 
 But that one and those twelve draw we here 
 
 until, 
 (To work good or ill) of one good or ill will. 
 And so then best or worst, twelve or one, let 
 
 us try 
 Th'one best sort of two to govern windows by. 
 
 [N.iii.r. 
 And the one spider^s part (in this part) I'll 
 
 take, [the fly). 
 
 And I'll take part with the twelve flies (quoth 
 I'll lay first (quoth the spider) your part to 
 
 shake, 
 Reasons laid by a learned clerk formerly 
 For the rule of one ruler capitally ; 
 Whose arch articles here together to weigh, 
 In these next words here together I will lay. 
 
 Exampling the government of One Most High, 
 He putteth the three persons, which three are 
 
 God one. 
 And further he bringeth in (this t 'exemplify) 
 
124 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 27 
 
 The ship, on one keel all parts stand everyone ; 
 The house standeth under one top rafter alone ; 
 T'host, under one captain ; bees under one bee ; 
 The cranes one crane ; the herd one shepherd, 
 saith he. 
 
 To this (quoth the fly) another clerk answereth. 
 Similitude of God and man to man and man, 
 As far wide, as far set, the matter varieth. 
 And liberty (being God's great gift to scan) 
 To take from all no one by authority can ; 
 As who say any one man's authority, 
 Shall not, or should not, lose all men's liberty. 
 
 Further (he saith) one man's judgment is sub- 
 dued, 
 To ill effects sooner than many can be, 
 As one bucket of water (in reason viewed) 
 May sooner be poisoned, we in reason see, 
 Than may a pool or a pond, and more, saith 
 he, [range, 
 
 Though one crane guide all, wherever cranes 
 Yet now this one, then that one, they ofttimes 
 change, 
 
 [N.iii.v. 
 Which example partly doth your part appal. 
 For it as much may a senate signify 
 As one, one time chosen, all times to rule all ; 
 And where all bees follow one bee unchange- 
 ably. 
 Yet is that bee of a more excellency. 
 And of another kind than th 'other bees are. 
 As the shepherd above the herd he did declare. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 27 125 
 
 This last sample moveth choice of one ruler in 
 place, 
 
 Of a more excellent kind than the rest be. 
 
 The said learned man (quoth the spider) in this 
 case, 
 
 Replying^ to your clerk's reasons, this saith he : 
 
 First, where your clerk saith one wight's au- 
 thority 
 
 Cannot take all from liberty, this man sayeth 
 
 'Tis not liberty, to live as man's will weigheth. 
 
 But to live in th 'ordinance of good laws; 
 And the order of nature (saith he) assigneth 
 Some to serve, some to rule, as aptness draws. 
 The weak wit, strong of body, to service in- 
 
 clineth ; 
 The witty learned head, reason toward rule 
 
 combineth ; 
 And a king, called in scripture God's anointed. 
 Hath (of God) gifts above the rest appointed. 
 
 God promiseth to rule the hearts of kings, 
 Which gift showeth a king above the rest. 
 And where it is more hard (by your clerk's 
 
 sayings) 
 To corrupt many than one, so our clerk wit- 
 nessed 
 More easy to find one good than many thus 
 
 'sessed, 
 Th 'argument of these two, and our clerk anon 
 Choked your clerk with one reason joined here 
 upon. 
 
 [N.iv.r. 
 These three kinds of commonwealth he tried : 
 Of a king, of the peers, and of commons last. 
 In which as there may be three good rulings 
 weighed. 
 
126 The Spider and the Fly. Cap. 27 
 
 Sii ni.n- br In llirsi^ thrco. thtoo ill Tulini^j? cast. 
 
 In rulo ot a kiui^. tvr.innv ni.n Mow blast ; 
 
 In poors, usurpiiii^ ; In tow ov^niinons i^ovotn- 
 
 anoo. 
 All to bo ^cntMtuMs may ihemselvos advance. 
 
 Now w lu>so contrary is wi^ist (saitb bo) that's 
 
 b(\<t. 
 Init tyranny is wo>rsl ot those ihroo, orgo, 
 Rulo or reigri of a kintj is best, manifest. 
 This is the coiiclusioii of our clot k. and so 
 Th'ari^unient (in otTect) endoth without word 
 
 mo. 
 \\'l\ich for rulo preferred in a senate or 
 prince. [vince, 
 
 l'\">r i>no 01 many rulers, doth th) part con- 
 Sir (i]uotli tlio tly) those old clerk's clerklv say- 
 
 iui^. 
 The repeating ttiereof let us leave off quite. 
 And fall we to reason of vveis^hty woii^hini:, 
 I'xpot ionco. heroin seen in our own sight, 
 C'^n whoso side those ov tliese like cases run 
 
 tigl^t. 
 In^ it (quv>tb the srjtidor) but, ere we enter that, 
 Hear me clear a case that might displease some- 
 what. 
 
 Tn th.u wo (in this ease) draw near to compare 
 A spidoi to a king and Hies to a senate. 
 Conjectures that captious or curious are 
 (If cause shall to them our talk communicate) 
 Ntay chance to conject that we two derogate 
 Those two estates, m that we two do devise 
 To Ci^uple kings and peers with spiders and 
 flies. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 27 127 
 
 [N.iv.v. 
 But witness thou with me as I will with thee, 
 That for my part I know, and for thine I trow, 
 We no whit mean those states embased to be 
 By our talk, as a king- in property to show 
 Like a spider, or comparison to grow 
 In flies and a senate for property of flies. 
 Most rude of us ; not so rude that enterprise. 
 
 Sir (quoth the fly) as you here for yourself say, 
 So may you here assuredly for me swear, 
 This example mean I to respect no way, 
 But only th 'order of rule that those states bear. 
 And so resembling them and us, I whilere, 
 Intended, by way of example, to treat. 
 And do so (quoth the spider) an end to beat. 
 
 Then (with your favour) have at it (quoth the 
 
 fly) 
 Passing from all former clerkly argument, 
 To our own experience familiarly. 
 For flies government, I'll show good reason 
 
 bent 
 By sample of a senate standing in extent 
 At this present day from hundreds of years 
 
 past. 
 To this day prospering, and so like to last. 
 
 Itself being but a city, doth yet possess 
 Kingdoms far from it, in civil order such 
 As no king hath one realm in more quietness. 
 Just justice goeth forth there, whoever gruch, 
 Their people obedient, few other so much. 
 This sample of senate for flies' rule I say. 
 Against one spider, or one king, here I lay. 
 
128 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 27 
 
 [O.i.r. 
 
 The most (quoth the spider) that this maketh 
 for thee, 
 
 Is that that senate ruleth as well as a king ; 
 
 To which one senate (for more there none be) 
 
 Many kings, in many realms, have sole govern- 
 ing, [proving, 
 
 Each one of whose governance, all (or most), 
 
 In both kinds of commonwealth, since they 
 began, 
 
 As good as that one senate, scan who can scan. 
 
 One kiag's rule as good as one senate's rule is, 
 Compareth herein (for rule) both our parts 
 
 even, 
 And many kings ruling so, the number in this 
 Showeth thy side to the worst shore to be 
 
 driven ; 
 And by one reason more, more weakness is 
 
 given 
 Unto thy part, which plainly shall appear 
 In these my next words, now following here. 
 
 Although those senators in sundry respects, 
 Seem equal for governance in open show, 
 Yet in other sundry respects proof directs. 
 Show of one among all above all to grow. 
 One hath of all chief place and reverence, we 
 
 know, [stand, 
 
 In whose estate stay of the rest doth most 
 Having voice as much as twain in his own 
 
 hand. 
 
 In many and most things preeminence he hath. 
 
 Most like to kingly superiority ; 
 
 Two parts of three, in senate's guiding path, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 27 129 
 
 Are drawn out of kingly rule, in property, 
 Without which to govern well it will not be. 
 Thus a senate's rule, wherein ye your brag" 
 
 brought, 
 Lacking aid of a king's rule (ye see) doth 
 
 nought. 
 
 [O.i.v. 
 I could (quoth the fly) say more, but I will not. 
 This cas^e standeth not in our case principally, 
 This law, or that law, what law stand, it skill 
 
 not, 
 So the law and ministers give justice justly. 
 My caus'e is so just, that no just law fear I, 
 Nor for every fault in laws or lawyers guessed ; 
 To remove laws and lawyers, I think not best. 
 
 Corruption in laws, or ministers of laws, 
 I wish us to redress rather than remove 
 Either laws or lawyers without weighty cause, 
 The case upon light cause if we should oft 
 
 preve, 
 Where it should ease one it might twenty ag- 
 grieve ; 
 Devisers in such things may sooner devise 
 To show ten mischiefs than shape two reme- 
 dies. 
 
 Thou sayest well (said the spider) but to re- 
 volve, 
 Th'impediment in law of fond fly jurors, 
 I can no way other way resolve 
 But with them, and all pelting procurers. 
 To be quite cut off. As lawless enurers 
 Of verdicts false or foolish in this or that. 
 Sometimes they care not, most times they know 
 not what. 
 HEY. III. K 
 
130 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 27 
 
 And sure (I think) this sore might be salved 
 
 soon, 
 Or the smart much eased, did discretion devise, 
 And diligence put in ure things meet to be done. 
 But to lords', laws, lawyers, homage and juries, 
 Corrupt friendship, thou laidest erst here in 
 
 such wise 
 As it generally appeareth to repine 
 Against all courts, as much as against mine. 
 
 [O.ii.r. 
 As much? yea, and so much more, sir, that, 
 
 except, 
 Your own self, no wight in your court I there 
 
 touched ; 
 Your court of all officers is so clean swept 
 That none officer in that court can be couched. 
 But yourself, for yourself hath yourself 
 
 avouched, 
 Plaintiff, pleader, juror. Judge, and jailor. 
 Stop, fly ! (what) from a reasoner to a railer? 
 
 I cry you mercy. Sir, if this do displease ; 
 I reverse and revoke it straight, for I have 
 As small appetite as I shall have small ease 
 To move you. Well, since thou forgiveness 
 
 dost crave. 
 Stand up, fly, I forgive even as God forgave. 
 And how our said case (by custom) shall be 
 
 tried. 
 Let us yet once again search how to provide. 
 
 Concerning that provision, sir (quoth the fly) 
 If we here (in this your present court) did make 
 Agreement to try this determinately, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 27 
 
 131 
 
 Though I hope (as I hope) I should no wrong 
 
 take, 
 Yet humbly I beseech you, for my mind's sake, 
 Since my heartless heart against this trial 
 
 swells. 
 To grant to try this case some way, somewhere 
 
 else. 
 
 K 2 
 
n2 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 28 
 
 [O.ii.v. 
 *,.They agree to he tried hy arhitrament, 
 ivhether all or how tnany holes in all 'windows 
 belong to spiders, and how many to flies, the 
 spider choosing for his part the ant or pismire, 
 the fly choosing for his side the butterfly. 
 Whereupon they, th'one couple in one part, 
 and th' other couple in another part, talk to- 
 gether forthwith. Cap. 28. 
 
 \0.iii.r. 
 
 NOW (quoth the spider) by this cross of 
 ten bones, 
 There liveth not thy Hke (for a fly) I trow ; 
 For tongue wit thou art the fly for the nonce. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 28 133 
 
 But go to : let us toward end some way grow. 
 I showed my mind last, wherefore thy mind 
 
 now s'how, 
 What way (as thou thinkest) we may yet best 
 
 purvey 
 To knit up this knot, without further delay. 
 
 The best way in my mind, when all ways are 
 cast. 
 
 Is that one (quoth the fly) that I touched twice, 
 
 To have been our trial in all cases past, 
 
 Which was', to put the whole in compromise. 
 
 Fly ! this last one case to be tried in that wise? 
 
 I grant thee. I thank you (quoth the fly) pray- 
 ing. 
 
 That we may name our daysmen in this daying. 
 
 I name (quoth the spider) a cousin of mine, 
 Pierce pismire called Antony, ant otherwise, 
 Of person small, of wit great upright and fine. 
 And I (quoth the fly) whatever hap shall rise. 
 My grandsire Bartilmew butterfly devise ; 
 Of body big, of wit and speech blunt and plain. 
 Well (quoth the spider) agree we on these 
 twain. 
 
 They did so, and forthwith there lighted by 
 chance. 
 
 Hard by the cobweb's side, the butterfly; 
 
 Wherewith one of the young spiders did ad- 
 vance, 
 
 At th'old spider's commandment, in haste to 
 hie, 
 
 For the ant to repair to him by and by. 
 
 Speed came so to pass, that at th'old spider's 
 hand, [to stand. 
 
 The young spider, out of hand, brought th'ant 
 
134 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 29 
 
 [O.iii.v, 
 UT/ie spider to the ant, and fly to butterfly 
 (after words of greeting) declare, that they are 
 chosen their arbiters herein, wherein the ant 
 and butterfly promise to do their best, and they 
 then anon draw all jour together in [or at) the 
 cobweb. Cap. 29. 
 
 [O.iv.r. 
 
 THE ant to the spider made curtsey low, 
 Wherewithal the spider to the ant did 
 draw, 
 Smiling- and becking on him, in most loving 
 show. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 29 135 
 
 They shook hands mannerly as ever I saw. 
 But for flies, as Starts puer ad men^am. showeth 
 
 law 
 For making of curtsy or shaking of hands. 
 Butterflies pardon flies, bound hand and foot in 
 
 bands. 
 
 The spider, as of use in talk new entered, 
 (Friends ask of friends the state of their 
 
 friends friendly). 
 Asked how his cousins (th 'ant's father and 
 
 mother) did, 
 His brothers, sisters, with all kin and ally. 
 Th'ant said they did well, and, in like words 
 
 hearty, 
 Asked him how his aunt spider and all theirs 
 
 fared ; [declared. 
 
 The spider, with thanks to th'ant, their healths 
 
 The fly of the butterfly, with tears tender, 
 Asked to know his grandam butterfly's estate, 
 With all uncles and aunts, of their engender. 
 The butterfly said well, and bid him animate 
 To be of good cheer false heart to captivate. 
 Reason then ebbing, tears of nature's flowing, 
 To show their griefs as reason might make 
 showing. 
 
 The spider to th'ant, and fly to butterfly, 
 Discoursed their griefs apart, and how they 
 
 therein. 
 Refusing sundry ways of end, finally 
 Chose them twain for arbiters some end to win. 
 And since th'one twain and th 'other twain are 
 
 of kin, 
 Th'one chooseth th'one, th 'other chooseth 
 
 th 'other. [t'other. 
 
 Both promised their best, the t'one and the 
 
136 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 30 
 
 [O.iv.v. 
 HT/ie spider declareth, and the fly granteth the 
 issue to be, that all flies claim [in freehold) all 
 holes in all windows to be theirs by custom, 
 and spiders claim all holes with all parts of 
 all windows to be their freehold by custom. 
 And after talk between them therein had, 
 th'ant requireth full ijistructio?! of the two 
 parties to their two arbiters. Cap. 30. 
 
 [P.i.r. 
 
 THE spider and fly thanking the other 
 both, 
 They four thereupon drawing together all, 
 The spider directly to the matter goeth. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 30 137 
 
 Cousin ant and fellow butterfly, ye shall 
 Understand that we twain do you twain now 
 
 call, 
 Not to weigh all cases in which we contend, 
 But one, on which one all seem to depend. 
 
 The fly claimeth by common custom beyond 
 
 mind, 
 All holes in all lattices flies' freehold to be, 
 And spiders (saith he) by cus'tom are assigned, 
 To build in sides or in top ; whereto, mark ye, 
 I say that custom awardeth all windows free 
 At spiders' wills without that any flies 
 Have any s'uch right, by custom's warrantise. 
 
 That this is our issue, we do both agree. 
 And upon this issue we be both agreed 
 That you two by arbitrament shall decree, 
 What custom hath herein directly decreed. 
 Is it thus, fly? (quoth th'ant). Yea (quoth the 
 
 fly) indeed. 
 As conscience in you twain for us twain shall 
 
 try [I. 
 
 How custom doth stand, so (for my part) stand 
 
 Thou seemest (quoth the spider) a costermon- 
 
 ger. 
 Conscience every handwhile thou dost cry. 
 I must (quoth the fly) see some token stronger 
 Ere I can suppose you of that mystery. 
 I call not for conscience more commonly 
 Than you speak of it sealed, fly, I told thee 
 
 erst. 
 Cause why, that conscience at last end should 
 
 be pursed. 
 
138 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 30 
 
 [P.i.v. 
 That's now (quoth the fly) if these two now take 
 
 end, 
 As I hope they shall, but here me thinketh I 
 
 smell 
 That your cast is conscience thus to suspend. 
 First till th'end, and then at th'end fair and 
 
 well 
 Cut conscience off, conscience so to expel. 
 As when all is done, conscience may safely say 
 And swear that conscience came not here this 
 
 day. 
 
 Then conscience or I the t'one shall be for- 
 sworn ; [four 
 
 Reason, law, custom, and conscience, these 
 
 To be our g^rounds in trial I swear beforn. 
 
 Then (quoth the fly) in last end of this last hour, 
 
 Let conscience come in to save that oath of 
 your. 
 
 What thing can conscience do here, fly, sayest 
 thou? 
 
 Three things, sir (said the fly) which I will 
 tell you. 
 
 First, conscience as even balance may evenly 
 
 weigh [flies ; 
 
 What custom yieldeth to spiders, and what to 
 
 Second, conscience may weigh what reason 
 
 can lay. 
 What good and what ill custom doth exercise 
 In either part. Thirdly, conscience may devise 
 To allow the good and disallow the ill. 
 Whereon these two may award as conscience 
 will. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 30 139 
 
 These two, fly (as my meaning- was to take 
 
 them), 
 We choose daysmen to try this by reason clear, 
 But (not arbiters), chancellors thou dost make 
 
 them, 
 By conscience to judge how much custom doth 
 
 here, 
 And what good or ill, In custom doth appear. 
 Last case of which twain (by thee craftily 
 
 couched). 
 In th 'issue that we join on is no whit touched. 
 
 [P.ii.r. 
 The point that we pitch on to try out the sooth, 
 By reason (not scrupulous conscience), is 
 
 this, — 
 Nor what custom is, but what custom doth; 
 How g-ood or how ill custom itself is, 
 Is another farther case. Which, fly, I wis, 
 When we shall try, by conscience with reason, 
 It will bring small brag for thy side to season. 
 
 For fine cousin ant, and goodman butterfly, 
 What interest custom doth give to him and me, 
 How much or how little in windows low or 
 
 high. 
 As you by reason agree, so I agree. 
 To this asked the butterfly. Fly, what say ye? 
 Since who may not as he will, must as he may. 
 I say (said the fly) as master spider doth say. 
 
 There saidst thou wisely (said the spider) and 
 note. 
 
 Thou shalt by that saying no damage sustain. 
 
 If reason win thee this case every iote, 
 
 Conscience (by reason) must me straight con- 
 strain 
 
140 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 30 
 
 T'obey reason's award at hands of these twain. 
 And pass they with me, I promis"e mine assent 
 To use the gain as conscience yieldeth extent. 
 
 So said and so done (quoth the butterfly), in 
 
 faith, 
 Son fly, this is of master spider well weighed. 
 Yea, sir, (quoth the fly) I here well what he 
 
 s'aith, 
 God reward his mastership ; it is well said. 
 Pleaseth you (quoth th'ant) evidence may be 
 
 laid. 
 By yourselves or other, whereby we twain may 
 Perceive (in reason) whereto custom doth 
 
 weigh. 
 
 [P.ii.v. 
 Yea (quoth the spider) cousin, come we hither. 
 They as far as they list withdrew themselves 
 
 quite. 
 The butterfly and fly, drawing together. 
 As far, not as they list, as far as they might, 
 They two telling their tales, as I shall recite. 
 Which two tales though I, as in one time hid 
 
 here, [appear. 
 
 Yet first th'one and then th 'other, must here 
 
 Though two ears in one instant two tales hear 
 
 may, 
 One tongue in one instant two tales cannot tell ; 
 Since th'one of these two tales must stand here 
 
 in stay. 
 Till th 'other be told, I think it will do well 
 The fly's and the butterfly's talk to expel. 
 Or suspend till the spider's task with the ant, 
 Ye may understand, which is next apparent. 
 
 [The tailpiece as on page 28 occurs here in 
 the original.^ 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 31 
 
 141 
 
 fP.iii.r. 
 'HThey (in couples separate again) declare each 
 how he would have his arhiter handle his part. 
 And first is here told in their persons the tale 
 of the spider to the ant. Cap. 31. 
 
 [P.iii.v. 
 
 COUSIN ant (quoth the spider) that ye be 
 wise 
 It is to me known, whereto all folk do know 
 That unto the wise few words at full suffice ; 
 And to your wisdom I doubt not your show 
 Of friendship naturally to me to grow ; 
 For ye know as we differ far in stature, 
 So we in kindred join nigh by nature. 
 
142 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 31 
 
 Precedent wherein sought, what old records 
 
 carry, 
 Shall show no record of solemn solemnity, 
 That ever spider and ant did yet marry, 
 Which growth (I say) of kindred, not of enmity. 
 Did I (in you), by ingrate indemnity, 
 Doubt here wisdom's judgment or nature's 
 
 kindness, 
 I were a beast of beetle-headed blindness. 
 
 Which two in their workings to give or take 
 right. 
 
 Nature worketh friendly, wisdom worketh 
 surely. 
 
 Though right in each cause seem the post of 
 most might, 
 
 Yet want of wisdom (whose policy purely) 
 
 In sentence or semblance, stern or demurely. 
 
 Should set forth that right, might, in conclu- 
 sion quick, 
 
 Thwight that mill-post of right to a pudding 
 prick. 
 
 As if Crossum caput, like an ass in a case. 
 Setting forth a right homily in rude terms bare 
 A witty learned head, that right in that place 
 Did finely pronounce those two tales should de- 
 clare, 
 Forty pence difference, in right to compare. 
 One tale in two tellers, with one intent told, 
 May differ in show, as doth brass and fine gold. 
 
 [P.iv.r. 
 And wisdom's sure drifts had, if nature's 
 
 friendship lack. 
 To take, hear, and tell that tale in friendly 
 wise, [wrack ; 
 
 That right with that wisdom may yet run to 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 31 143 
 
 Thus wisdom to work surely by policies, 
 And nature to work friendly, both must arise 
 To join in one in friends by friends required. 
 To obtain things at hands of friends desired. 
 
 Which policy and friendship, where they are 
 
 knit 
 Against parties to try things in strife growing, 
 They call craft and corruption every whit ; 
 But policy and friendship with parties showing 
 Those parties praise both with open mouth 
 
 blowing ; [them ; 
 
 Both standing against folks, folks daily accuse 
 Both standing with folks, folks hourly use 
 
 them. 
 
 But to show our case out of accusation, 
 In putting policy and friends^hip in ure, 
 Mark this short circumstance in approbation. 
 Compromise, the end of causes to allure. 
 Two sorts of election in course doth procure 
 In choice of the chosen parties, (here mean I) 
 To arbitrate all debates indifferently. 
 
 One is, that the two parties in strife meved 
 Do choose arbiters, to them both indifferent ; 
 Th 'other is that either party grieved. 
 Doth choose for himself such as he knoweth 
 
 bent. 
 To take end or leave end, as he will assent. 
 The first way of both (though it the best way 
 
 be) 
 It cannot be had between the fly and me, 
 
 [P.iv.v. 
 In this case present, among spiders and flies. 
 We all can no one indifferent provide. 
 Affinity or affection doth so devise 
 
144 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 31 
 
 That all be parties on th'one or th 'other side. 
 But might (and should) this case this first way 
 
 be tried, 
 Then might ye honestly lean partially 
 To neither side, by friendship nor policy. 
 
 Howbeit this other case bringeth this other 
 
 cause. 
 The fly, for himself, and myself, for me. 
 This choice have chosen, so that this thus 
 
 draws 
 Another myself I choose you here to be. 
 Whereby in all friendly policy (ye see), 
 Of honesty to srtick to my side just, 
 Not only ye may, but also ye must. 
 
 And (as I said), I doubt not but ye will, 
 And pray ye do. But promise formerly, 
 Of known reward at end, to flee the ill 
 Of suspect bribery ; though I presently 
 Rate not reward, yet if hereafter I 
 May you requite in pleasure one or other, 
 Then think yourself as nigh it as another. 
 
 Sir, said the ant, your rated ruled reward. 
 Now or at end, if I herein appease you, 
 Is not the thing that I so much regard. 
 But at the end as ye see how I ease you. 
 I say no more, but use me as it please you. 
 Cousin, well said (said then the spider) and sith 
 This point is past, pass we now to the pith. 
 
 [Q.i.r. 
 All holes in all windows (as the fly saith), 
 x^re flies' freehold, and that we spiders hold, 
 Right nought by right, but sides and tops on 
 heith. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 31 14S 
 
 And we (say I) hold all, thus to be told, — 
 Holes, sides, and tops, broad, narrow, deep, 
 
 and sholde. 
 Upon which issue you two must firs't hear. 
 And after judge which side bringeth proof most 
 
 clear. 
 
 Wherein for me, of ancient parentage 
 
 Ye shall hear spiders speak, both sage and 
 
 wise ; 
 And on the fly's behalf, here now in gage. 
 There will come forth a sort of forked-tailed 
 
 flies, 
 That will not stick to tell a hundred thousand 
 
 lies. 
 And say and swear that they say true ; howbeit, 
 Ye will (I doubt not) trust them as is meet. 
 
 And when ye herein have done what ye may 
 To make our evidence s'hine clear in show. 
 And darkened theirs, your wisdom shall sure 
 
 weigh. 
 The gross rude butterfly to end to grow 
 What way ye will. And thus, for high and 
 
 low, 
 After words great and many, where few might 
 
 seem fit, 
 Into your hands the matter I commit. 
 
 Uncle (quoth the ant) I perceive your mind 
 At full, and shall at full do all my best 
 Wherein to do you good : if I can nought find, 
 Yet shall ye (for me) stand harmless at least. 
 Upon this conclusion these twain did rest. 
 And now between the fly and the butterfly 
 What way was had ensueth ensuingly. 
 HEY. III. L 
 
146 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 32 
 
 [Q.i.v. 
 ^The tale of the fly to the butterfly how he 
 shall use the fly's part. Which done, the ar- 
 biters withdraw themselves toward the top of 
 the window. Cap. 32. 
 
 [Q.ii.r. 
 
 GOOD grandfather, since we two (said the 
 fly) 
 One flesh and blood by nature's working are, 
 In that I from you des'cend lineally, 
 As in degrees our pedigrees declare, 
 And that nature naturally taketh care 
 To see success of her succeeded birds, 
 I will not length this piece with painted words. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 32 147 
 
 But nature's zeal I set to intercess 
 To you, for me, without more words of me, 
 To do your best in this my deep distress, 
 Wherein what way to work as I best see, 
 That shall I show. But ere we so far be. 
 Hear me disclose (for our purposed cause), 
 A necessary brief conceived clause. 
 
 We hear and see gifts of nature are divers ; 
 Some be fair, some tall, some have strength, 
 
 some wit, 
 Some in science excellent contrivers. 
 Some have s'mall wit, and have much truth 
 
 with it. 
 With many more than now to move were fit. 
 And this move I to move here only now, 
 Difference in gifts between the ant and you. 
 
 iThe ant hath gift of right good wit (no doubt) 
 {And thereto (for an ant) learned excellently ; 
 And you have gift of plain[t]s stern and stout. 
 Not being given so much ingeniously 
 To learned judgment ; and yet this know I 
 No wight can prove from hence to England's 
 
 end 
 That ever ye brake promise with your friend. 
 
 [O.ii.v. 
 But that ye would and durst perform the same ; 
 And this to this in you right well is known, — 
 A ground once in your head, fastened in frame, 
 Let learned lawyers pipe up trumpets blown 
 Of rules in law to rule you as their own. 
 Yet shall their reasons no whit make ye start 
 From that ground on your or on your friend's 
 part. 
 
 L 2 
 
148 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 32 
 
 Which property is worth ten thousand mark 
 
 In you to me, in case of compromise, 
 
 For which against the ant, that cunning clerk, 
 
 Mine arbiter I did you here devise 
 
 To hold your hold in blunt assured wise ; 
 
 Either this matter wholly to recover, 
 
 Or save (at least) my side from giving over. 
 
 The ant Is sharp and fine, as ye are blunt and 
 
 gross ; 
 The ant hath circumspection, ye have none; 
 You packstaff plain, the ant crafty and close; 
 The ant civil, you sturdy as the stone. 
 This said brief blunt and sharp comparison 
 Shall show who showeth most brag to stint this 
 
 strife. 
 The blunt whetting whetstone, or sharp 
 
 whetted knife. 
 
 To this the butterfly said : Fly, son mine, 
 The gross blunt whetting whetstone fear thou 
 
 not 
 To match this whetted penknife, sharp and fine. 
 Tell thou to me plainly what Is the knot 
 That I shall knit or unknit In this plot ; 
 And th'ant shall with a tabor take a wat 
 As soon as make me shrink from thee in that. 
 
 [O.iii.r. 
 Sir (said the fly) our issue which ye heard 
 To ripe remembrance, hear yet once again. 
 I say all holes In windows are referred. 
 In tenure of freehold, to us t'appertain, 
 All spiders in sides and in tops to remain. 
 Which he denieth, affirming they and he 
 Hold all parts In all windows in tenure free. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 32 149 
 
 In which two sides you two the truth must try, 
 And then determine, as reason can decree, 
 Upon which side this shall by custom lie, 
 Wherein ye shall have flies to speak for me, 
 Sage, wise, learned, and well spoken as can be ; 
 And for the spider's part, it is no doubt 
 Of spiders there will be a spiteful rout. 
 
 The knot herein which I would have you knit, 
 Is this, — either do me good, or do none ill; 
 If in this matter ye can win no whit, 
 Then lose rii^ht nought, but let it stand even 
 
 still 
 As it erst stood. And if th'ant no way will 
 Give any place, come, hearken in your ear. 
 Wherein he whispered words, what I wist 
 
 ne'er. 
 
 Whereat the spider cast eye to them both. 
 
 Wherewith the butterfly from the fly flieth, 
 
 And the ant from the spider away goeth. 
 
 Each one of whom (anon) the other espieth, 
 
 And each of both to other hastily hieth. 
 
 The spider straight into his house stepped 
 stoutly ; 
 
 The fly fell on knees to his book devoutly. 
 
 [Q.iii.v. 
 
 Th'ant and the butterfly together drew 
 
 To th 'extreme part of the window on the top 
 side, 
 
 And after saluting in their manner due, 
 
 Both studying how th 'entry should be first ap- 
 plied. 
 
 They both, casting their eyes about, espied. 
 
 On th'one side spiders approaching, six or 
 seven. 
 
 And on th 'other side, flies ten or eleven. 
 
150 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 32 
 
 Neither sort the other ought saluted they, 
 But both sorts to th 'arbiters made curtsey low. 
 The ant prayed both parties in their approach 
 
 to stay, 
 Till the butterfly and he (in talk) might know 
 And agree what way of proceeding should 
 
 grow. 
 With this they all stepped back and there 
 
 stayed. 
 Whereupon th'ant to the butterfly said. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 33 
 
 151 
 
 [O.iv.r. 
 ^The ant and the butterfly being met in the 
 top of the window, certain spiders on their 
 one side, and certain flies on their other side, 
 whom th'arhiters cause to stand back while 
 they two talk together. Cap. 33. 
 
 [Q.iv.v. 
 
 BEFORE we further wade, master butter- 
 fly- 
 No master, sir ; I am but a yeoman (quoth he). 
 That's no matter (said th'ant) as the case doth 
 He; 
 
152 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 33 
 
 But, gentleman or yeoman, whatever ye be, 
 Since we two come hither these two to agree, 
 Let us be agreed on the next and best way 
 To bring them agreed, in matter here to say. 
 
 Our way wherein (as thinketh me) is this. 
 
 We both must banish all partiality, 
 
 That by corrupt affection engendered is, 
 
 By affinity, or consanguinity. 
 
 So that we clearly cleve unto equity. 
 
 As of these two neither of either shall 
 
 Prove us, or either of us, unequal. 
 
 Nay (by my father's soul), said the butterfly, 
 I will play no whit of venum mecuni his part. 
 Hold with the hare and run with the hound will 
 
 not I ; 
 Such reasons as out of this blunt brain may 
 
 start 
 For my friend, run they right run they over- 
 thwart. 
 Out will I pour them, and in God's name, 
 For your friend, as ye see cause, do you the 
 same. 
 
 These two tales (in these two persons) seemed 
 
 here told, 
 In th'one of plainness, in th 'other of policy. 
 The butterfly spake his thought (as he much 
 
 would) 
 Th'ant contrary talked dissimilately. 
 His moving the butterfly to indifferency 
 (Himself showing a show to be indifferent) 
 Seemed moved, for this craft covered intent. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 33 iS3 
 
 [R.i.f. 
 The ant's drift was the butterfly to drive 
 From affectionate standing on the fly's side, 
 Indifferently to stand, while himself contrive 
 To be partial with the spider, which applied, 
 Might (thought the ant) to the butterfly, un- 
 
 spied. 
 Draw him to withdraw some part of affection, 
 Fore bent in his breast, for the fly's protection. 
 
 But when the butterfly, like a stiff-necked cur, 
 (As ye have heard) made answer unto the ant, 
 So that this way would not the butterfly stir, 
 Th'ant (on this plain song having shift of de- 
 scant) 
 Asked the butterfly : Come we this instant 
 To help the spider and fly to take end? 
 Yea, sir (said the butterfly) : that I intend. 
 
 If I for the spider and you for the fly 
 wShow ourselves not arbiters but parties, 
 Reasoning each for each affectionatel)'^ 
 What end between us twain for them can rise 
 More than themselves in themselves can devise? 
 I cannot tell (quoth the butterfly), howbeit, 
 Hark what way is bes't we take (after my wit). 
 
 You, reasoning for your friend and I for my 
 
 friend, 
 Upon our evidence to this issue laid, 
 If my reasons seem better than yours at end, 
 You allowing them above your own, here 
 
 weighed. 
 Or your the better reasons in my head stayed, 
 I allowing them likewise above mine own, 
 Reason may set end, and time show end, well 
 
 grown. 
 
154 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 33 
 
 [R.i.v. 
 Upon this they both were agreed anon 
 The spiders and flies on both sides to call near. 
 Both being" agreed that the ant should propone, 
 The spiders now standing on the right hand to 
 
 hear, 
 The flies on the left side, as nigh did appear. 
 Both ant and butterfly (each in a chair set) 
 To declare the case the ant his tongue hath 
 
 whet. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 34 
 
 155 
 
 [R.ii.r. 
 ^Th'ant declaring the cause of that meeting, 
 the spiders and flies acknowledging the same, 
 and that they come to give evidence, ^ the flies 
 are appointed to depart while the spiders first 
 show what they can say for their part. 
 
 Cap. 34. 
 
 , [R.ii.v. 
 
 KINSFOLK spiders and friends flies, 1 
 doubt no whit 
 But in this terrible tremblings tragedy 
 Between the spider and fly, in cobweb knit, 
 
156 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 34 
 
 Ye know the mischance mischanced lately, 
 And how those chances chanced to chance, 
 
 whereby 
 The spider's palace is deeply perished, 
 And the fly's person deadly perilled. 
 
 Also (I suppose) ye know that we twain, 
 
 I for the spider and he for the fly, 
 
 Are chosen arbiters such end t'obtain 
 
 As evidence shall show, both sides to try. 
 
 Which to show (I deem) ye appear presently. 
 
 Said one spider first, and then one fly. All this. 
 
 We know, and to give evidence our coming is. 
 
 This known (quoth th'ant) doubting whether 
 
 ye know 
 How far our authority stretcheth here 
 To meddle in this matter, hear me show. 
 Number and weight of strifes, cloudy and clear, 
 Between these twain many and great appear ; 
 Of all which authority have we none 
 To touch in this talk, save only this one. 
 
 The fly claimeth all holes in all windows, 
 To pass and repass, to be free for flies all; 
 Alleging that spiders (by all old shows). 
 In tops and sides have place especial. 
 The spider claimeth the whole in general. 
 To hearing whereof, we our award would knit. 
 What part each part shall have, from all to 
 no whit. 
 
 [R.iii.r. 
 Sir (said the spider and fly) that erst had said. 
 This know we, and have purveyed evidence 
 As clear for each part as each part can see 
 weighed. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 34 
 
 157 
 
 Then (quoth the ant) for our intelligence, 
 Will ye, friend butterfly, that the flies go hence, 
 While we hear the spiders speak? Yea (quoth 
 
 he); 
 Cousins flies, stand back till ye called be. 
 
 The flies s'tepped back, the spiders forward 
 
 drew, 
 Standing- before those two in their chairs set 
 Declaration to whom what they herein knew 
 Was devised and determined ere they there 
 
 met. * 
 
 Wherein for entry to let longer let. 
 The butterfly straight entering as here ensueth, 
 Th'ant provoketh the spiders to speak the 
 
 truth. 
 
158 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 35 
 
 [R.iii.v. 
 'ilAfter a few words between the ant and butter- 
 fly, one spider, as mought be for all, declareth 
 to those two th'arbiters all evidence that all 
 spiders for their part can devise. And that 
 done, the spiders are commanded away, and 
 the flies bidden to approach. Cap. 35. 
 
 [R.iv.r. 
 
 MASTERS (or lords) spiders, what shall I 
 call ye? 
 In things here now to talk hark well this one 
 
 thing- : 
 At my blunt behaviour, bark ye or bawl ye, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 35 159 
 
 If ye bring in sophistry or book learning- 
 
 To blind mine eyes with, I give you plain 
 
 warning, 
 Tom troth will not be wound that way. And 
 
 thereby 
 Be warned to talk truly and homelily. 
 
 They will do so (quoth the ant) I dare say ; 
 So will the flies then (quoth th 'other) I dare 
 
 swear. 
 Then (quoth th'ant) without more delated delay, 
 What ye spiders can speak, speak while we 
 
 give ear. 
 With this, one spider (as all agreed were), 
 Standing foremost, and as a bolt upright, 
 Soberly s'aid, with curtsey low as he might : — 
 
 May it (masters) like you, a spider am I, 
 Of such years as no living flies years may, 
 Witness (by remembrance) my full age; for 
 
 why? 
 I took life in this world, (old spiders would say) 
 Just in the leap year, before the ill May day. 
 My parents (as I am) were black nebbed and 
 
 bald; 
 The longlived stock of spiders they were called. 
 
 By part of my which parents, this I gather, — 
 In their times, worshipful spiders (though I 
 
 say it), 
 My father, grandfather, and great grand- 
 father, [it. 
 Would say, as they heard elder spiders weigh 
 That every window, hung it, stood it, or lay it. 
 All parts of the same, in lowest and highest, 
 Were spiders' freehold, both farthest and 
 Highest. 
 
i6o The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 35 
 
 [R.iv.v. 
 And ever have been (said they) at will to build 
 In part or in all, and that they could not know 
 That ever fly (of right) any part there held. 
 These few words of forefathers spiders make 
 
 show, 
 In all parts of all windows the right to grow, 
 On our part, the contrary whereof to weigh, 
 No spider hath heard any spider ought say. 
 
 Say all ye spiders thus? (quoth th'ants). Yea 
 (quoth they). 
 
 Have ye heard (quoth the butterfly) any wight 
 
 Say ought herein saving spiders? quoth they, 
 Nay. 
 
 Have ye (quoth th'ant) ought else in this to re- 
 cite? 
 
 Yea (quoth one spider) standing behind all 
 quite; 
 
 I have a counter vers'e to sing in this place. 
 
 Which shall be countered with the flies face to 
 face. 
 
 Ye shall (quoth the butterfly) sing that verse 
 
 anon. 
 But we must hear the flies indifferently. 
 As we have heard you, till which time be ye 
 
 gone. 
 They stepping back, the flies forthwith soberly 
 Stood in their place. Th 'arbiters glancingly. 
 Ere the flies ought said in their repairing near. 
 Had between themselves these words, which 
 
 ye shall hear. 
 
 [The tailpiece as on page 38 occurs here in 
 the original.] 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 36 
 
 161 
 
 [S.Lr. 
 
 ^Upon a short talk between the arbiters, one 
 fly, spokes-fly for all flies, discloseth all evi" 
 dence for their part. Wherewith the flies, at 
 commandment, depart aside. Cap. 36. 
 
 S.i.v. 
 
 THE spider's tale (quoth th'ant) seemeth 
 a choking choke-plum 
 Against flies. Ere ye (quoth the butterfly) 
 
 grutch 
 Against any part, audum altum paltum. 
 
 HEY. III. M 
 
i62 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 36 
 
 This term, set far from the Latin, and more 
 
 such. 
 Learned in the school of ignorance, he spake 
 
 much, 
 And understood little. But this being stayed, 
 An ancient/ fly stood forth, and thus to them 
 
 said. 
 
 My masters arbiters, I am a fly 
 Of such age as spiders few or none may boast. 
 My father's hand-writing (for witness) have I 
 That I was bred in the year of the great frost, 
 Before the great sweat, when many flies were 
 
 crossed. 
 Out of the book of life, who by extreme cold 
 Were frozen to death, midaged, young, and 
 
 old. 
 
 In all which days to this day I have heard flies 
 
 say : 
 All holes in all windows, where they stood or 
 
 stand, 
 Have been (and be) flies' freehold, as their 
 
 highway, 
 To pass and repass, and that the spiders' band 
 Owne,rs of the sides and tops only are 
 
 scanned. 
 Whereto I nor no fly (I dare verify) 
 Ever heard any fly say contrary. 
 
 Flies (quoth the butterfly), take ye this tale 
 
 true? 
 Yea (quoth they). Know ye aught (quoth 
 
 th'ant) but by flies? 
 Nay (quoth they). Forth (quoth the butterfly) 
 
 pursue, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 36 163 
 
 Can you (or any of you) aught else devise 
 Whereby further Hght in your right may arise? 
 Yea, sir, said one fly, then standing all behind, 
 To the spiders* teeth anon, I'll tell my mind. 
 
 [S.ii.r. 
 That shall ye do (quoth th'ant); but, friend but- 
 terfly, 
 Will ye first require them to withdraw aside, 
 W^hile you and I some part of this past may 
 
 try? 
 Hence (quoth the butterfly) ; wherewith thence 
 
 they hied. 
 They twain then only there, themselves they 
 
 applied. 
 Each one with other, together to cons'ult 
 What fruit out of this erst said their brains 
 could bolt. 
 
 Ere either of other did herein ought break, 
 Th'ant devised what way best to enter it; 
 The butterfly studied not what words to speak, 
 But to speak with voice clear, he coughed and 
 
 he spit. 
 Till his' voice was much more clear than his wit. 
 And yet far from witless, but plain blunt gross- 
 
 ness 
 Showed his words ofttimes to show witless 
 
 looseness. 
 
 [The tailpiece as on page 28 occurs here in the 
 original.] 
 
 M 2 
 
i64 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 37 
 
 [S.ii.v. 
 ^.The arbiters (in debating tW evidence on both 
 parts given) cannot otherwise agree, but that 
 the same weigheth even as much for the tone 
 part as for the tother, at end whereof they 
 call again all the said sort. Cap. 37. 
 
 [S.iii.r. 
 
 SAY (said th'ant) your opinion uprightly : 
 What weigheth this evidence on both sides, 
 think you? 
 To try which side showeth best (quoth the 
 butterfly), 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 37 165 
 
 These words as much matter for flies to allow 
 As for spiders. So do they (quoth th'ant) 
 
 avow, 
 As much matter in words to allow, in likewise, 
 In spiders for spiders, as in flies for flies. 
 
 And more, for th'one half well nigh that spiders 
 
 claim 
 The flies do grant, but spiders grant unto flies 
 No part of theirs, which is to the flies a maim. 
 The flies' own tale sides and tops of windows 
 
 tries 
 To be the spiders' by customs warrantise. 
 Whereto the spider's tale for the flies' part 
 
 weighed, 
 Weigheth no hair's breadth in windows for the 
 
 flies' aid. 
 
 Spiders (quoth the butterfly) s'how themselves 
 
 here 
 More siding to their side than flies to theirs are. 
 As flies indifferently make custom to appear 
 Sides and tops of windows for spiders' share, 
 And that flies (by custom) the holes theirs do 
 
 'clare 
 So should spiders indifferently consider 
 To lay (as flies do) both customs together. 
 
 Spiders (quoth th'ant) take those customs far 
 
 unlike. 
 Theirs to grow of right, flies' of usurpation. 
 If (quoth the butterfly) the flies do here pike 
 That quarrel to spiders, in custom's usation, 
 That is tit for tat in this altercation. 
 So that for any thing any party can get. 
 Both parties in all things yet on even hand are 
 
 set. 
 
i66 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 37 
 
 [S.iii.v, 
 But to try how good or how ill custom is 
 Is no part of our charge ; ye know we must try 
 How much or how little custom doth in this, 
 Preferring or debarring claim of each party 
 Wherein, for all laid here yet aq^ain say I, 
 Flies lay (where reason and equalness be 
 
 guiders). 
 As much for flies, as spiders lay for spiders. 
 
 Well (quoth th'ant) as we both heard both 
 
 parts apart, 
 So now let us both both parties together hear, 
 How we both between both parties can the hare 
 
 start. 
 Both agreed that all on both parts should ap- 
 pear. 
 They did so, and all on both sides settled near, 
 The ant declaring the pith of all yet wrought. 
 Entry to matter more, th'ant induction brought. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 38 
 
 167 
 
 [S.iv.r. 
 ^Th'ant showeth to them all that th'evidence 
 weigheth to one effect on both sides, so that 
 all resteth now upon knowledge which part 
 to credit most. And upon that motion, one 
 spider and one fly fall in argument to try the 
 
 same. Wherein is touched (partly) the pro- 
 perties of credence, worship, and honesty, they 
 agreeing that credence standeth upon honesty, 
 as thus, — as every spider or fly is honest, so is 
 he credible. Which talk ended, they are all 
 again sequestered. Cap. 38. 
 
i68 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 38 
 
 [S.iv.v. 
 T7RIENDS all, ye all erst assembled in parties 
 -■- twain, 
 
 Before us twain here for both parties have de- 
 clared 
 By the mouths of twain, two tales, which two 
 
 contain 
 One effect. For the matter self in regard, 
 The only difference in both being- conferred, 
 Is this, — what one spider for all spiders layeth, 
 The self-same sentence one fly for all flies 
 sayeth. 
 
 As thus : that spider said all spiders have laid 
 All holes in all windows to be spiders' freehold ; 
 Which self saying that said fly (for all flies) 
 
 said 
 In few words, at full then, th 'effect to unfold. 
 Both parties present, to this tale is to be told, 
 Some matter to try : what appearance may rise, 
 Which part we shall credit most, spiders or 
 
 flies. 
 
 With this, a well-spoken spider stepped in 
 
 place. 
 Saying : If comparison in credence grow, 
 Then must ye with us spiders rule this case. 
 Spiders have been and be worshipful, ye know. 
 And flies honest (quoth a witty fly) I trow, 
 And of credence ; the property of majesty 
 Standeth not more by worship than by honesty, 
 
 Nor so much neither; as all kinds of flies 
 
 think. 
 No, no colour of cause of credence can stand, 
 Whereas worship with honesty doth not link, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 38 169 
 
 And honesty without worship (skilfully 
 
 scanned) 
 May have, and must have, credence at every 
 hand. [lay, 
 
 If the spiders' worships for credence do here 
 Flies' honesties shall spiders' worships out- 
 weigh. 
 
 [T.i.r. 
 Were this gay couched case (quoth the spider) 
 
 granted, 
 More credence for flies than for spiders might 
 
 be guessed, 
 Which showeth you to deem as you it avaunted. 
 That no spider, but all flies, are honest. 
 And all spiders worshipful, wherein ye expressed 
 Cause of credence, in flies' honesties to grow 
 Much more than in spiders' worships there 
 may show. 
 
 Credence, honesty, and worship, thus take I, — 
 Credence in this word trust plainly term we 
 
 may; 
 Honesty, virtue morally and civilly ; 
 Worship, reverence, or estimation to say ; 
 Honour is also reverence, as use doth weigh ; 
 Honour and worship both one in use take we. 
 Save honour is reverence in the higher degree. 
 
 Now note that the full cause of credence or 
 
 trust 
 Springeth and spreadeth out of virtue or 
 
 honesty, 
 And honour, or worship, is duely discussed, 
 Due where virtue or honesty is, then see 
 ^Vho is not honest, worshipful he cannot be; 
 For worship and honesty, th'one and th 'other, 
 The t'one of the twain dependeth on the t'other. 
 
170 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 38 
 
 What (quoth the fly) meaneth this circum- 
 
 quaque? 
 This (quoth the spider) — where ye (in your last 
 
 saying) 
 Separate in sunder worship and honesty, 
 Worship to spiders and honesty to flies laying", 
 Flies' credence above spiders' t 'advance in 
 
 weighing, 
 Worship and honesty I join so that here 
 Worshipful spiders be honest spiders clear. 
 
 [T.i.v. 
 Honest spiders are worshipful (quoth the fly). 
 By honesty, and credible too, no, nay ; 
 But where spiders' honesty standeth awry, 
 Worship and credence stand awry too, I say. 
 So (quoth the spider) be honesty away, 
 The flies' credit standeth a-crook even as far 
 As the spiders' ; but let us touch this case now. 
 
 Grant here's a spider of honesty no whit, 
 To whom admit a fly of great honesty. 
 The spider (not the fly) to authority knit ; 
 Is not that spider, in authorised degree. 
 More worshipful and credible taken to be 
 Than that inferior fly? (Quoth the fly) No, 
 Which ye shall hear, but first hear how your 
 words go. 
 
 Credence, honour, worship, or reverence, 
 To virtue or honesty ye first avouched due; 
 Last, authority ye bring in assistance, 
 Th'unhonest authorised thereby t'ensue, 
 In worship and credence. Yea (quoth he), 
 
 that's true. 
 And in touching that first of these two cases, 
 I forgot this last, but both must have their 
 
 places. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 38 171 
 
 As honour, or worship, and credence do depend 
 
 Upon all that are honest, by honesty, 
 
 So worship and credence in like case too bend 
 
 On all in authority, by authority. 
 
 Nay (quoth the fly) (quoth the spider) friend, 
 
 tell me. 
 Is not authority to be worshipped? 
 Yes, master (quoth the fly), or else God forbid. 
 
 [T.ii.r. 
 All authority not against the great God, 
 In spiders under him placed as potentates. 
 In them and their substitutes, that God hath 
 
 bade 
 To be worshipped and obeyed in humble rates. 
 But authority and authorised states, 
 Cause of worship due to both, differ as far 
 As Jericho and Jersey in joining jar. 
 
 Authority, for itself, worshipped is ; 
 
 Th'authorised, for good use of authority. 
 
 Are duly reverenced, which good use if they 
 
 miss. 
 Worship or reverence to them given none 
 
 should be. 
 Yet there is (quoth the spider) we dally see 
 Before th'authorised curtsey made as low 
 To the ill as to the good, and more low, some 
 
 trow. 
 
 That curtsey (quoth the fly) rightly directed, 
 Runneth to th'authority in the authorised, 
 Not the authorised person, respected; 
 Th'authority in the person here reverenced. 
 Th'authority for the person, not worshipped, 
 Nor the person for himself, lacking honesty, 
 Because he lacketh honest use of authority. 
 
172 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 38 
 
 Spiders in authority without honesty, 
 
 No worship in themselves (I say) is t'avouch; 
 
 Flies in honesty, without authority, 
 
 By that honesty, worship in themselves doth 
 
 couch. 
 And credence in both these parties is tried by 
 
 like touch. 
 Thus unhonest spiders, being- authorised, 
 Be (for themselves) worshipped nor credited. 
 
 [T.ii.v. 
 
 Be it (quoth the spider), but then to this put 
 case 
 
 One spider and one fly of one honesty are ; 
 
 The honest spider placed in authorised place, 
 
 The honest fly not. Doth not that spider's 
 state declare 
 
 More worship and credit than that fly can com- 
 pare? 
 
 More worship? yes: but more credence, no, 
 say I, 
 
 Proof whereof ensueth (quoth the fly), by and 
 by. 
 
 Honesty (I say as yourself erst here said) 
 
 Is the root that credence and worship both 
 
 twain 
 Grow on, so that our worship and credence, 
 
 weig-hed 
 On worshipful authority, do not remain 
 But on our honest use thereof; thus our chain 
 That linketh us to credence is not authority. 
 But good use of authority, by honesty. 
 
 Wherein I conclude flies of most base degree, 
 Having like honesty to spiders most high. 
 Have in likewise like credence of equity. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 38 173 
 
 Not like reverent worship (I say) for why? 
 Spiders usingf authority honestly 
 For place and person both where case so en- 
 sues, 
 Flies to spiders humble reverence must use. 
 
 What is (quoth the spider) the difference in 
 show 
 
 Of one degree of credence in these two told ? 
 
 This (quoth the fly) — By this example to know : 
 
 Two spiders* webs woven admit here to be 
 sold, 
 
 For stuff and all thing-, both as one to behold, 
 
 Save th'one above th 'other, more fair gloss 
 doth bear, 
 
 More pleasant to the eye, both one to the wear. 
 
 [T.iii.r, 
 
 Yet hath that glossy web estimation more 
 
 Than th 'other, though both webs of one weav- 
 ing be; 
 
 And so for one credence in the two before ; 
 
 Spiders' authority, used with honesty 
 
 They shine in beauty of a double degree. 
 
 So that though credence self be one in these 
 both, 
 
 Yet that gloss in that one, that other out goeth. 
 
 Then (quoth the spider) it serveth for some- 
 what, 
 Honest spiders in authority to stand 
 Above honest flies. Yea, but it serveth not 
 (Quoth the fly), for your part of the point to 
 
 hand. 
 To prove more credence, in honest spiders 
 
 scanned, 
 Than in honest flies, for in equal honesty 
 Standeth equal credit on both sides, ye see. 
 
174 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 38 
 
 Which you (my masters) having- seen, being 
 wise, [hath less, 
 
 And that which part hath credence more, which 
 Of spiders or flies, is the thing to devise, 
 We pray you your judgment therein to express. 
 If we (quoth th'arbiters) in this case address 
 Ourselves to give judgment, will ye that abide? 
 Yea, yea (in Pilate's voice), all on both sides 
 cried. 
 
 Let them all (to the butterfly said the ant) 
 Depart, while we herein seek an end to find. 
 Content (quoth the butterfly) at your instant : 
 Trudge hence, ye flies (quoth he), as ye are as- 
 signed. 
 At wink of the ant away the spiders wind. 
 They all hereupon being- gone forth forthwith, 
 They two herein proceeded as followeth. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 39 i75 
 
 [T.iii.v. 
 ^By th'ant's provocation the butterfly repeateth 
 th' argument before made, in his gross terms, 
 not far from full. And they twain seeming to 
 agree upon the point herein, they command 
 the spiders and flies back again. Cap. 39. 
 
 [T.iv.r. 
 
 WILL ye (quoth the ant) repeat us this 
 talk last? 
 I would, but I will not (quoth the butterfly), 
 For I cannot, though my heart for it should 
 burst. 
 
176 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 39 
 
 I forbad here all spouting in sophistry ; 
 
 Now they spout in spouting who may spout 
 
 most high, 
 Save now a word and then a word here and 
 
 there, 
 Vengeance the whit I am for their words the 
 
 near. 
 
 Tell (quoth the ant) as ye perceive even in 
 gross, [glance, 
 
 What the pith is. As I (quoth he) had a 
 Beginning of their communication arose, 
 Wherein they argued and fell at arguing 
 
 stance, 
 In comparison who should have most credence, 
 Of spiders or flies. The fly, flies' honest rate, 
 Took more credible, than spiders' worshipful 
 state. 
 
 The spider then cast a compass round about. 
 That honestness is virtuousness, and worship- 
 fulness 
 Due where honestness or virtuousness beareth 
 
 root; 
 So that worshipfulness and honestness, 
 Do pend each on other, by that spider's guess. 
 Of spiders and flies, by his almashin guessed, 
 Honest are worshipful, worshipful are honest. 
 
 The fly to this said spiders by honesty. 
 Be worshipful and credible too, and then 
 The spider brought in a toy of 'thority, 
 Th'unhonest spider therein thereby to scan 
 In credence and worship each where and when, 
 More than the fly, he being an honest one. 
 Having to that honesty, 'thority none. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 39 177 
 
 [T.iv.v. 
 The fly to this for worship and credence said, 
 Though 'thority for itself worshipful be, 
 Yet winneth it no worship (in any wight laid) 
 To himself : for himself, outsepted that he 
 Use therein usation of said honesty ; 
 But in misuse of 'thority, the fly told, 
 Worship or credence no wight self can hold. 
 
 Then the spider 'leged, one spider and fly one 
 They both in one 'gree of honesty being, 
 That spider in 'thority, that fly in none, 
 Whether worship and credence were not 'gree- 
 
 ing 
 More to that spider, then to that fly fleeing. 
 More worship, he granted, because honesty. 
 And 'thority joined ; but more credence, no, 
 
 said he. 
 
 For honesty, and not authority, is root. 
 
 Said he, whereon all branches of credence 
 spring; 
 
 Then no honesty, no credence had in boot. 
 
 Like honesty, like credence is everything. 
 
 The spider then asked what difference in show- 
 ing 
 
 Of one 'gree of credence in these foretold 
 twain, 
 
 Which, by a web sample, the fly answered 
 plain. 
 
 Two spiders* webs of one stuff and workman- 
 ship, 
 Save th'one above th 'other hath gloss more gay 
 To the eye, but for wear they differ not a chip ; 
 Yet doth that glossy web bear the bell away. 
 And so the spider, to his honesty in stay, 
 HEY. III. N 
 
178 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 39 
 
 Having 'thority above like honest fly, 
 Credence shineth in the spider more beaute- 
 ously. 
 
 [U.i.r. 
 Well said (said the ant) ; though these terms be 
 
 but base 
 Yet approve they well that you perceive the 
 
 pith, 
 Which, concerning credence, concludeth in 
 this case, [with, 
 
 That the worst fly, and the best spider there- 
 Where one degree of honesty concurreth. 
 There one degree of credence, concurreth like- 
 wise [arise. 
 Whereon hark here what a Grange case doth 
 
 Put case a duke of estate honourable 
 Aflfirming a tale, on his honour, for true : 
 A duck steppeth forth, and faith, it is a fable. 
 Were it not a case (trow you) as strange as new 
 That duke and that duck of one credit to view? 
 The duke's and duck's honesty (quoth he) being 
 one, [gone. 
 
 Their credence is one, by granted ground erst 
 
 From which ground (master ant) by my father- 
 kin, 
 
 I will not start, but stand and stick even fast, 
 
 As unto this my body sticketh this skin. 
 
 Well (quoth th'ant) being at this point, with 
 this past. 
 
 Further to proceed in this case what way to 
 cast, [here. 
 
 Let us have these spiders and flies again 
 
 At beck of both, all before both did appear. 
 
 [The tailpiece as on page 38 here occurs in the 
 original.] 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 40 179 
 
 [U.i.v. 
 ^Th'ant telleth them that where th' evidence for 
 both sides goeth to one effect, and that in de- 
 hatinor which side is most credible to award the 
 window unto, it is concluded that credence 
 standeth upon honesty : and that as all spiders 
 and flies are honest, so are they credible. Now 
 must it first be tried, which side is most honest, 
 thereon to judge which side is most credible. 
 
 Cap. 40. 
 
 [U.ii.r. 
 
 AT your last standing- here, (quoth th'ant) 
 the case stood 
 On trial in credence of spiders and flies', 
 Th'evidence for both being- one and like g'ood, 
 
 N 2 
 
l8o The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 40 
 
 On which part of both most credence might 
 
 arise, 
 Wherein determinate trial to devise, 
 One couple of you, one spider and one fly, 
 Reasoned (byrlakin) prettily wittily. 
 
 Brief pith whereof (to present purpose) was 
 
 this, — 
 Honesty, ye agreed, of credence is the ground ; 
 Concluding for all as each wight's honesty is 
 More or less, so more or less credence is bound. 
 All spiders and flies, of one honesty found. 
 Are of one credence, in that credence doth bend 
 All wholly upon honesty to depend. 
 
 Then as th 'evidence on which side to lay best 
 Where credence lieth most, we thought best to 
 
 have tried, 
 So must we now for credence see some way 
 
 guessed 
 Which side bringeth most honesty testified, 
 And thereby most credit to this or that side. 
 Be it (quoth the butterfly) ; now let us see, sirs, 
 Who shall here win boot, in winning here his 
 
 spurs. 
 
 Another spider and fly to the helm stood, 
 A comely couple as were of these two kinds ; 
 Their manner showed their bringing up to be 
 
 good. 
 Curtsey low to th'arbiters, as curtsey binds ; 
 Behaviour most decent in uttering their minds ; 
 As their talk was of honesty to devise, 
 So devised they their talk, honestly likewise. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 41 i^' 
 
 [U.ii.v. 
 
 ^One spider and one fly reasoning which side 
 is most honest, agreeing in conclusion that 
 the honesty on both sides appeareth to them 
 two to he one, that fly requireth th'arhiters to 
 ponder the case as they shall think good. 
 
 Cap. 41. 
 
 [U.iii.r. 
 
 '^r^O Speak (quoth this spider) truth honestly 
 
 j_ here, 
 
 Briefly in honesty both parts to compare, 
 Equality doth therein to me appear. 
 As right many spiders right honest there are, 
 So right many flies right honesty declare. 
 As honesty (itself) is one quality, 
 So, both parts qualified like, like honest be. 
 
1 82 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 41 
 
 Sir (said this fly), this is of you quaHfied 
 Rigfht honestly, whereupon (with your assent, 
 Under reformation) I would see here tried 
 One thing- herein to try what different extent 
 Standeth in one degree of honesty here meant 
 In both us foresaid parties, spiders and flies, 
 Which in few words, I shall now to you devise. 
 
 Flies more than spiders twenty to one there are. 
 Put then in each one person like honesty. 
 In one spider and ten flies to compare. 
 Showeth not here that most number in quantity 
 To show here the most show of that quality? 
 It showeth most (quoth the s'pider) and to show 
 
 how, 
 Mark this short example that I shall show you. 
 
 One flower before two mirrors being set here 
 Th'one mirror cracked in ten pieces sundry, 
 Th 'other whole. This flower in thes'e glasses 
 
 shall appear, 
 At the whole glass, as it is one flower only; 
 The cracked glass showeth ten flowers ap- 
 parently, 
 For of those ten pieces of glass every one. 
 Each one piece (in itself), showeth one flower 
 alone. 
 
 [U.iii.v. 
 So this fair flower honesty, in one spider 
 
 placed. 
 And ten flies, each one poss'essed of like fame, 
 For honesty self, there is no more purchased 
 In the ten flies, than in th'one spider to name. 
 The only difference (I say) in show doth frame 
 Ten flowers in the cracked glass, as thus to 
 
 respect 
 Ten flowers in form, and one flower in effect. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 41 
 
 183 
 
 That whole glass doth show one flower, and 
 
 is no more; 
 That cracked glass, making show of flowers 
 
 half a score. 
 There's yet but one flower at both these 
 
 glasses, lo ! 
 As in both these parts one honesty, no more. 
 Well (quoth the fly), yet as I have said before, 
 One hones'ty in one spider and in ten flies. 
 Most show of that honesty in those flies rise. 
 
 Which show showeth (the honesty in all being 
 
 one) 
 A beauty shining of more excellency 
 In those ten flies', than in th'one spider alone. 
 Sir (said the spider), to speak indifferently. 
 Even so take it I : and even so grant it I. 
 My masters (to th 'arbiters), the fly then said, 
 Weigh you how honesty is here to be weighed. 
 
1 84 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 42 
 
 [U.iv.r. 
 ^\Th' arbiters commanding all to go apart again, 
 they jail in talking somewhat at large, touch- 
 ing both credence and honesty in both these 
 sides. Which done, to show therein their 
 minds, they call all before them again. 
 
 Cap. 42. 
 
 [U.tv.v. 
 
 TH 'ARBITERS, willing both parts to step 
 back straight. 
 Brother butterfly (said the ant), here ye see 
 Honesty on both these parts to poise in weight ; 
 If more honest flies than honest spiders be, 
 Yet of both parts each one like of honesty, 
 The number more and less, as these two declare, 
 Both numbers of one honesty they compare. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 42 185 
 
 For the honestness self, (quoth he) to that they 
 grew ; 
 
 But the honestness in those flies showeth more 
 excellent, 
 
 As twenty flowers in the broken glass to view 
 
 Show of th'one flower in the whole glass far out 
 went. 
 
 Yea, in show (quoth th'ant) with you I do con- 
 sent. 
 
 But by their equal degree of that quality, 
 
 This spider and these flies equally honest be. 
 
 Well then, good master ant (quoth the butter- 
 
 fly), 
 
 We agree that the show of one honestness here 
 Upon the ten flies' part showeth more shin- 
 
 ingly 
 Than on the one spider's' side in show can 
 
 'pear. 
 And for the honesty self, to draw to end near. 
 You answering one demand demanded by me. 
 Best part to principal purpose we shall soon 
 
 see. 
 
 Is not this argnication of honestness, 
 To see who are most honest, spiders or flies, 
 To try thereby the side most credible to guess. 
 In th'one evidence that both s'ides did devise 
 Each side for itself? Yes (quoth th'ant), that 
 
 none devise, 
 But granteth it. Since (quoth the butterfly) 
 
 that's trowth. 
 Hark what proof to purpose upon this case 
 
 groweth. 
 
1 86 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 42 
 
 [X. i. r. — aa. 
 Let US here demit one spider and ten flies, 
 All like honest, who, seeing- two sue at law, 
 That one spider, for th'one side, a witness lies, 
 Those ten flies, to th 'other side witnesses draw. 
 I never wist wig-ht that ever heard or saw 
 But such ten flies' evidence more credibly 
 
 weig"hed. 
 Than s'uch one spider's evidence weighed in 
 
 aid. 
 
 Not so (quoth th'ant); for put case this fore- 
 said sort : 
 In witnessing one word in one tale erst told 
 To them all, th'one spider doth after report 
 That word was there and then said, and flies 
 
 hold 
 It was not said : in this case knoweth young" 
 
 and old 
 This one spider must have in th 'affirmative 
 More credit than ten flies in the neg^ative. 
 
 Master ant, flies' want of credence standeth 
 
 not here. 
 In the weakness of credence in the flies. 
 But in weakness of credence in the case clear. 
 Negative against firmative weakly lies ; 
 Forg-etting- and rememberings thus this case 
 
 tries : 
 We may sooner forget that we heard last day, 
 Than remember that we heard not, any way. 
 
 But for both parts here put affirmative case. 
 This one spider affirmeth here, firmatively. 
 That I lay (last night) in Northumberland 
 place ; 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 42 187 
 
 These ten flies say in Westmoreland place lay I. 
 
 In this affirmation deemation to try, 
 
 Which part hath here most credence in your 
 
 deeming"? 
 The flies' (quoth the ant) apparently seeming". 
 
 [X.i.v. 
 But since honesty and not credence is now 
 The thing to touch here in place and case pre- 
 sent. 
 And that (for the honesty self) I prove to you 
 One degree of honesty in both sides bent, 
 That one and those ten have one honest extent. 
 Agree we for that part thus to resolve, 
 Which resolution let me to them revolve. 
 
 Be it (quoth he) ; but when talk of credence 
 
 Cometh in, 
 I'll argue as I did now for credence again. 
 Do (quoth th'ant) if ye see thereby ought to 
 
 win. [twain ; 
 
 All oft erst called, they called ag-ain to them 
 To whom the ant (as aptly did appertain) 
 In words for the matter briefly couched and 
 
 cast, 
 Pronounced to all what they two there passed 
 
 last. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on pas^e 72 here occurs in the 
 original.] 
 
1 88 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 43 
 
 [X.ii.r. 
 ^Th'ant telleth them that they two determine 
 honesty on both sides to he one, willing them 
 to go forth in the matter. Wherewith one tart 
 taunting spider, and one sharp saucy fly, for- 
 bearing till this time (with much pain) speak- 
 ing or rather railing, stand now forth [upon 
 tip-toes) to chop logic each with other in rude 
 reasoning of this case. Cap. 43. 
 
 [X.ii.v. 
 
 OF spiders and flies, which part is most 
 honest, 
 The trial is the thing we now stand upon, 
 Wherein for flies one his opinion expressed 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 43 189 
 
 That as flies in number are twenty to one 
 Above spiders, all on both sides every one 
 Being- like honest, most honesty doth rise 
 To the flies' part, where the most number lies. 
 
 To this one spider's tale of the two glasses 
 
 touched, 
 Th'example showing- more show of honesty 
 In the more than in the les's number avouched ; 
 Yet both parties being honest in one degree. 
 Both parties of like honesty they took to be, 
 And so to adjudge, we two having agreed, 
 Agree you how herein further to proceed. 
 
 With this, before all these spiders and flies here 
 flocked. 
 
 Up stood and outstart that couple of hare- 
 brains, 
 
 The spider and fly, that erst there bragged 
 and cocked. 
 
 Upon both their foreheads so swelled the veins 
 
 That their thus long silence was seen their 
 great pains' . 
 
 In cocking currish countenance no whit to seek, 
 
 Staring each on other, they stood cheek to 
 cheek. 
 
 Authority they took, none was to them given ; 
 
 Of good manner void, in taunting smart smat- 
 terers, 
 
 Plainness without honesty they used even. 
 
 They both to side against side were no flat- 
 terers : 
 
 But like Isaiah in cheritress such chatterers. 
 
 That being now bent to chat, their tongues to 
 stop, [chop. 
 
 With an axe as soon their heads off ye may 
 
190 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 43 
 
 [X.iii.r. 
 Their talk, whether to repeat or to repress 
 Rude railing therein, brought me somewhat to 
 
 doubt ; 
 But finally, upon my show to profess 
 The show of this matter, thus far gone about, 
 I thought it meet to show the show through- 
 out ; 
 Namely, the case framed no more far nor high 
 Than of a poor spider, and a more poor fly. 
 
 Thes'e all (I say) standing before these two set, 
 Both bending their brows in case rehearsed 
 
 erst. 
 This foremost spider and fly, in furious fret. 
 Frowning each on other, this process they 
 
 pierced ; 
 And vengeable venomly each other vers'ed 
 Before they came to end ; howbeit they began 
 In counterfeit coldness this matter to scan. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 44 
 
 191 
 
 [X.iii.v. 
 fiWhere another spider and fly reasoned late 
 before to prove which side of both is most 
 honest, this said quarrelling spider and cocking 
 fly labour to prove which part of both is most 
 dishonest in words and deeds as usurpation in 
 windows and other misbehaviour. At end 
 whereof, in furious fumes thence runneth the 
 spider one way, and the fly fiingeth another. 
 
 Cap. 44. 
 
 {X.iv.r. 
 
 MASTERS (quoth the spider), without cir- 
 cumstance 
 At reasoning- on which part most honesty lies, 
 Of spiders or of flies in continuance, 
 
192 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 44 
 
 Your judgment both parts of like honesty tries. 
 Which honesty so tried, now contrariwise, 
 For a pithy purpose, let us here now see 
 On which side of both lieth most dishonesty. 
 
 Dishonesty? dare ye stir that? (quoth this fly) 
 What dishonesty know you by flies, sir, 
 More than flies know by spiders? Fly, what 
 
 know I ? 
 Words and deeds such and so many will I stir, 
 As shall by dishonesty flies' honesty blur. 
 And first for words, honesty honestly to scan, 
 Honesty speaketh well. Yea (quoth the fly), 
 
 what then? 
 
 This, then (quoth the spider) ; take flies ten 
 
 thousand : 
 Wheresoever they flee, go, stand, lie, or sit, 
 Few of the number have taken upon hand 
 To give any good spider any good word yet. 
 Except in flattery, which words show every 
 
 whit 
 As much dishonesty in false fair semblance, 
 As showeth, in fury, foul words of more griev- 
 ance. 
 
 When flies, flocked together upon their ale 
 
 bench 
 Begin to hizz and bizz, in their kind of talk, 
 No lords, no laws, can their bizzing babble 
 
 quench. 
 And so many words, so many lies still walk. 
 If one devil with another for lies should calk, 
 They could never find the like. Oh (quoth the 
 
 fly) 
 Your mastership talketh wonderful honestly ! 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 44 193 
 
 [X.iv.v. 
 If ye gave ear to yourself, ye might soon know, 
 Spider or fly, who speaketh most ill of us 
 
 twain. 
 Speak not S'piders as ill of flies, as ye trow, 
 As flies speak of spiders? Yes, it showeth too 
 
 plain [pain. 
 
 Wherein these terms must we use upon great 
 When either of other part talk out of measure, 
 The knave fly raileth, master spider speaketh 
 
 his pleasure. 
 
 But grant dishonest words each part of other 
 
 Do speak alike much, which showeth like dis- 
 honesty 
 
 In both these parts, the t'one part to the 
 t'other. 
 
 Of flies' dishonest words, the cause is to see 
 
 The dishonest deeds of you spiders to be. 
 
 Example whereof, to prove this case most 
 clear, [pear. 
 
 Doth in this window (for all windows) ap- 
 
 AIl holes wherein being ours in common right, 
 Late commonly ours, now severally yours". 
 Look where ye set in foot, by right or by 
 
 might. 
 Like as the devil saith, so say you, — All is ours. 
 For as this window showeth your usurped 
 
 powers, 
 So In all windows, wheresoever ye come, 
 Ye grasp up all, and flies may say nought, but 
 
 mum. 
 
 Thus when we speak (I say) if our speech ill be, 
 Of your ill deeds come our ill words every one. 
 Do you none ill deeds to us, good sir? (quoth 
 he) 
 
 HEY. III. O 
 
194 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 44 
 
 Yes, sir (quoth the fly), flies to spiders do one; 
 In our curtsey made to you down to ground 
 
 gone, 
 Most sinfully we commit idolatry, 
 For we therein worship false imagery. 
 
 [Y.i.r.—bb. 
 False imagery? (quoth he) ye are a false knave. 
 A right livery (quoth he) turned on the wrong 
 
 side. 
 But livery and wages that spiders vouchsafe 
 To give flies, of one substance are verified. 
 Knave up or take up, fly, thy wandering words 
 
 wide, [touch, 
 
 Truly to try how truth the touchstone may 
 On whose side most dishonesty is t 'avouch. 
 
 All dishonest words in flies of spiders had, 
 Come of dishonest deeds in spiders' to flies. 
 Thus sayest thou, which saying showeth thee 
 
 drunk or mad. 
 What ill or wrong deeds do we to you devise 
 Our own windows' to use, as our own will 
 
 applies? [own, 
 
 Your deeds were not ill were all windows your 
 But no words save your own show windows so 
 
 known. 
 
 The tops and top-sides of all windows all yours, 
 We have granted and would grant, were ye 
 
 content 
 To grant likewise all holes in all windows ours ; 
 But spiders must have all, ye may nought 
 
 relent. 
 And in your having all, mark th 'experiment. 
 How the world before went, and since how it 
 
 goeth, 
 For commonwealth In spiders and in flies both. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 44 195 
 
 When you in tops and sides there kept your 
 
 estate, 
 And we in the holes, as stood with our degree. 
 Spiders and flies in all windows situate, 
 Dwelt each by other in wealth and unity. 
 But since (like a sort of rake-hells as ye be) 
 Ye lift each at other, and all at us lift, 
 There is in you, nor us, either love or thrift. 
 
 [Y.i.v. 
 But you, we, and our windows too, all go to 
 
 wrack 
 By your covetous cutthroats, the devil choke 
 
 ye ! [back ? 
 
 Wilt thou, wretch (quoth he), lay all this on our 
 Grown by our strifes, nay, fly and flies, I'll 
 
 yoke ye [ye. 
 
 W^ith more than half part of the ill to smoke 
 It is and hath been said there's no good accord 
 In place whereas every knave will be a lord. 
 
 W^hich is terbox to your side : for out of doubt 
 Your cockapert pride and your covetous hearts 
 Have broug;ht more than three parts of our ills 
 
 about. 
 Your rude rebellious disobedient parts 
 Much unto our (and much more to your own) 
 
 smarts, 
 Kickinj^ and wincino- at every orood order, 
 Hath destroyed g-ood order in every border. 
 
 Good order, lost by pride and covetousness, 
 In grant, but how lost by us? nay, lost by you. 
 Flies may be covetous, but as for riches, 
 
 o 2 
 
196 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 44 
 
 Flies g"et none except here and there one 
 
 t'allow. 
 Yes (quoth the spider), many flies are rich now, 
 In occupying- in windows under us, 
 By price of thing's raised there in foul overplus. 
 
 Where flies' of spiders (by wrong, quoth he) are 
 
 driven 
 To hire our own, kept from us (we say) by 
 
 might, [given, 
 
 Fines, incomes and rents, so great and many 
 With such straight restraint of our accustomed 
 
 right, [quite. 
 
 That one of those, or all, eat up our gains 
 Which exact exactions in spiders began 
 Ere flies in sale of any wares from th'old rate 
 
 ran. 
 
 [Y.ii.r. 
 As I am true gentleman, thou list on us. 
 As ye are a true gentleman, even so I lie. 
 But as ye are a false gentleman to discuss 
 Your falsehood and my truth may join jollily. 
 I'll prove straight (quoth the spider) that thou 
 
 liest, I ; 
 For rents and wares raised, thou sayest spiders 
 
 begun, 
 But mark how unhonestly that lie doth run. 
 
 Five foot to two in windows of this room 
 Ye flies hold yet in lease at unraised rent ; 
 All holders whereof sell their wares as extreme 
 As though their farms at the most raised rent 
 
 went. 
 Now who beginneth here the first extort ex- 
 tent? 
 The flies (quoth the fly), but yet spiders begun 
 To raise rents before as leases did outrun. 
 
The Spicier and the Fly, Cap. 44 197 
 
 And as leases fall still, so raise they rent still, 
 And still (of their goodness) will raise, I doubt 
 
 not. 
 In new leases of such covenants to fulfil 
 As the flies' gains no great privy tithes shall lot, 
 The lewd lords, their landlords, in reckoning 
 
 the shot, 
 The lot of allowance in both parts to lay, 
 The spiders have the cream, the flies have the 
 
 whey. 
 
 But spiders letting farms, and flies holding 
 
 farms, 
 Th'one letting farms high, th'other selling 
 
 victuals dear ; 
 And of all ware sellers each shifteth from harms 
 By raising his ware, as other wares appear. 
 But all that on their pensions (or pence) live 
 
 mere 
 In windows, without land to let or ware to sell, 
 Wherever they dwell may think they dwell in 
 
 hell. 
 
 [Y.ii.v. 
 Well (quoth the spider), for leases not run out, 
 Fly farmers holding farms yet, as old rent 
 
 gave, [ing rout? 
 
 Why raise they their wares with th'other poll- 
 They take time (quoth the fly) while they the 
 
 time have ; 
 For when your time cometh, you will so poll 
 
 and shave 
 By raised rents, turning head farmers to herds, 
 That they know ye will flit the fat from their 
 
 beards. 
 
198 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 44 
 
 And ye high head spiders in a conspiracy 
 Conspire in all windows, to keep farms at 
 
 heith, [things high. 
 
 Or keep them in your own hands, to keep 
 Where a fly (quoth the spider) double rent 
 
 payeth, [sayeth : 
 
 More than he hath paid, there experience 
 Look what wares at what price that flies sold 
 
 before. 
 Those or worse wares he selleth for treble price 
 
 more. 
 
 So that if spiders raise rents, two pounds from 
 one, [wares straight ; 
 
 Three pounds from one at least flies raise their 
 Their which robbery, hearing any rumour upon. 
 Of the fault on us spiders they lay the weight, 
 Roaring in raging how we our lands do height. 
 Making them beggars, when they with that 
 
 they win 
 Are able to purchase the farms they dwell in. 
 
 Well lied, well said ! (said the fly) I would have 
 
 said. 
 But now to our ground, on which our saying 
 
 arose, 
 For dishonesty on both parts to be laid, 
 Covetous and pride being chief grounds in 
 
 gross, 
 To prove on which part most dishonesty goes ; 
 Dishonesty by covetousness doth rise. 
 At the least as much in spiders as in flies. 
 
 [YMi.r. 
 And as much in flies as in spiders, say I. 
 But what remedy, fly, to remove this grief? 
 Look they that list, they shall for me (quoth the 
 
 fly). 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 44 i99 
 
 We talk not now of ^rief to devise relief 
 
 By honesty, but by dishonest mischief 
 
 To charge which part most dishonest we can 
 
 guess 
 In all ills, namely, pride and covetousness. 
 
 Wherein as we in covetousness have said. 
 Let us now each part appose other in pride. 
 The which vice, for both our sides uprightly 
 
 weighed. 
 Dishonesty therein shall be verified 
 To lie altogether on the spiders' side. 
 Spiders are of flies alway curtsey takers, 
 And flies to spiders alway curtsey makers. 
 
 And yet (I say) in bending our knees to fall, 
 Flies looking like lambs, spiders like lions 
 
 look, [all, 
 
 As though poor flies' were made for rich spiders 
 Of which, though foolish flies the sufl"rance 
 
 may brook, [book 
 
 Wise flies cannot brook it, for they find in 
 This demand written. When Adam dolve and 
 
 Eve span. 
 Who was, in those golden days, a gentleman? 
 
 None, as who say. And were there none now 
 
 (say we) 
 The w^orld should be as good now as it was 
 
 then. 
 If yeomen flies were put in authority, 
 We would rule as well as spiders gentlemen. 
 Shall Jack sauce rule now, fly? Sir, by these 
 
 bones ten. 
 We shall sure be ruled in all kinds of laws 
 As well by Jack sauce, as by master John 
 
 daws. 
 
200 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 44 
 
 [Y.iii.v. 
 What wit or what wealth winneth your estate 
 
 stout, [do nought. 
 
 Look highly, speak lordly, command all, and 
 Gay gear, goodly cobwebs, to revel with the 
 
 rout. 
 Without any households for the poor flies 
 
 wrought. 
 But with dishes dainty far fetched and dear 
 
 bought. 
 One fat spider another feedeth in fine feast, 
 More to set out himself, than to feast his guest. 
 
 These proud peacock's properties wholly remain 
 In you proud spiders, and not in us poor flies ; 
 But most proud, most fool, as flies' proverbs 
 
 contain. 
 Flies (quoth the spider) in their proud exercise, 
 Are too far unlike lords, lords' looks t'enter- 
 
 prise; 
 Lordlike to look, flies* countenance cannot 
 
 brook ; 
 But though flies look not lordlike, knavelike 
 
 they look. 
 
 Shall we not find a knave fly, not worth two 
 
 straws. 
 Look more proudly than the best lord in a shire ? 
 Yes, and take upon him, in chop logic laws, 
 To control us and our households far and near. 
 So that by pride, less dishonesty showeth here 
 In lordly looks of spiders' lordlike bravery. 
 Than in flies' knavish deeds, by knavelike 
 
 knavery. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 44 201 
 
 Of which sort of false malapert minions, 
 Thou art captain, caitiff, against us to kick. 
 And sure thou holdest perilous opinions ; 
 Were thou opposed pithily to the quick, 
 I durst lay my life thou art an heretic. 
 I defy (quoth the fly) the wretch that so saith. 
 Hark ! I will even in your ear confess my faith. 
 
 [Y.iv.r. 
 The fly, blowing- awhile in the spider's ear, 
 The spider that while breathing- in the fly's 
 
 neck, [spear ; 
 
 Both cried out, as they had been stung on a 
 I am killed ! (quoth the spider), death cometh at 
 
 beck ! 
 This fly hath blown fly-blows in mine ear a 
 
 peck. [the road ! 
 
 I am poisoned (quoth the fly), death rideth in 
 This spider's breath maketh me swell like a 
 
 toad ! 
 
 Triacle, cried th'one ! An ear pick, cried 
 
 th 'other ! 
 The fly flew, the spider crept, quite out of sight. 
 The fly flun^ef one way, the spider ran another ; 
 Fume of fiery fury in both was s'een right. 
 But both being anon gone out of sight quite, 
 Th'ant, in reproach of their communication, 
 Told them all part of his imagination. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 28 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
202 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 45 
 
 [Y.iv.v. 
 flAfter a few words, which th'ant speaketh to 
 the rest of both sorts there, they are assigned 
 to stand hack again, while th' arbiters gather 
 out of this railing such reason as they can. 
 
 Cap. 45, 
 
 [Z.i.r. — cc. 
 
 IT is commonly said, and commonly seen, 
 Whereas any number of any sort be, 
 Of all sorts there be, and evermore have been ; 
 And as in most base sort some right good we 
 
 see, 
 So in the best sort as ill to decree. 
 Example whereof no better proof ensureth, 
 In no one example, than this one procureth. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 45 203 
 
 Of you, both sorts spiders and flies, present 
 here, 
 
 You use yourselves honestly, many and most; 
 
 But yet thereto see we that here doth appear 
 
 On each one side one so brimly brag- and boast, 
 
 That they prove on both sides some knaves in 
 the cos't : 
 
 I mean these twain gone, whom upon inquir- 
 ing, 
 
 Are, in honest audience, not worth the hearing. 
 
 Forsooth (said a sober spider), even indeed 
 They are unworthy hearmg m any place. 
 True (quoth a wise fly), but since it was agreed 
 By common counsels' on both sides to purchase 
 Or provide them to join with us in this case, 
 It seemeth unseemly for us to reject 
 Such as our electors to us have elect. 
 
 It seemeth so (said the ant) and I take it so. 
 Brother butterfly, will ye that they depart. 
 While we twain to groping of this matter go? 
 Yea, master ant (quoth he), with all my heart. 
 They all (once again) from them twain revart, 
 While they two devise some way of availing- 
 To gather right reason out of rude railing. 
 
204 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 46 
 
 [Z.i.v. 
 ^Th'arhiters consider in this taunting talk, that 
 sundry dishonest abuses there are in sundry 
 parties on both sides. Upon their agreement of 
 conclusion wherein, they have before them 
 those other spiders and flies again. Cap. 46. 
 
 -:^3 
 
 [Z.ii.r. 
 
 TO pass this last case (quoth th'ant) as in 
 award, 
 Which part is most dishonest, the case erst 
 
 weighed, 
 Reasoning which is most honest part to regard, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 46 205 
 
 Is a plain plat to prove this likewise laid. 
 As honesty there is equally displayed, 
 To show the t'one part as honest as the t'other, 
 So show both here like dishonest, th'one and 
 th 'other. 
 
 What kinds of faults we may in the s'piders 
 
 find. 
 The same (or the like) we may find in the flies ; 
 So that (I say) as equity hath assigned. 
 One degree of dishonesty in both lies, [tries 
 Where our former talk (quoth the butterfly) 
 The honesty one in both the sides, yet ye know 
 That honesty in the flies shineth most in show. 
 
 For that (which I told you I would in mind 
 
 bear) 
 Flies far more in number than spiders appear. 
 True (quoth th'ant), and as most number win- 
 
 neth flies there 
 Most show of honesty, so most number here 
 Most show of dishonesty showeth in flies clear. 
 As most number of the honest shine most in 
 
 fame, 
 Most number of dishonest shine most in shame. 
 
 Then (quoth the butterfly) as flies here nought 
 g-et. 
 
 So lose they nought, wherein let us be content 
 
 To set the hare's head against the goose's 
 giblet. 
 
 Both sides to adjudge like honest I assent. 
 
 And I (quoth the ant) do give the same judg- 
 ment. 
 
 Hereupon they called all again to stand near, 
 
 To whom wherein th'ant declared as ensueth 
 here. 
 
2o6 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 47 
 
 [Z.ii.v. 
 ^Th^ant declareth in those spiders and flies, 
 that the tales of the pert spider and fly before 
 told do charge each other's part in such sort 
 that they cannot say which side is most dis- 
 honest; hut they two adjudge clearly in dis- 
 honest things both sides of like dishonesty. 
 Wherewith they all avoided back again, th'ar- 
 hiters talk to fall to a point between themselves 
 what report finally and fully to make. 
 
 Cap. 47. 
 
 [Z.iii.r. 
 
 ALTHOUGH the railing' of those railers 
 late g'one [thought, 
 
 For itself or themselves, unmeet may be 
 Either to be talked upon or thought upon, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 47 207 
 
 Yet since the matter of their talk such talk 
 brought [wrought, 
 
 That as one ground of our talk, talk hath it 
 We have wroujjht thereto considerate consent, 
 To conclude therein this extended extent. 
 
 Dishonesty in spiders and in flies both 
 Appeareth approved so indifferently, 
 That on which side the most dishonesty g-oeth 
 We cannot know nor otherwise verify, 
 But like dishonesty on both sides doth lie. 
 So that out of hand to declare our decree. 
 Both part in dishonesty have one degree. 
 
 But forasmuch as dishonesty here touched 
 Was to prove or disprove honesty before, 
 Which part of both most or least honesty 
 
 avouched, 
 And that dishonesty doth decide no more 
 Than honesty did, leave dishonesty's lore; 
 And by former talk in honesty alone. 
 Take honesty on both parts here, judged one. 
 
 The grave number on both sides agreed to this. 
 Whereupon th'ant asked who had further to 
 
 say 
 Concerning evidence in the premisses. 
 They all said they had to say no further, they. 
 Well, said they both, ye all yet again away. 
 Which done, they both each to other their 
 
 minds brake. 
 What end (now at end) they finally might take. 
 
208 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 48 
 
 [Z.iii.v. 
 
 ^Th'arhiters being agreed on their report, they 
 call to them again the spiders and the files. 
 
 Cap. 48. 
 
 [Z.iv.r. 
 
 BROTHER butterfly (quoth th'ant), how 
 think ye now? 
 
 What maketh all this evidence for either side? 
 
 All alike for both (quoth he), now how say you? 
 
 I say the same (quoth th'ant) wherein is speci- 
 fied 
 
 Too hard a trial to judge the best side tried, 
 
 The best side of both, since doubt hath thus 
 drowned it. 
 
 Let's at last leave it as we at first found it. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 48 
 
 209 
 
 Agreed (quoth the butterfly), by my good sooth. 
 
 They herewith called again the spiders and 
 flies, 
 
 Each hoping to hear a tale for his own tooth. 
 
 But th'ant being (for an ant) learned and wise, 
 
 Otherwise weighing, otherwise did devise 
 
 Of this process passed, whereto report the pith ; 
 
 For which (unto them all) he made way forth- 
 with. 
 
 HEY. III. 
 
210 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 49 
 
 [Z.iv.v. 
 ^Th'ant showeth them that the butterfly and he 
 are at point what to report, devising it to he re- 
 ported before the head spider and the fly in the 
 cobweb, the two principal parties, and to have 
 with them to hear and witness their report, two 
 spiders and two flies, witty and discreet, and 
 the rest to stay there till their return. Which 
 being agreed, they set forth straight to the 
 said cobweb. Cap. 49. 
 
 [Aa.i.r. — dd. 
 
 KNOW ye all that we two being- full agreed 
 What we shall say, we must now full agree 
 Where we shall say ; which saying- must be de- 
 creed 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 49 
 
 211 
 
 Before those two that did us two decree 
 As friends of trust in this authority. 
 The spider and fly (mean I) which two are 
 Chief grounds in the case that we must now 
 declare. 
 
 The butterfly and all the res't there said 
 For that report that was the place most fit. 
 Let us, with us (quoth th'ant), have forth in aid 
 Two spiders and two flies of credence and wit, 
 And all the rest till our return here to sit. 
 They two with the two two's following in order, 
 Pass"ed on till they came to the cobweb's 
 border. 
 
 The fly in cobweb stood up, and prayer left, 
 Longing for meed of prayer prayed ere then 
 With deadly look, as death had life bereft. 
 But when the spider into place came then, 
 Alas ! poor fly, how he looked pale and wan. 
 All those without, unto the spider within, 
 At their low curtsey done, th'ant did thus begin. 
 
 p 2 
 
212 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 50 
 
 [Aa.i.v. 
 ^iThe ant associate with the said sort pro- 
 nounceth at length (to the spider and fly in the 
 cobweb) this brief effect, that inasmuch as on 
 both sides the evidence is one, and that the cre- 
 dence is one, by the honesty being one, they 
 
 two can (in reason) no way try how to lay 
 th'accustomed right more on throne side than 
 on th'other. They flnally leave the case even at 
 liberty, as they found it, and so depart to the 
 place of arbitrament again. Cap. 50. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 50 213 
 
 lAa.ii.r. 
 
 MY great good uncle, and little good friend 
 fly, 
 
 Where you two chose us two your arbiters late, 
 To adjudge (by reason) the custom rightly 
 Of spiders and flies, in all windows situate. 
 Which part should have all, or what part we 
 
 should rate 
 To either part, what hath thereon risen sith, 
 And what in fine for fine doth rise, hear the pith. 
 
 In the first talk between you twain and us 
 
 twain, 
 Th'issue to try was (as ye said unto us). 
 How right in all windows (I say) doth remain 
 To both sides, as reason may custom discuss, 
 You, for you and all spiders, alleging thus — 
 All parts in all windows (none except) said ye, 
 Are yours and all spiders', as in tenure free. 
 
 Wherein you fly (as ye then affirmed) held, 
 All holes in all windows are flies' free of old. 
 Tops and sides being spiders' hold free, to build 
 Head houses or tenantries or what ye would. 
 So that for the holes only is all the hold ; 
 Which (upon further evidence to consider) 
 We (as ye willed us to go) went together 
 
 Where spiders and flies, a certain number met. 
 Before appointed, evidence to disclose ; 
 And first for all spiders, one to us there set. 
 Said ; — As report of spiders hath gone and 
 
 goes. 
 All holes in all windows are theirs to dispose. 
 The flies then callecr, one fly for all verified, 
 All holes, by all flies' wordS; belong to flics' 
 
 side. 
 
214 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 50 
 
 [Aa.ii.v. 
 These two in their two tales showing difference 
 
 none, 
 In matter nor in words, save only that they 
 Laid the same each on the side he standetK 
 
 upon, 
 They both and they all strangers to us to say 
 This one sentence in which of both sides to lay, 
 Both showing- alike credible, to us too ; 
 That was thing difficult for us two to do. 
 
 Whereupon both parties (before us both) called 
 we, 
 
 To try on which part most credence might ap- 
 pear, 
 
 Wherein one spider and one fly of gravity, 
 
 Reasoning on which side most credence should 
 show here. 
 
 They both at last granted this, for a ground 
 clear, — 
 
 As every wight's count in honesty doth mount, 
 
 So every wight's credence amounteth in ac- 
 count. 
 
 For honesty agreed they to be the ground 
 (Or grounded cause) of credence. Then were 
 
 we driven 
 To search on which side most honesty was 
 
 found, 
 Wherein (on both sides) when all reasons were 
 given, [even. 
 
 The honesty on both sides in our judgment was 
 And so for credence (it on honesty growing). 
 One honesty, one credence in both parties show- 
 ing. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 50 215 
 
 Thus their evidence being- one, whereunto 
 Their credence one, by being of honesty one, 
 To try the wrongdoers, which we came to do. 
 What way can we (in reason) take? forsooth 
 
 none. 
 Wherein lacking power, since our goodwill 
 
 alone [charge, 
 
 Can do nought honestly this charge to dis- 
 As we this case found here, we leave here, at 
 
 large. 
 
 [Aa.iii.r. 
 Friend butterfly (said the spider), how say you? 
 As mas'ter ant hath said (said he) so say I. 
 Then (quoth the spider) with thanks to you 
 
 both now, 
 We both discharge you. Sir (quoth the butter- 
 
 fly)' 
 
 My poor kinsfly here that in durance doth lie, 
 For charge or discharge in every condition, 
 I beseech your mastership handle him with 
 'scretion. 
 
 I will (quoth the spider) us'e him no worse 
 Than standeth with reason, law, custom, and 
 
 conscience. 
 If (quoth the fly) those granted grounds not 
 
 reverse, 
 As, till I see them reversed, in experience 
 I see no cause to conceive lack of credence. 
 Then shall I (and all flies) laud your equity, 
 Undoubtful trust whereof much comforteth me. 
 
 Fear not that, fly (quoth he). And the fly (of 
 
 truth) 
 From dangerous dread that he drooped in ear, 
 Hopeth now in hope, as all outward show 
 
 showeth ; 
 
2i6 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 50 
 
 But yet for all th 'outward brag that he did bear, 
 Methoug-ht he seemed inwardly not without 
 
 fear, 
 Lest fair faithful promise of present pleasance 
 Might have foul faithless displeasant perform- 
 ance. 
 
 But between hope and dread he lying there still, 
 Th'ant and butterfly, the four spiders and flies. 
 Took leave and departed the same place until 
 That they last came from, where their company 
 
 lies ; 
 To repeat their doing in this compromise, 
 The spider in cobweb gone that to declare, 
 In th 'upper part of his house, where his flock 
 
 are. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 51 
 
 217 
 
 I A a. Hi. V. 
 ^Th'ant and butterfly, sat where they had sat, 
 th'ant repeateth to those spiders and flies the 
 report made by him at the said cobweb. At end 
 whereof the spiders and flies, seeing that time 
 spent all in vain, each side among themselves 
 fall in murmuring. Cap. 51. 
 
 \Aa.iv.r. 
 
 TH'ANT and butterfly, set where they erst 
 had sat, 
 Those spiders and flies standing where they erst 
 
 stood, 
 Th'ant repeating- this, they perceiving in it 
 
2l8 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 52 
 
 Much time spent on all parts and no part take 
 
 good, 
 They beg-an generally to change their mood. 
 The spiders together clustering and cluttering, 
 The flies together in murmuring muttering. 
 
 ^Upon the spiders and the flies muttering, mur- 
 muring, suddenly there come nigh about them, 
 a wonderful number of all manner of flies in 
 their warlike manner. Whereat with twink of 
 an eye (as it were) the head spider (with a great 
 number of spiders) hath builded a strong 
 castle in that cobweb, with ordnance and 
 weapons and spiders ready in order of defence. 
 
 Cap. 52. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 52 
 
 219 
 [Aa.iv.v. 
 
 [At this point the regularity of the signatures in the 
 1556 edition is interrupted. Before Bh.i.r. three gather- 
 ings of four leaves occur (=12 leaves=^2^ pages). 
 Obviously this was to provide for the full-page illustra- 
 
220 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 52 
 
 [ — ee. 
 
 tions introduced for the first time in this edition. The 
 supplementary signatures are given as they occur in 
 the original : see Note-Book.] 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 52 221 
 
 HEREWITH (even suddenly, at twink of 
 an eye) 
 Came such a flig-ht of flies in scattered array, 
 As shadowed the sun from th 'earth to the sky. 
 No kind of fly ahve but was there that day. 
 Tag and rag", Hke lions raging- now rage they ; 
 Flesh flies, butterflies, land flies, water flies, 
 Bees, bumblebees", wasps, hornets, g-nats of all 
 size. 
 
 The grand Captain, standing amid among this 
 rout, [told ; 
 
 Was the fly that flang from thence in fury erst 
 
 Seldom hath been seen such a sort, and all so 
 stout, 
 
 Except here and there one, temperate to behold ; 
 
 Staves, bats, clubs, pitchforks, most beggarly, 
 most bold. 
 
 Wherewith the spiders that erst gave evidence, 
 
 In the cobweb took sanctuary for defence. 
 
 Where, whether this" proud spider gave word 
 
 before. 
 Who with that pert fly had before there prated, 
 Or that spiders of ordinary have store 
 Of all munition for wars ready rated, 
 I wot not; but without more time delated. 
 Ordnance of all sorts round the cobweb was 
 
 laid. 
 And all spiders with all weapons pressed in aid. 
 
 Daggs, handguns, hakes, arquebusses, cul- 
 
 verins, flings, 
 Potguns, sakers, cannons, double and demy, 
 Field pieces, of all suits, with all belonging 
 
 things, 
 
222 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. S3 
 
 Bills, bows, partisans, pikes, to push far or 
 
 nigh ; 
 And to occupy all, spiders placed aptly, 
 Each of them harnessed meet for his property, 
 The rest all in bright harness cap-a-pie. 
 
 The flies of all ordnance were not destitute, 
 
 Nor furnished like as the spiders were ; 
 
 Rusty rotten pieces, their terror to bruit. 
 
 They shot off, and shot wide of marks every 
 where. 
 
 Drums, fifes, flags, and whifflers, none wanted 
 there ; 
 
 Banners displayed on both sides all arms bear- 
 ing, _ [ing. 
 
 In heralds' books avowed for both sides wear- 
 
 The flies, in number above the spiders far, 
 The spiders, in order far better than they. 
 The flies will adventure to make or to mar; 
 The spiders (not suddenly) soberly weigh 
 To defend or offend the flies as they may. 
 The spiders in cobweb will bide this jeopardy ; 
 The flies in field will besiege them at liberty. 
 
 \The tail-piece as on p. 38 is here given in 
 original.^ 
 
 ^This huge heap of flies light about th' arbiters, 
 apprehending th'ant, casting a halter about his 
 neck, drawing him to their tree of reformation 
 {as they call it) to hang him straight. But at 
 his suit to be heard speak ere he die, one fly 
 fieeth into the tree, wherewith the captain com- 
 niandeth silence. Cap. 53. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 53 
 
 223 
 
 [The plate as on p. 220 is here repeated in 
 original.] 
 
224 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 53 
 
 THIS innumerable flock of flies are now 
 Marched unto th'arbiters, and, they there 
 lighted, [vow 
 
 They took th'ant prisoner with an unadvised 
 To spite the spiders, who had flies long- spited, 
 That he should straig^ht be hanged, and then in- 
 dicted 
 Of felony against flies as an adherent 
 To spiders, in their usurpation urgent. 
 
 Hang him up (quoth one) with wild words and 
 wide wit, [where, 
 
 A false wretch he is, and well known every- 
 
 And would be known nowhere, wherever he flit. 
 
 He hath two names ; one name here, another 
 there ; 
 
 In this place called ant, in that place called pis"- 
 mire ; 
 
 And one suspected varlet two names to have 
 
 Is (in common judgment) judged a false knave. 
 
 Then stepped forth a sort of fell flies, furiously, 
 Who, having cas't a halter about th 'ant's neck. 
 To their tree of reformation standing by 
 They felly forced him, with many a churlish 
 
 check. 
 A ladder to that tree was set at a beck, [tied : 
 Where he in haste hauled up, and the halter 
 Turn the thief off the ladder, thousands cried. 
 
 Small was the marvel though th'ant were much 
 
 abashed 
 To see this sore sudden importable chance ; 
 Who liveth in nature but he must be dashed 
 Both out of courage and out of countenance. 
 That should straight be dashed out of continu- 
 ance. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 54 225 
 
 When none (or few), being forewarned of 
 
 death's hour, [shower. 
 
 Can evenly bear feeling thought of that sharp 
 
 [Aa.v.r. 
 Right now in worship set high, as a judge, 
 Even now, standing in shame to be hanged 
 It was to him a feeling grief of grudge, [high, 
 Unknown to all that have not feelingly 
 Felt of the same in their experiency ; 
 His look and hue now and late so unlike, 
 That to the heart a Jew that sight must strike. 
 
 In which agony, calling to him his wit. 
 One wise fly, at all former talk present, 
 Seeming with all flies present in good credit, 
 He prayed to persuade all there to be content 
 To hear him speak, ere he his life should relent. 
 But reason (quoth that fly) ; and therewithal he, 
 To get th'ant that grace, gat him in to that 
 tree. 
 
 The fly there bent to speak, the captain grand, 
 By mouth of an herald at trumpet sound. 
 In proclamation did silence straight command. 
 Whereat, a few words here and there in ears 
 round, [drowned ; 
 
 To hear that fly speak their speech was all 
 Whereupon the captain, bidding that fly say. 
 These or these like few words, he said straight- 
 way. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 234 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 ^,The fly in the tree, to persuade the flies to hear 
 the ant speak, wadeth honestly, politicly to 
 allure them to quiet hearing of the ant before 
 they put him to death. His which tale told, he 
 removeth to his place again. Cap. 54. 
 
 HEY. III. Q 
 
226 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 54 
 
 [The plate as on p. 220 is here given in ori- 
 ginal.] 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 54 227 
 
 BROTHERS and brotherly friends all, I 
 doubt not 
 Ye know me a fly, and take me such a fly 
 As for ant, or spider, in anywhat 
 Will not be false to the flock that naturally 
 I oug"ht to be true unto to live or die ; 
 For this ant and all ants what I shall say now 
 Shall approve me none of them, but one of you. 
 
 Of whom each one another myself to say, 
 And each one to other (I hope) likewise knit. 
 Let us all as one, entering- this one journey, 
 Enter the path as we may pass throug^h it ; 
 One deep induction whereto, judged in my wit, 
 Is to flee rash deeds rashly done here, for such 
 Have undone all, in our like case, very much. 
 
 One of which dangerous deeds (under correc- 
 tion). 
 We do in this deed, th'ant thus to death to 
 
 draw 
 Without accusation or detection 
 Whereby might appear any colour of law 
 To kill him ; this lo ! doth my conscience g^naw. 
 And yet more ; the number here in ire so stirred, 
 That they would have him hanged, and not 
 speak one word. 
 
 Which deed If we do, where are our like mon- 
 sters ? 
 First to apprehend an ant undetected 
 By any colour that any word consturs, 
 To be either detected or suspected. 
 And not only straight unto death directed. 
 But die, not suffered to speak ; defame of us 
 That perpetual trump will blow in shame of us. 
 
 o 2 
 
228 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 54 
 
 Wherefore for us (and not for him), as I said, 
 
 I sue to you, as he hath sued to me 
 
 To hear him speak ; which speech of you heard 
 
 and weighed. 
 As you shall be agreed, so shall I agree 
 To hang him or save him, as we cause shall see. 
 This tale thus told, down the fly again flitteth, 
 And where he erst did sit, there he again sit- 
 
 teth. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 55 229 
 
 ^The fly's former fine tale no whit stirreth the 
 gross flies to the hearing of the ant. Where- 
 upon the butterfly (that was an arbiter) fleeth 
 into the tree, labouring the flies to have the 
 ant heard speak ere he die. Cap. 55. 
 
 [The plate as on p. 223 is here given in 
 original. ] 
 
 \The plate as on p. 220 is here given in 
 original.\ 
 
 WITH this a chirm in murmuring there fell 
 Amongst them all, they in flocks flocking 
 anon, 
 Here and there a flock, like sort to like to tell 
 Their minds, and some praised, some dis- 
 praised the tale gone. 
 This tale showeth this fly honest and wise (saith 
 
 one) ; 
 He is a false flattering fly (saith another) ; 
 He said well, but he meant ill (said some other). 
 
 Th'ant hath bribed him (quoth one) ; he is cor- 
 rupt sure. 
 
 An ant bribe a fly? (quoth another) wherewith? 
 
 With jone of his eggs ? that is a sore allure 
 
 To tempt a fly ! Nay (quoth one), this is the 
 pith : 
 
 He is a spy for the spiders, I see even sith. 
 
 I heard no word (quoth one) to suspect him by. 
 
 (Quoth one) All his words sound suspiciously. 
 
 So many heads, so many wits there were seen. 
 The honest flies that fly's tale honestly did 
 
 brook ; 
 The contrary, took his tale contrary clean. 
 I heard by some flies' words, and saw by their 
 
 look, 
 
230 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 56 
 
 That th'ill sort the good sort against their wills 
 
 took. 
 Good flies would have suffered and have sit 
 
 even still 
 Rather than have risen, by force of th'ill. 
 
 But forth he must (they say) that the devil doth 
 
 drive ; 
 Things are not wrought by wisdom in such a 
 
 rout ; [trive, 
 
 Will, and not wisdom, must such matters con- 
 All surety of safety to bring in a doubt. 
 Or to set safety undoubtedly quite out ; 
 In which safety such flies as sat fast before, 
 Must leave hold to take hold on contrary shore. 
 
 lAa.vi.r. 
 
 They being now driven, they must do as they 
 
 shall. 
 And not as they would, and for this case in 
 
 hand, [all. 
 
 Hang the ant forthwith ! cried the most number 
 The blunt butterfly, that arbiter had stand, 
 Whipped into the tree as' fierce as a fire brand, 
 And at silence had upon the trumpet's blast, 
 He must blow his blast, or else his heart must 
 
 brast. 
 
 l^The tail-piece as on p. 28 is here given in 
 original.^ 
 
 fiThe hutterfly (to get th'ant to he heard) 
 telleth his tale in such rude manner and matter, 
 that anon he setteth them all [well nigh) to- 
 gether by the ears. But upon his gross tale 
 grossly told [much more liked than the fly's 
 finer tale) they grant to hear the ant speak. 
 
 Cap. 56. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 56 
 
 [The plate as on p. 220 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
232 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 56 
 
 WHAT a sort of captain cobblers have we 
 here? 
 Under our grand captain, I charge everyone 
 Keep silence, and obedience all in fear. 
 In the circumcision that^we go upon, 
 Think you the victory lieth on your hands, not 
 
 one. 
 Sharmish ye may, and like capon cockers cock, 
 But we butterflies must here bide the shock. 
 
 And why not we wasps (quoth one) as well as 
 
 you ? [dor) 
 
 Why not we dors as well as both? (quoth one 
 Why not flies and gnats ? (quoth one) of each 
 
 sort now ; 
 Being a huge heap, exceeding all number, 
 To overcome yonder spider senior, 
 As well as fewer great lubbers. Mark this 
 
 mark : 
 The old proverb saith, many hands make light 
 
 work. 
 
 So light work their light heads, for light hands 
 
 made. 
 That each one's light fist was bent to other's 
 
 ear, 
 Sort against sort, they anon entered such trade, 
 That I thought they would all have gone by 
 
 th'ears there, 
 Till their captain, with cap in hand, to forbear 
 In beseeching entreated them. Which heat 
 
 gone, 
 Let the butterfly speak ! they cried everyone. 
 
 The butterfly bluntly thus entered again. 
 What devil! flies, be you friends? be you so 
 hastise 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 56 233 
 
 That your friends may not speak their wills 
 
 plat and plain? 
 A devil's name (I say) your chatting tongues 
 
 chastise ; 
 I ween you eat no skins meat but daw pasties. 
 Peace, dawpates, while I tell a thing now re- 
 
 jounst 
 In my head, which to utter I am compounst. 
 
 Ye would have the ant hanged, before he be 
 heard. 
 
 For that think you most policy. As scons 
 my dear : 
 
 Ye may not hear him first and hang him after- 
 ward ; 
 
 But every fly thinking himself stood now here, 
 
 Where this ant standeth, and at hanging even 
 as near. 
 
 Should it not sting him like sting of an adder 
 
 To think to be turned without speech from this 
 ladder? 
 
 Wise flies say it Is sin to lie on the devil ; 
 Then hear the truth told of this present poor 
 
 ant ; 
 Who that can 'cuse him, let him allege the evil. 
 But my soul from salvation slide to hell aslant 
 If he in our bitterment showed any want 
 Of conscionable differency in his words dolt, 
 But between both parts stood upright as a bolt. 
 
 You all, weighing this thing in ponderatlon, 
 In hearing of him what equality ye show. 
 And in not hearing him ; what slanderation 
 To us all shall grow I that since ye all do know, 
 
234 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 57 
 
 Weig-h it quickly, and your minds therein out- 
 blow. 
 
 Down he flew : whereupon the flies said they 
 would [told. 
 
 Hear th'ant speak. And thereupon this tale he 
 
 ^The ant prayeth to he heard speak thoroughly 
 before any part of his tale he adjudged, and 
 then they to adjudge the whole as standeth with 
 equity. First alleging better to clear himself 
 from offending the flies; finally giving them 
 (as it seemeth) friendly counsel [touching this 
 strife)^ grounded upon this common saying : Be- 
 fore thou aught begin, have an eye to the end. 
 
 Cap. 57. 
 
 [The plate as on p. 223 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 \The plate as on p. 220 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 57 235 
 
 MY masters, flies here all In general, 
 And each one particularly I humbly pray, 
 What things I shall touch, general or special, 
 To take to the best. And first that I may, 
 As remembrancer of your remembrance, lay 
 One special mean forth here remembered to be, 
 Drawing hearers in all things' to equity. 
 
 And equity in all things to give or to take 
 (Among other virtues) is a virtue pure ; 
 Inequity, for wrong, no way can make 
 Where equity is set and settled sure ; 
 For equity in no wise may endure 
 Balance, to any one side cast or driven ; 
 Equity equally keepeth the balance even. 
 
 Which mean for which equity to be obtained, 
 
 Is that hearers, in hearing this my case, 
 
 See that definitive judgment be refrained, 
 
 In any part thereof to take any place 
 
 Till the whole be heard ; which hearing to 
 
 purchase, 
 Is my great suit, beseeching all to sus"pend 
 Judgment in every part till all parts take end. 
 
 First for me, next for you and me, last for you, 
 I sue to be heard. And first for me, mark all. 
 From all offence by me done to you here now, 
 Since I came in this case that doth here fall, 
 I am cleared by one unsuspect for partial ; 
 I mean that worshipful master butterfly. 
 Who trieth me to have dealt here indifferently. 
 
 He cleareth me since I came ; and before I 
 
 came, 
 If any fly (justly) to my charge can lay 
 In anything weighing the weight of a dram, 
 
236 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 57 
 
 By word or deed, either open or privy, 
 That ever I hurt fly any manner way, 
 Then let my punishment here be so ample 
 That all ants may thereby take an example. 
 
 But being- clear since I came, and, more t'avow, 
 Being clear till I came from word and deed ill, 
 Alas ! why will ye kill me, who hurteth not you, 
 Nor never did hurt you, nor never will, 
 Nor never can, though will would ill fulfil? 
 This for myself, as for myself proved, 
 I hope myself sure from harm by you moved. 
 
 Secondly, for you and me both, this mean I, — 
 If ye draw the blood of me (thus innocent). 
 As the loss is small, so naught win ye thereby. 
 But (as is said) infamy of endless extent ; 
 Which pain from me and shame from you to pre- 
 vent, 
 The safe salve for both sides is this to decree, 
 Save you my life, and that saveth your honesty. 
 
 Third and last point, naught for me, all for 
 
 you. 
 Proving me not only you no whit to hate. 
 But much to love, a tale I'll tell and a vow, 
 Which you hearing and following in steady 
 
 state, 
 Shall steadily stay you from harm in debate 
 That hangeth over your heads much more than 
 
 ye see. 
 Wherein for you, and not for me, (I say) hear 
 
 me. 
 
 Among many precepts philosophical 
 Given to all persons to take profit by. 
 For time, place, and case present, above all 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 57 237 
 
 One serveth in sentence most singularly. 
 The words short, the matter long, the reason 
 high ; [pend — 
 
 Which words and matter on these words do de- 
 Ere thou aught begin, have an eye to the end. 
 
 This pure precept, as all oft in words say it, 
 
 If all did do it, in effectual deed. 
 
 So that our deeds did it as our words weigh it, 
 
 Oh, what commodity thereby should proceed ! 
 
 Our full felicity should thereupon breed. 
 
 As contrarily breedeth in contrary show, 
 
 Infelicity, as we feelingly know. 
 
 Who would begin a fray and his foe therein kill 
 If he looked to th'end, that should hang him 
 
 therefore ? 
 I ween all the world should be kept from all ill 
 Kept we this lesson well in practised lore, 
 To th'end of beginning to look evermore 
 Before we begin, for when we have begun 
 The leaving off lightly is not lightly won. 
 
 Small things begun, without looking to their 
 
 end, 
 Some oft to ill end, great loss, and jeopardy; 
 Great things begun then none eye on th'end 
 
 t'attend. 
 At (or ere) their beginning we must agree 
 To be our much more discommodity. 
 As things greater and smaller differ in size, 
 So differeth here discommodity likewise. 
 
 [Bb.i.r.—hh. 
 And of all our great things no one of more 
 
 weight. 
 Nor thereby more meet th'end therein to weigh 
 At beginning, than is that bitter bait 
 
238 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 57 
 
 Of wretched war, the very lock and key 
 That latcheth and locketh us all from quiet stay. 
 Who that (in rash roof) beginneth to contend, 
 He repenteth beginning ere he come to end. 
 
 It is a thing right far beyond an ant's reach 
 
 To blaze the plat of poison generally 
 
 Set abroach by war ; but short some to fetch, 
 
 War's harm and good stand both unspeakably; 
 
 Both are (I say) unspeakable; for why? 
 
 War hath done more harm than tale of tongue 
 
 can hold ; 
 War hath done no good, and naught cannot be 
 
 told. 
 
 War hath wrought such woe that all flies com- 
 monly 
 z\nd spiders eke, of which two sorts I speak, 
 Having in all times had experiency 
 Of rash beginning of war, the peace to break, 
 They seeing (in their war) their winning weak. 
 Would lose half the good they had to peace to 
 
 fall 
 Rather than jeopard in war goods, life, and all, 
 
 And of both sorts in this case, wearied in war, 
 Flies have had ever cause to mislike war most ; 
 When spiders and flies have fallen at this like 
 
 jar, [right boast, 
 
 For quarrels, wherein flies might most their 
 Whoever had the right, the flies the field lost. 
 To one score spiders slain, flies slain twenty 
 
 score. 
 And much of their offspring lost for evermore. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 57 239 
 
 [Bh.i.v. 
 Which showeth (as spiders call it) that no sedi- 
 tion 
 Can have good success' in flies inferior 
 By stubborn war, but by humble petition ; 
 For thing- interior, or exterior 
 Flies must sue to the spider superior. 
 They take this as a full hold not to be remissed ; 
 Wellframed flies will suffer and not resist. 
 
 Flies wrecks in wars in time passed, if flies re- 
 volve [been, 
 How spiders' cobwebs flies* sepulchres have 
 Your wise quiet retire shall this war dissolve. 
 But if smart of time passed be forgotten clean, 
 Cast eye to peril at eye presently seen ; 
 View yonder cobweb castle with indifferent eye, 
 And mark whether ye be matched indifferently. 
 
 Behold the battlements in every loop 
 
 How th 'ordnance lieth flies far and near to 
 
 fach ; [group 
 
 Behold how every piece that lieth there in 
 Hath a spider gunner with ready fired match ; 
 Behold on the walls spiders waking ware 
 
 watch ; 
 The watch spider in the tower alarum to strike 
 At approach of any number showing warlike. 
 
 See th'impregnable fort, in every border 
 How every spider with his weapon doth stand, 
 So thoroughly harnessed, in so good order, 
 The capital spider with weapon in hand. 
 For that sort of soldiers, so manfully manned 
 With cobwebs like casting nets all flies to quell, 
 My heart shaketh at the sight; behold, it is 
 hell ! 
 
240 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 57 
 
 [Bh.ii.r. 
 Against whole strength there, your weakness 
 
 here behold ; 
 Some have harness, most have none, all out of 
 
 'ray ; 
 Captains practised politic and bold 
 Few or none have ye this army to convey, 
 But each in other's neck, as sheep s'tart astray. 
 Ordnance meet for the ship ye bring to the 
 
 field; 
 But force without order winneth victory seld. 
 
 And put case that of you forty thousand flies 
 Thirty thousand shall 'scape, and his window 
 
 win. 
 Yet if each one of you in himself surmise 
 That he shall be one that shall die entering in. 
 What one fly (of all flies) will th'assault begin? 
 No one, but that one that from home now come 
 Shall think hims'elf wisest, that soonest goeth 
 
 home. 
 
 But to die all and in this window nought gain, 
 Of that said practice of time past assureth ye. 
 To venture life and suffer death are things 
 
 twain. 
 Venturing of life, t'obtain right, oft see we; 
 But to venture life where death hath certain- 
 
 For thes'e kinds of right to die while ye may 
 
 live. 
 No wise fly will, but right rather overgive. 
 
 But if your harms of time passed be forgotten, 
 Warning of present harms at present time take ; 
 Of which two measures if none may be moten, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 57 241 
 
 Time passed, nor time present (of which two I 
 spake), [make, 
 
 Let the third, time to come, be mean th'end to 
 
 Weighing- that in time to come the end must 
 come 
 
 To one end of four, which follow here in some. 
 
 [Bh.ii.v. 
 After this war begun, either both parts shall 
 Take end with condition as both parts can 
 
 'gree. 
 Or continue in war time perpetual, 
 Or the flies (by the spiders) conquered shall be, 
 Or the spiders conquered by the flies. Now see 
 How in each one end of these four shall arise 
 Painful perilous penuries to all flies. 
 
 First, if ye, after a time had in conflict 
 Take end with the spider by composition, 
 Beside the flies that to death s'hall be addicted 
 The survivors shall receive such condition 
 At the spiders' hand as the distribution 
 Shall make flies at end bid fie on their winning, 
 And after that end repent their beginning. 
 
 Second, this war continuing continually, 
 Every year, month, week, day, hour, every 
 
 minute, 
 Many flies shall die, and all may fear to die. 
 What fly can be sure one hour's life t 'execute 
 At points of all weapons, ever had in pursuit 
 In undoubted death and doubtful deadly life? 
 This end showeth small difference, where reason 
 
 is rife. 
 HEY. III. R 
 
242 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 57 
 
 Thirdly, if the spider do conquer you flies, 
 Whatsoever fly then himself best behaves, 
 The best and the worst all in one rate shall 
 
 rise ; [bond slaves ; 
 
 Now, frank, free, franklin flies, then all vile 
 Now fly in light windows, then sit in dark 
 
 caves. [clear 
 
 Flies beginning war, ending thus, they shall 
 Their hell or purgatory begin even here. 
 
 [Bh.iii.T. 
 The fourth, if you flies shall the spider conquer, 
 Then shall all spiders go to wrack first, no 
 
 doubt. 
 And after shall the flies follow everywhere. 
 When flies have killed spiders that stay the 
 
 rude rout. 
 Then fly agains't fly common cut-throat most 
 
 stout. [th 'other, 
 
 Four ends in this one war; show th'one and 
 The last being worst, each end worse than 
 
 other. 
 
 In time past, time present, and in time to come, 
 Since ye have won, do win, nor shall win here 
 
 aught. 
 Better wend your ship aloof and take sea room 
 Than run here on rocks, and to shipwreck be 
 
 brought. 
 It is too far fetched, and further too dear 
 
 bought, [strifes 
 
 To fetch and buy things with no less loss In 
 But with loss both of all your livings and lives. 
 
 Here have I said my mind, under principles 
 
 few; 
 First, desiring you to hear me thoroughly. 
 Ere ye judge any part of what I should show, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 57 243 
 
 And then to judg-e me by equity equally. 
 Whereunto for hearing in this case sued I, 
 First for me, next for you and me, last for you, 
 Of which process abridged, brief pith approach- 
 eth now. 
 
 For me, the flies' and butterflies' tales I 
 
 weighed 
 To my discharge, since I came of all offence 
 And before I came, my discharge myself laid : 
 Wherein my case being guiltless innocence. 
 For you and me, both in reason and conscience, 
 To save both sides upright, this counsel 1 gave, 
 You to save my life, your honesty to save. 
 
 [Bb.iii.v. 
 
 For you and not me, in your present quarrel. 
 On this principle my whole talk did depend — 
 Ere we aught begin, namely, thing of peril, 
 Wisdom willeth us to have an eye to the end. 
 In perilous quarrel's case to contend 
 Chiefly this : in time past, present, and to come. 
 How ye sped, and be like to speed, I showed 
 the sum. 
 
 But to end at beginning : you casting eye 
 
 At this poor counsel of poor Antony ant. 
 
 Of shape and good wit small, of good-will 
 
 great and high, 
 I shall rejoice, hoping here shall be no want 
 Of equity, in my discharge this instant. 
 Which I humbly pray. And so to end to fall, 
 I say no more, but the great God save you all. 
 
 This done, a noise began of such a buzzing, 
 Each one fly blowing in another fly's ear, 
 As if ten millions of flies had been buzzing ; 
 
 K 2 
 
244 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 58 
 
 And all by this tale so astonished in fear, 
 
 That most of them their weapons could scantly 
 
 bear. 
 Th'ant's persuasions, in dread of death, struck 
 
 them so, [go ! 
 
 That hundreds cried out, Home again let us 
 
 With this monster grand captain, the great 
 
 bragger, 
 Was much amazed and vengeably vexed. 
 To see these flies now so unsteadily stagger, 
 So late so ready to bring their foes perplexed. 
 This time (thought he) should give warning to 
 
 the next ; 
 If he 'scaped this, at all times to beware 
 With faint fond flies to fisk again a warfare. 
 
 \_Bh.iv.r. 
 J^WHe began to cast that in common known 
 
 guise 
 In all like tumults that flies' do thus procure, 
 Of simple flies most are pardoned that thus rise, 
 But captain flies (as he is now) are hanged sure ; 
 Of which pres"ent danger to put delay in' ure 
 He wound into that tree, and silence won 
 The flies t 'encourage again, thus he begun. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 154 is here given in the 
 original.^ 
 
 f\Th*ant hath set the flies in such fear of the 
 spiders, that most are ready to run away. 
 Whom to stay, the captain fly deviseth th'ant 
 to set the spiders in like fear of them hy a tale 
 told on the same ground that he told this, in 
 pain of hanging at his return. Cap. 58. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 58 245 
 
 [The plate as on p. 226 is here given in 
 
 original.] 
 
 [ii. 
 [llie plate as on p. 220 is here given in 
 
 original.] 
 
 SIRS, I see well this tale of this ant here 
 told. 
 To pass this seen peril, putteth you in such 
 
 dread. 
 That many are minded to leave off their hold, 
 As though leaving off now should your safe- 
 guard breed. 
 As it should not, nor for that it should indeed 
 His tale is told no whit, but all told for this, — 
 To save himself, and those spiders, friends of 
 his. 
 
 He seeth what and why he saith, which you see 
 
 not. 
 He foreseeth if fear drive us to run away, 
 That we shall not only lose this" window plat. 
 But in fleeing, like fleas killed in chase from 
 
 ray. [<^ay 
 
 Which shall be (he knoweth well) our leisureless 
 To be jailors to ants, and he thereupon 
 (Being his own jailor) breaketh jail and is gone. 
 
 This way our enemies win all, and we lose all ; 
 They laugh, and we weep ; they live, and we 
 
 die ; 
 They in fame, we in shame perpetual. 
 And without cost, pain, or danger, by and by, 
 This ant at liberty, immediately. 
 Thus, where th 'ant's words show him to be your 
 
 great friend. 
 Pith of th 'ant's words prove him to be your 
 
 great fiend. 
 
246 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 58 
 
 Some clarks (of whom this little ant not least 
 
 dark) 
 Can fine lies as finely as fine true tales tell; 
 Rig-ht side or wrong side, they can turn in each 
 
 work, 
 And make flies take either side true as gospel. 
 Which turn in this tale to appear in sequel, 
 I have devised a way (having- your consent) ; 
 Hear it, and speak to it as your breasts are 
 
 bent. 
 
 As this ant darkly (or craftily here) 
 Hath cast many mazing mists before your eyes, 
 Of much dread by much danger here to appear, 
 So upon his' life or death, let him devise 
 Upon the same ground that your fear doth 
 
 arise, [dreads 
 
 A speech to the spiders, to show what deep 
 He can draw or drive into their hearts and 
 
 heads. 
 
 Which ground is this, — ere any wight aught 
 
 begin, 
 Have an eye to th'end the wise wight sayeth 
 
 (sayeth he). 
 Wherein (to match the fear that you be now in), 
 If he bring spiders in as much fear of ye 
 As he hath brought you in fear of them to be, 
 Then at return pardon him, goods, life, and 
 
 land ; 
 Which if ye do not, then hang him out of hand. 
 
 Be it so, cried all. Then said tliis one that all 
 
 leads, [stands ; 
 
 Choose forty flies to guard this ant that here 
 
 Twenty whose hands we trust more than their 
 
 heads ; 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 58 247 
 
 And twenty whose heads we trust more than 
 
 their hands ; 
 All of heart trusty, both power and policy 
 
 bands ; [these 
 
 And for fear of false measures among- all 
 Send some that somewhat leave behind, loth 
 to lose. 
 
 This said, and th'ant sworn his best here to 
 
 be bent, 
 An herald with trumpet and truce banner 
 
 'splayed. 
 For their safe conduct to the spider they sent. 
 The spider warned watch to see their coming" 
 
 stayed. 
 It should (to his honour) be reproach, he said, 
 To treat with traitors in order of arms, 
 But of grace he granteth them to come without 
 
 harms. 
 
 The herald and that rest to the captain fly 
 And all flies, the spider's pleasure did declare; 
 Wherewith, to guard th'ant, they chose out 
 
 flies forty. 
 Whom while they were choosing, one couple 
 
 there, 
 Two flies of busy wit, as sundry flies are, 
 Fell to divining by conjecture to show. 
 What should in this message, and messenger, 
 
 grow. 
 
 How sayst thou, my friend (quoth th'one fly) 
 
 to this gear? 
 What wouldst thou give to have the ant's office 
 
 now? 
 Give (quoth th'other fly) not paring of a pear. 
 
248 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 58 
 
 Nor I (quoth he), but would rather make a vow 
 To leave all that I have, and live at the ploug'h, 
 Than take it. What's thy mind therein? (quoth 
 th 'other) [brother. 
 
 That shalt thou hear (hearing- this, quoth he). 
 
 If so fall that th'ant bring- not spiders in fear, 
 Then seeth he himself hanged at coming 
 
 again ; 
 And bring-ing- spiders in fear, when he cometh 
 
 there, 
 He is in dang-er of the head spider's disdain. 
 Which is another death. And to 'scape both 
 
 twain, 
 I take it to be a busy piece of work, 
 And to shoot at, a crooked crabbed mark. 
 
 For both these cases (quoth th 'other fly) put 
 
 case : 
 In either case of both, th'ant's death do ensue. 
 Yet in which case of both death shall first take 
 place, [eschew. 
 
 That will th'ant labour, first and most, to 
 Whose first peril in hands of us flies to view. 
 It shall enforce the ant in all the force he may, 
 For fear of death by flies, the spiders to fray. 
 
 [Cc.i.r. 
 Note (quoth th 'other fly) to this, this objec- 
 tion, — 
 Nature in the spiders and the ant jolneth nigh. 
 Which shall make th'ant jeopard much by 
 
 affection 
 In spiteful words to comfort spiders spitefully. 
 Rather than discomfort them thus fearing-ly. 
 I have seen some that for this like cause up- 
 stood, [harm than good. 
 Whose crafty couched tales have done more 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 58 249 
 
 They have done so (quoth th 'other) and they 
 
 do so, 
 Where fear is small, by penalty beings small; 
 But where penalty (as here) to death doth g^o, 
 In the ant'<? like tales few trip, or none at all. 
 Many say oft, hunger pierceth the stone wall ; 
 But hung-er and fear, where both come in like 
 
 ure, 
 Fear pierceth as deep as hunger, make ye sure. 
 
 The father his son, and the son his father, 
 The wife her husband, and the husband his 
 
 wife : 
 The brother, his brother, all these we gather 
 To have seen (compelled by fear), where fear 
 
 was rife. 
 Bewray and betray each other in fear of Fife, 
 Sealed see we so natural a foolish kind elf, 
 But he will hang his father to save himself, 
 
 Oft (quoth th'other) 'tis so, sometimes other- 
 wise, [have 
 
 Of flies condemned, the father and son, both 
 
 Upon their knees sued with flowing watery 
 eyes. 
 
 Each himself to be hanged the other to save. 
 
 That suit (quoth th'other fly) is no common 
 slave ; 
 
 But in his appearance so strange a stranger, 
 
 That his presence (this time) will bring no 
 danger. 
 
 [Cc.i.v. 
 
 But contrary, in these like storms we see oft. 
 
 Where ants, spiders, or flies, th'ants like tale 
 must tell. 
 
 Or they in authority, forced up aloft, 
 
250 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 58 
 
 Not for that their fetters up trust their truths 
 well, 
 
 But (as this ant) made instruments of peril, 
 
 There shall fear force them, for fear of sus- 
 picion. 
 
 To stick fast to their forcer's disposition. 
 
 They wot (or they ween), that they be watched 
 
 so. 
 That if they be but suspect to wring or wry, 
 They be undone : I would rather choose my foe 
 To be my judge, in case judicially. 
 Than my friend in this fearful forced state, for 
 
 why ? [rate 
 
 Fear of forcers shall force him more aid to 
 To his foe, whom they love, than his friend, 
 
 whom they hate. 
 
 Ye say well (said th 'other), but I say to this, 
 Said suspected sorts, in fear of authority. 
 Notwithstanding suspicion dangerous is, 
 Yet some, in faction or affection we see, 
 Or other corruption, so affected be, 
 Though life lie upon it, yet by mean direct, 
 Or indirect, they work their affection's effect. 
 
 And so for this ant, our sole cause of talk now. 
 Whatever oath in promise he for fear make. 
 To bring spiders in fear, to bring them to bow ; 
 Yet, either for nature's or affection's sake, 
 I fear he will wilily the wrong way take. 
 And I hope (quoth th 'other) his present peril 
 Shall stiffly strain him to strengthen our 
 quarrel. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 59 251 
 
 [.^Cc.ii.r. (?) 
 ^^But between you and me, In fine thus is it,— 
 You fear here the worst, and I hope here the 
 
 best ; 
 You in which fear, and I in which hope, let us 
 
 sit 
 Silently till practise by proof have expressed 
 In what scope (for what 'scape) the ant's tale 
 
 shall rest. 
 The other fly being- agreed unto this. 
 To see this end, both attend as meet now is. 
 
 This talk done, forty flies, and th'ant with them, 
 
 flew 
 Straight to the spider, before whom th'ant now 
 
 stands : 
 But how th'ant fleeth now, that shall erstsoon 
 
 ensue. 
 The spider was guarded round about with 
 
 bands, [wands, 
 
 Saving a lane, made with tipstaves and other 
 That th'ant to the spider, in hearings and show, 
 Might say (as he did say) at curtsey made low. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 38 is here given in the 
 original.] 
 
 ^Th'ant, after entering in talk (before the head 
 spider) he to him, and all the spiders (upon this 
 said ground: ere thou aught begin, have an 
 eye to the end), inveigheth what he can to set 
 the spiders in fear of the flies. Cap, 59. 
 
2^2 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 59 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 59 
 
 253 
 [kk. 
 
254 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 59 
 
 HONOURABLE sir, may it your honour 
 like 
 To consider that in affairs mere mundane, 
 Policy and power do not the stroke so strike 
 That strife (at stave's end) for victory or gain 
 Winneth alway the strong, on the weak t'ob- 
 
 tain ; 
 But sometime we see fortune, hap, or chance 
 The weaker above the stronger in strife ad- 
 vance. 
 
 Whereof myself here mirror to behold, 
 Some policy, politic heads think I have, 
 And of your power at hand might have been 
 
 bold; 
 But policy and power myself now to save, 
 Chance would not suffer, but chance both away 
 
 drave. [wrought, 
 
 Suddenness of chance this change in me hath 
 From liking lively life, to doleful death 
 
 brought. 
 
 With halter here about my neck, as ye see, 
 
 Respite have I won, to see you ere I die; 
 
 For two things, — one to pray all to pray for me, 
 
 Another (as I am bound naturally) 
 
 To warn all of deep danger here presently, 
 
 At eye, in hand. But ye your heads draw near, 
 
 To hear and use my counsel following here. 
 
 This sage saying, the wise have said and say, — 
 Have an eye to the end, ere thou aught begin. 
 Of this debate begun, then, th'end here weigh 
 What small or no pleasure ye can therein win. 
 And what great displeasure ye may be brought 
 
 in; 
 Proving you (at best) nought to win by this war, 
 And proving you (at worst) utterly to mar. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 59 255 
 
 [Cc.u.r. (?) 
 One point of four this strife cometli to of need, 
 Either after strife t 'agree by agreement, 
 Or ever to strive and never be agreed, 
 Or you to subdue the flies by the sword's dent, 
 Or the flies to conquer you, by force fervent. 
 Now if this beginning shall further begin, 
 Cast a line to th'end, and meet what ye shall 
 win. 
 
 First, t'agree after time of strife tasted; 
 In mean time on both sides the mortality, 
 Your cobwebs, their cottages, worn and 
 
 wasted. 
 All windows vacant of most fertility. 
 All from good order, to sinful civility ; 
 The best end for both sides, being extented, 
 The beginning (on both sides) shall be repented. 
 
 Next, to continue in perpetual strife ; 
 Purgatory that (nay, that is hell, say I) 
 Better dead than ever liv^ in fear to lose life. 
 As both sides shall live evermore dyingly, 
 Still starting from sleep, all slept with waking 
 
 eye. 
 I better like mine end, looking for end straight, 
 Than thus upon this endless end still to wait. 
 
 Third, if you in subjection the flies subdue, 
 Th'account bringeth small gain to that end 
 
 wedded ; 
 All flies ye cannot kill; what shall then ensue? 
 As many as ye keep in dread, to be headed. 
 So many you dread ; then who is most dreaded ? 
 One fly put in fear, putteth you in fear of ten. 
 Tell here your cards, and tell what ye win then. 
 
256 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 59 
 
 [Cc.ii.v. 
 Fourth, if the flies conquer you, oh dreadful 
 
 day ! 
 Dead in half a day ye shall be every one. 
 Of the three other ways in every one way 
 Both sides (in effect) like ill end upon ; 
 But in this fourth (fear whereof is my most 
 
 moan), 
 Where all flies shall win all and bravely boast 
 
 all, 
 All spiders s'hall lose all, and spiders be lost all. 
 
 If ye reply here, and say flies (to this day) 
 Never won this way, but ever in loss lapped ; 
 In rejoinder, rejoining- with you, this I say, — 
 It happeth in one hour, that before never 
 
 happed, [trapped ; 
 
 As it happeth me this hour with flies to be 
 And that this is more like to hap this present, 
 Than it erst hath been, mark this present bend 
 
 bent. 
 
 See (I say) each one his death here (as who 
 
 say) 
 Five thousand spiders on th'one side to fight 
 Against fifty thousand flies (oh, fearful fray), 
 A heap to a handful, the more side so Hght, 
 The less side so heavy : 'tis a heavy sight 
 In sundry respects, wherein no one of any 
 Feareth me so much as so few to so many. 
 
 Were they all cowards, as they are hardy flies, 
 Not the least fly there but he dare bite his bit 
 On the greatest ox that in the shambles lies ; 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 59 257 
 
 No weapon but the flap shall make him thence 
 
 flit, 
 Of the which weapon spiders can skill no wit. 
 But though flies but cowardly stack to the 
 
 helm, 
 Yet must the number this cobweb overwhelm. 
 
 [Cc.iii.r. 
 C45Ten to one (in war), an unmeet matched 
 
 match, [sun ; 
 
 They will march on as thick as motes in the 
 Ten thousand (in a moment) if ye dispatch. 
 Twenty thousand more upon spear point will 
 
 run ; [gun. 
 
 The desperate dreadeth neither bill, bow, nor 
 And what gain you to kill flies thick as motes, 
 The rest entering on you straight, and cut your 
 
 throats ? 
 
 And though they guess that many of them shall 
 
 die. 
 Yet if each one think sure that 'scape he shall, 
 As I think all so think assuredly. 
 Then that persuasion shall persuade them all. 
 Each one with other straight in strife to fall 
 Who may be foremost fly, with courage haut, 
 Th 'onset to give, this castle to assault. 
 
 Your wisdom and your wisdoms all, I know, 
 Much more can here consider than I can ; 
 Howbeit, good will willeth me warning to show 
 Of harm to come in this begun to scan 
 Before the end, what th'end may be, and then 
 So flee the worst, to fall (as you think best). 
 At some point with the flies to be at rest. 
 
 HEY. III. 
 
2S8 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 60 
 
 ^Th'ant, having brought the spiders in great 
 fear of the multitude of flies, the head spider 
 taking great displeasure with the ant for the 
 same, he answereth th'anVs tale so that he 
 hringeth all the spiders in courage again, giv- 
 ing (in his own name and all theirs) defiance 
 to the flies. Cap. 60. 
 
 \The plate as on p. 252 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 [The plate as on p. 253 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 THE spiders at th 'ant's tale were much 
 abashed ; 
 The flies (as th'ant set them out) feared the 
 
 spiders sore. 
 Their weapons fell from hand, they were quite 
 
 quashed. [rumoured roar 
 
 Take- peace with flies, they cried. At which 
 The head spider (with wetted tusks foamed like 
 
 a boar) 
 In that rage, had not his honour lain thereon, 
 Had th'ant had a thousand lives, he had been 
 
 gone. 
 
 At this hurly burly, that spider le grand 
 In his chair fretting furiously he frowneth ; 
 His look was commission, silence to command. 
 Whereupon stately and sternly he entereth 
 A discourse the ant's last told tale to meet with. 
 But first th'ant to discredit, to th'ant's dis- 
 praise. 
 On th'ant's properties this spider thus inveighs. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap, 60 259 
 
 Friends, I perceive the ant's tale (more false 
 
 than fine), 
 Maketh you your own shadows to dread (as it 
 
 were) 
 To proceed in war ; but stay a little time. 
 Lift up your hearts all, and each one lend one 
 
 ear, [swer. 
 
 Till ye have heard how I this tale shall an- 
 But ere I touch the pith of th 'ant's tale in this, 
 Hear of what property th'ant himself is. 
 
 The ant (come into the world out of the shell) 
 For a time (in his time) creepeth on the ground, 
 As we spiders creep here, and his piss as fell 
 In stinging- as our poison, well nigh is found. 
 Which properties work him toward our nature 
 wound ; [a§fe, 
 
 Whereby ants be and have been taken in all 
 Our half cousins, allied in side half lineage. 
 
 This time is the ant the creeping ant named ; 
 In time after this time, he to more time grown, 
 Wings doth he gather, and those in him 
 
 framed, [known. 
 
 The flying ant thenceforth he is called and 
 Then disperseth his nature, in two natures 
 
 thrown. 
 He participateth with both these in this wise, — 
 A creeper with spiders, and a flier with flies. 
 
 When he crept hither first (at my request here), 
 I was deceived in his age (as the devil would) ; 
 I thought him too young to have wings, by a 
 year; 
 
 s 2 
 
26o The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 60 
 
 But now, he winged with flies, his flying tale 
 
 told, 
 Doth show him old enough and a year too old. 
 Mark this creeping ant, since wings wound him 
 
 aloft, [oft. 
 
 How he playeth on both hands, as jugglers do 
 
 He courageth the flies now, discouraging us ; 
 But didst thou not erst promise me otherwise? 
 Here is th'ant brought to a narrow straight, as 
 
 thus, — 
 If th'ant tell the spiders how he fraid the flies. 
 Then seeth he his death at flies' hands straight 
 
 arise ; 
 And if he say he couraged the flies, that lie 
 Shall make the spiders hate him, without cause 
 
 why. 
 
 Th'ant, having to this demand good answer 
 
 none. 
 None answer made he, but stood still silently. 
 Lo (quoth the spider) is not th'ant a good one? 
 Were he charged in law herewith by and by. 
 This obstinate silence should show him guilty. 
 But th'ant himself now thus far forth disclosed. 
 Go we now to th 'ant's matter, erst preposed. 
 
 His great ground is this (whereon the whole 
 
 dependeth) : 
 View th'end of all, ere the beginning be won; 
 Wherein if he allege here charge that extendeth 
 To us spiders, that we this war first begun, 
 That charge is wrong charged, for that charge 
 
 must run 
 Unto the flies, for they invaders here be, 
 And we but defenders, as all eyes may see. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 60 261 
 
 And for the four points, whereof one must 
 
 th'end make 
 In three of which he laid loss indifferently 
 To lot on both sides alike, I undertake 
 In few words to prove that tale a loud lewd lie. 
 First, war here taken up conditionally, 
 Flies never won end of us after beginning, 
 But flies (at end) ever bade fie on their win- 
 ning. 
 The second, concerning war continual. 
 In wet open field them, in dry warm house we. 
 Between these two plats, though the distance 
 be small, [parts three 
 
 The difference is great. Of the year's four 
 (Or two parts at least) they cannot trouble ye. 
 In winter, summer flies no windows keep; 
 Under men's house eaves like eaves droppers 
 they creep. 
 
 The third point, in our conquering of the flies, 
 For fearing of all flies that we make afraid. 
 The fool, or the infant, that his shadow s'pies 
 Will ofttimes cry out in fear, calling for aid. 
 But wiser folk weighing this, thus is it 
 
 weighed, — 
 Like fear to be had on their conquered knavesr. 
 As hath the great Turk fear of his galley slaves. 
 
 Last, to the fourth, if flies shall spiders con- 
 quer. 
 Then are all spiders lost, as the ant saith sure, 
 And flies too (say I) but as touching that fear 
 For time past, of practice put memory in ure ; 
 For time to come, let likelihood you allure 
 To search that kind of conquest, and ye shall 
 
 see 
 It never was, nor is', nor never like to be. 
 
262 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 60 
 
 From the beginning — it is in books to show — 
 When flies (against spiders) have thus rebelled, 
 They either had miserable overthrow 
 In rebelling, or straight after refelled. 
 Namely one, the which generally swelled 
 In flies against spiders the time passed six 
 year, [casre clear. 
 
 Which one (were there no more) showeth this 
 
 This time sundry, but chiefly, two flocks of 
 
 flies, 
 For religion, with some other thing to that, 
 One sort by east, another by west, did rise, 
 Of opinion contrary as far and flat 
 As in distance, each far from other in plat, 
 Th'one sort of both to be in right faith elect. 
 All flies (faithfully) did believe or conject. 
 
 Those flies did much harm, six or eight weeks 
 annoying, 
 
 Which time spiders had small rest, and those 
 flies less'. 
 
 Spiders' cobwebs went to wrack, by destroy- 
 ing. 
 
 And flies' wealth wasted to beggary from riches 
 
 Forestore lashed out, in execrable excess. 
 
 Fruits then grown, much lost for help to get 
 them in. 
 
 How looked flies here to th'end ere they did 
 begin ? 
 
 But what was the end of this? forsooth even 
 
 this, — 
 The captains, most hanged ; soldiers, many 
 
 slain; [pillages, 
 
 The rest (aught worth) given in prey for 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 60 263 
 
 So that (to this day) they bid fie on the gain. 
 Thus were these two sorts of opinions twain, 
 One of the twain in the right way to be thought, 
 Both brought to one end, and both brought to 
 nought. 
 
 Which showeth that where flies, in matter of 
 
 most right, 
 Attempt t'attain matter right in manner wrong, 
 There their wrong manner marreth their right 
 
 matter quite. 
 For spiders against flies', great God's law 
 
 standeth strong. [long 
 
 Which law (in leading flies) hath willed this 
 You base inferiors to work your lord's" will, 
 Obey your superiors, be they good or ill. 
 
 Thus were their matter as good as it is bad, 
 And we as weak, as the ant hath made you 
 
 deem, 
 Yet should th'ill manner in flies here now had, 
 Set that God upon them to strike strokes ex- 
 treme, [seem. 
 As by th 'example told, the srhow doth well 
 Thus for the flies conquering of us this day, 
 God's aid all days before taketh all fear away. 
 
 But put case we had not (as' we have) the God's 
 
 aid, 
 But both sides according to force of our 
 
 powers, [said) 
 
 Should conquer or be conquered, or (as th'ant 
 Hap happeth in one hour, as hath happed in no 
 
 hours, [showers 
 
 Which he last alleged, to shape our sharp 
 With Qther his framed fears, of our confusion. 
 Yet th'ant here to confute, hear my conclusion. 
 
264 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 60 
 
 [Dd.i.r. 
 In the latter part of his saying- (I say) 
 He saith we may be destroyed as hap may fall. 
 And it must be granted that hap so fall may ; 
 But g-rant that hap so may, ergo hap so shall — 
 That argument hath strength like a paper wall. 
 May fall, and shall fall, are far different marks 
 To shoot at ; but when the sky falleth we shall 
 have larks. 
 
 For the fear, that his tongue-tromp (to you did 
 
 sowne) 
 By thus many flies to thus few spiders seen ; 
 Set ten flies with ten axes, one oak to hew 
 
 down, 
 That oak shall be hacked at a good while, I 
 
 ween, 
 Ere it will s'hrink for flies, be it sere or green; 
 And the least twig that out of that oak can fall 
 (The oak standing still) shall slay those ten flies 
 
 all. 
 
 And so we oak spiders, against these twig flies, 
 Were they all great flies, as most of them be 
 
 gnats, 
 And to one of us, forty of them do rise, 
 Yet as the giant's paws pat down dandiprats. 
 So shall we put down these dandiprat brag 
 
 brats. 
 Their most number with our most strength to 
 
 compare, [are. 
 
 Pudding pricks they, millposts we compared 
 
 And where he saith though flies think many 
 
 shall die, 
 Yet each fly thinking himself shall 'scape with 
 
 life, [say I, 
 
 'They will strive who shall set on first, here 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 60 265 
 
 At end of that strife they entered in this strife. 
 The foolhardy flies, now most ready or rife 
 To come with the first, shall feel the taste so 
 
 tough 
 That who cometh last shall think he cometh 
 time enough. 
 
 [Dd.i.v. 
 Th 'ant's tale (from point to point) now full an- 
 swered. 
 All force of our fear here it wiping away, 
 T 'enforce you from fear further encouraged, 
 Hear and bear away what I shall herein say. 
 A few words, highly to your comfort this day, 
 Which shall set you all as far out of all fear 
 As the ant's tale set you all in fear whilere. 
 
 Mark all you, that in marking your enemies, 
 Their force (and not your own) do only behold 
 A deadly dreadful sight it is in your eyes ; 
 But on your own force your eyes being round 
 
 rolled. 
 The self sight of this force shall you s'o embold, 
 That had you no weapons here but hazel wands, 
 Yet might ye count your enemies now in your 
 
 hands. 
 
 Mark more, that your foes. In beholding you. 
 
 Are s'tricken in as deep dread your force to 
 view 
 
 As you are of theirs, which setteth both sides 
 even now ; 
 
 Mark yet more, they have ye wrong part, you 
 have the true ; [pursue, 
 
 Against God's and man's law this wrong they 
 
 Both which so strike them when they would pre- 
 vail, [quail. 
 
 That their attempt ever hath quailed, and shall 
 
266 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 60 
 
 So coward a spider, where can be seen one 
 That will not live and die in this his known 
 
 right ? 
 Should all spiders die (as few shall or none), 
 Yet in this quarrel, spiders g"o to blis's quite, 
 And flies to bale, without respect of respite. 
 Wherefore let the flies the ant's lesson attend. 
 At their this beginning, to have eye to th'end. 
 
 [Dd.ii.r. 
 And now (at end), dear friends all, pluck up 
 
 your hearts ; 
 Take your weapons in hand, and stand up 
 
 again ; [parts ; 
 
 Stick to your tackling in this plat on all 
 And as for the flies (their fare to show them 
 
 plain), [pain. 
 
 Whenever they come, they shall come to their 
 Stand stiff to me, and stand stiff to you I shall. 
 Flies and flies' kin, we defy you traitors all. 
 
 The spider thus answering th 'ant's tale at 
 
 length. 
 From point to point, no point thereof omitted, 
 All spiders again in full courage and strength, 
 Those flies to their flock with th'ant again 
 
 flitted. 
 Two of them (to the captain known well witted) 
 To fly into the tree he straight commandeth, 
 And th'ant unto the ladder again forthwith. 
 
 [The tailpiece as on p. 38 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 6i 267 
 
 ^Upon defiance given hy the spider to the flies, 
 the ant, brought again to the flies, maketh full 
 report of all said at the cohweh. At end where- 
 of, two flies argue whether th'ant have deserved 
 life or death, hy keeping or breaking former 
 commandment to bring the spiders in fear of the 
 flies. Cap. 61. 
 
 [The plate as on p. 223 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 [The plate as on p. 220 is here given in 
 original. ] 
 
 THAT captain willed one of those flies to de- 
 clare 
 What had (since they parted) passed in this 
 
 case, 
 And if he ought added or minished there. 
 The captain willed th'other, t'interrupt him in 
 
 place, 
 That truth truly might appear without deface. 
 Whereupon the fly, assigned to say then, 
 In a solemn order the process began. 
 
 First, th'ant's tale told the spiders he did re- 
 peat, [spiders in ; 
 And the fear that that tale brought the 
 Then, in repeat, the spider's tale he did treat 
 And what recourage that did the spiders win, 
 With defiance given flies, their ally, and kin. 
 The captain then asked.: You that went forth, 
 
 tell me. 
 Is this tale true and the whole truth? All 
 said, Yea. 
 
268 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 6i 
 
 Two things' (quoth the captain) are to touch 
 
 here on ; 
 First, whether th'ant have deserved to live or 
 
 die; 
 The second, a piece of the spider's tale gone, 
 Which I shall touch soon; but first th'ant's 
 
 case let's try. 
 Upon his life or death, standing presently. 
 To see that case by agreement fully scanned, 
 It being {I say) first case to take in hand. 
 
 It is so indeed (quoth one fly) in the tree. 
 
 Wherein, while memory keepeth matter in 
 mind, 
 
 I pray you all patiently to hear me 
 
 Uprightly declare (as equity doth bind) 
 
 Without affection any wrong way to wind. 
 
 But even as conscience to speak doth me com- 
 pel, 
 
 So shall I speak this tale, which I shall now tell. 
 
 [Dd.ii.r. 
 
 Where I have heard wise flies talk, I have heard 
 
 laid. 
 In weighty cause, weighty consideration ; 
 And there's no matter more weighty to be 
 
 weighed 
 Than that in which, upon consultation 
 Lieth life or death in determination. 
 And presently present this ant's case mean I 
 To weigh considerately, and indifferently. 
 
 Whose life or whose death before we determine, 
 Which of both to deternfme, meet is to weigh, 
 Your late determined condition, pith wherein 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 6i 269 
 
 Was that th'ant should bring spiders in such 
 
 like fray 
 Of us, as he brought us of them, and I say : 
 He hath done so. So that in my conscience, 
 Life and liberty must he have, to go hence. 
 
 And I say nay (quoth the fly) in the tree by : 
 He hath not performed that condition at full. 
 To have his life, hath he not (quoth th 'other fly) 
 To make proof appear here to wits quick and 
 
 dull : 
 That performance will we reason, if ye will. 
 Be it (quoth th 'other fly), but all flies give an 
 
 ear. 
 To one thing good for all away to bear. 
 
 My brother fly, (and I seeming here to vary) 
 Both being on one part, seeming on parts 
 
 twain. 
 In that in this one point, we are contrary 
 Each one to other, it may make you retain 
 And detain a doubt, whether we both remain 
 Constant, on that part that we profess, or no. 
 But hear me further here, ere we further go. 
 
 [Dd.ii.v. 
 Th 'argument of us twain, is only this one. 
 Concerning the condition touched formerly ; 
 Either by performance, or performance none. 
 How the ant's desert standeth, to live or to die. 
 Th'ant should live saith he; th'ant should die 
 
 (say I). 
 Now consider that this present argument 
 Is to principal case but an incident. 
 
 Our chief coming is on spiders to make war, 
 Because we no way else can obtain our right, 
 Wherein we join with you, without jot or jar. 
 
270 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 61 
 
 This remember I you of to scrape out quite 
 All doubts of our truth in judgment of heads 
 
 light. 
 For this case, or like case in case, used thus, 
 Showeth mistrust in no wight any case to dis- 
 cuss. 
 
 And now we twain to satisfy (as' we can) 
 Ourselves, and to see you the rest satisfied, 
 Allege brother fly, what ye can herein scan. 
 Whereto, mine answer shall forthwith be ap- 
 plied, [tried. 
 Th 'ant's life or death in our judgments to see 
 That shall (quoth the other fly) without delay 
 Come in ure as briefly as it fully may. 
 
 Th'ant (in his charged tale) to spiders told erst, 
 
 Grounded thus — ere ought begin, have eye to 
 
 th'end. [pierced. 
 
 At end of th'ant's talk, spiders' hearts it so 
 
 That it staggered and 'stonished all that whole 
 
 bend. [extend. 
 
 Weapons fallen to ground, this out cry they 
 
 Shaking of their heads and casting up their 
 
 eyes, [flies ! 
 
 Take peace with the flies ! take peace with the 
 
 [Dd.iii.r. 
 Th'ant made spiders of flies as much afraid 
 
 though. 
 As he made flies of spiders, in tale erst told. 
 I grant (quoth th 'other fly) indeed he did so. 
 Whereto you must grant that that fear did not 
 hold, [bold. 
 
 For spiders (forthwith) were again brag and 
 Though they so were (quoth he) th'ant per- 
 formed covenant. [grant. 
 That (quoth th 'other fly) for true I cannot 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 6i 271 
 
 There is (in th 'ant's covenant) further meaning 
 
 meant 
 Than the very words therein fully express ; 
 To bring- spiders in fear of flies by bond bent, 
 Is not all that all flies look for in success : 
 But to bring and keep them in that fearfulness, 
 Bringing" them in fear, not keeping them in 
 
 fear, 
 As fruitful to flies as paring of a pear. 
 
 To answer this quidity (quoth th 'other fly) 
 You can have no more of the fox but the skin ; 
 The ant hath done all that he can possibly 
 To bring spiders in fear and keep them therein. 
 Whose good will not wanting, though power 
 
 cannot win [ill, 
 
 Thing that good will would win, yet is it not 
 Rather than blame lack of power, to thank good 
 
 will. 
 
 Put case (quoth th 'other) th'ant oweth you forty 
 
 pound. 
 Bound in obligation, to pay at a day; 
 At which day, he cometh to you (as he is bound) 
 And where he should bring power forty pound 
 
 to pay, 
 He bringeth good will, and will pay you when 
 
 he may. 
 Whether would ye more, (in this case of your) 
 Accept th'ant's good will, or blame th'ant's lack 
 
 of power? 
 
 [Dd.iii.v. 
 What I would do (quoth the other) I know not, 
 But what I should do, that right well I know. 
 Th'ant showing full good will to pay me that, 
 
272 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 6i 
 
 And that lack of power without his fault did 
 
 grow, 
 I should in troubling- th'ant in conscience show 
 A rigor. Yea, (quoth th 'other fly) but in law 
 To what end would th 'ant's good will without 
 
 power draw? 
 
 In this case (quoth he) common law condemneth 
 
 th'ant, 
 In that the words of the bond are fulfilled no 
 
 whit, [want ; 
 
 Performance whereof, in th'ant's case, hath no 
 Which may appear to flies of most simple wit, 
 In marking these words of this covenant here 
 
 knit, [fear 
 
 Th'ant (pain of death) shall bring spiders in like 
 Of flies, as he brought flies of spiders here ere. 
 
 These are (in th'ant's covenant) the words in 
 effect [bring. 
 
 Which bind the ant the spiders in fear to 
 
 But to keep them in fear no word runneth 
 direct ; 
 
 And common law commonly in everything 
 
 Construeth words in their common plain sense 
 lying, 
 
 And that th'ant made spiders afraid, ye do 
 grant ; 
 
 Ergo, th'ant (by common law) hath kept coven- 
 ant. 
 
 Now to bring this case in court of conscience, 
 Declaring our meaning in these words' to be 
 That th'ant should keep spiders in fearful sus- 
 pense, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 62 273 
 
 Th'ant answering- to this that never meant he 
 To be bound to that inconvenient decree, 
 The judge (in this case and place) must needs 
 
 assent [judgment. 
 
 With th 'ant's meaning (against ours) to g:ive 
 
 [Dd.iv.r. 
 t§tln law, conscience, and reason, as thinketh 
 
 me. 
 The desert of this ant doth his pardon crave, 
 Lands, goods, bag, baggage, life, and liberty. 
 Friends (quoth th 'other fly) J have a soul to 
 
 save, 
 Whereupon I protest I no malice have. 
 To th'ant, but in reason I think he should die. 
 This said, those flies to their place again did fly. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 44 is here given in the 
 original.] 
 
 ^At end of this last argument, the captain ask- 
 ing the ant what he can say why he should not 
 die, the ant, after a few words, suhmitteth him 
 to their order. Whereupon the captain going 
 to the question, the ant is condemned hy the 
 voice of the most number. The captain then 
 willing him to tnake his last prayers, he doth 
 so. Cap. 62. 
 
 HEY. III. 
 
274 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 62 
 
 [The plate as on p. 223 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 [The plate as on p. 220 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 THE captain (to this) asked th'ant, How 
 sayest thou? 
 What hast thou to say, why thou shouldst not 
 
 die here? 
 The talk (quoth he) for me, by the fly had now, 
 In reason, law, and cons'cience, doth me clear, 
 Whose which tale doth much more pithily ap- 
 pear 
 For myself than if myself had told it. 
 And as he told it, I pray all to hold it. 
 
 Wherein as I have kept covenant at the full, 
 So crave I of you to keep covenant with me. 
 Here stand I, to live or die now, as ye will. 
 But in killing- me (a poor ant) what win ye? 
 Or what lose I ? neither profit nor honesty. 
 Honest death, in honest fame, shall persevere ; 
 Unhonest life, unhonest shame shall have ever. 
 
 Then said the captain : Friends, though I now 
 
 at will, 
 Only by virtue of mine authority, 
 Might g'ive judgment here this ant to save or 
 
 spill. 
 Yet will I not give it, but grant to agree. 
 To see this case decreed by common decree ; 
 Which shall be tried, by these two words, — yea 
 
 and no ; 
 And straight to the question herein let us go. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap, 63 275 
 
 All you that will have the ant live, say yea. 
 
 Yea, yea (with a loud voice), cried a great num- 
 ber though. 
 
 Now (quoth the captain) on th'other side let's 
 see ; 
 
 All that will not have the ant to live, say no. 
 
 No, no : cried out many, and showed many 
 more [captain, 
 
 Than were on th'other part. Then said the 
 
 Ant, of thine own death thou hearest here judg"- 
 ment plain. 
 
 I commit me (quoth th'ant) to the great God's 
 will. [die. 
 
 Say thy prayers (quoth the captain) ere thou 
 On the ladder, down on knees half dead he fell, 
 Forthwith saying his devotion devoutly. 
 In which while, two flies together wonderingly, 
 Thinking th'ant to be wrongfully cast away. 
 In talk between themselves, as followeth did 
 say. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 154 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 ^While the ant saith his prayers on the ladder, 
 two flies, thinking him to he wrongfully cast 
 away, pitying the case, they touch {in talk) 
 three sorts of flies seen there then. Wherein is 
 touched some part of the properties of neuter 
 flies. Cap. 63. 
 
 T 2 
 
276 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 63 
 
 [The plate as on p. 221, is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 [The plate as on p. 220 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 OH, friend (quoth the t'one fly), what a 
 chance is this ? 
 An innocent ant among flies to be cast ! 
 The deed indeed (quoth th 'other) damnable is; 
 I thought sure we should with th'ant's life have 
 
 passed. 
 For where forty flies irefully on th'ant frowned 
 
 fast, [would save ; 
 
 Three score piteous'ly looked as they th'ant 
 And yet th'ant cast by voice, great wonder I 
 
 have. 
 
 To the two sorts that ye speak of (quoth the 
 t'other) [to kill, 
 
 Th'one sort given to save th'ant, th'other th'ant 
 A third sort indifferent to th'one part or 
 th'other [all ill; 
 
 Did here (and do elsewhere) most part of 
 Whose mischievous manners partly show I will, 
 Coming (commonly) in practised exercise, 
 Both among spiders, and also among flies. 
 
 These indifferents (or neuters) that part most 
 
 take 
 That s'trongest is, or strongest like to be; 
 And which side they lean to, such number they 
 
 make [we see 
 
 That they bear the bell away, and most apt 
 To cleave to the ill part, even of property. 
 Which property proveth (in sorts last or first), 
 That of all sorts this last said sort is worst. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 63 277 
 
 And yet oft esteemed with the best. For why? 
 They fashion themselves to follow evermore 
 Those that be (or like to be) I say, the most 
 
 high, 
 But to all, late aloft, now laid on low shore 
 To whom they have made curtsey most low 
 
 before, 
 They either see them not, or overlook them ; 
 If chance once imbase them, they may not 
 
 brook them. 
 
 Two buckets in a well, th'one up and th 'other 
 
 down, [brim ; 
 
 They stand on the bucket that standeth on the 
 Which bucket descending-, they begin to 
 
 frown. 
 The bucket ascending, midway they meet him, 
 And bucket for bucket straight th 'exchange 
 
 made trim ; 
 For among all buckets (take this a plain matter) 
 They bide with no bucket that's driven to drink 
 
 water. 
 
 They must have wine, with fare and cheer of tne 
 
 best, 
 Which, where and while it lasteth in any place, 
 Who may show gratitude in semblance fairest 
 Therein contend they to give gloss of good 
 
 grace 
 To their viander, who may him most embrace. 
 Where they may win ought by fair dissimilate 
 
 show. 
 There they flicker and flatter, in favour to grow. 
 
278 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 63 
 
 But their entertainment once drawing to end, 
 They make none account of thanks from begin- 
 ning ; 
 Th'end of their cheer, endeth the thanks of that 
 bend ; [i^ing 
 
 Straight from that place they are speedily spin- 
 To another host, good cheer good cheap win- 
 ning ; 
 But to pay for board, wherever this flock 
 boards, [words. 
 
 Their current coin is low curtsey and fair 
 
 Which coin (to them) not costly, and yet so 
 
 scant, 
 That where and whensoever their cheer fail, 
 Then doth all curtsey and thanks for cheer had 
 
 want; [quail, 
 
 And not only good words in mo^ of them 
 But some of the worst sort, that are given to 
 
 rail. 
 To turn recompense on the wrong side or shore. 
 Give ill words for good deeds of friends had 
 
 before. 
 
 These foelike friends, otherwise friendlike foes. 
 Are much like mermaids, th'one half flesh, 
 
 th 'other fish; 
 On all texts, for all sides, they do give such 
 
 gloss [wish ; 
 
 As may seem to serve all sides, as wit would 
 By which dissimulation, double devilish, 
 They wind in and out, here and there, to and 
 
 fro; 
 As the reed with the wind, every way they go. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 63 279 
 
 And like as we see the oak, in stout storm of 
 
 wind, 
 Standing- stiff against the wind, overthrown. 
 And the reed, waving- with the wind, still we 
 
 find 
 Saving itself, in all our blasts of wind blown ; 
 So in spiders and flies like lot oft-times grown ; 
 True stiff standers against the wind overthrow, 
 False flattering followers with the wind, stand 
 
 and grow. 
 
 Of our open known friends, we may be sure ; 
 Of our open known foes, we may beware; 
 But these unnatural neuters here in ure. 
 Neither sure of, nor 'ware of, any wights are ; 
 Either flattering lies they subtly declare. 
 Or when they say true (if ever they say true). 
 That say they for false or ill purpose t 'ensue. 
 
 They are friends to no man, but in respect 
 Themselves to take good or to avoid harm, 
 Or to do harm of revenging effect ; 
 They will attempt, by corruption, to charm 
 Those under whose v/ings they may sit close 
 
 and warm 
 To cool and control such as make any show 
 To bend any way from the bent of their bow. 
 
 To regard aright, a dog hath devotion 
 As much as they ; but be it right or wrong. 
 For love, hate, dread, or meed, in promotion, 
 If it serve their turn to make the wrong part 
 
 strong. 
 That part will they sing in all their sung song, 
 As these indifferent neuter flies have done here, 
 Whose wrongful cleaving to the wrong, killeth 
 
 th'ant clear. 
 
28o 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 64 
 
 This (quoth th 'other) your saying- hath made me 
 
 see 
 Wherein I pray to the great God heartily, 
 Be we spiders, be we flies, whatever we be. 
 That we all may (by His grace) cut off clearly 
 All unkindness of neuterlike indifferency. 
 Th'ant now at point from the ladder to be 
 
 rolled, 
 A fly, far off flinging toward them, cried. Hold, 
 
 hold! 
 
 Hr/ie ant having now made his prayers, being 
 at point to he turned from the ladder, a fly, afar 
 off, crieth Hold! Who (lighting in the tree) 
 hringeth such a message from the head spider 
 as the ant (thereby) is reprieved, and carried to 
 prison. Cap. 64. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 64 281 
 
 [The plate as on p. 226 is here given in 
 
 original.] 
 [The plate as on p. 220 is here given in 
 
 original.] 
 
 UPON lighting- in the tree, this said this fly : 
 Being in scout-watch, a spider spying me, 
 In the head spider's' name willed me speedily 
 To tell this to you all : if so be that ye 
 Put this ant to death by currish cruelty, 
 He protesteth that his prisoner fly's head 
 Shall stand on a stake before th'ant be all 
 dead. 
 
 The spider's favour to th'ant made some flies 
 
 doubt [thought 
 
 How it came to pass, whether the spider then 
 In fearing spiders before th'ant's tale so stout. 
 Was more to save his life, among flies then 
 
 caught 
 Than to fear spiders, for which the flies th'ant 
 
 brought, 
 And that the taunts that the spider th'ant gave, 
 Were to cloak mistrust that flies to th'ant 
 
 might have. 
 
 Or that the spider's wife, pitying th'ant's case. 
 Obtained it by suit, or that the spider would 
 Use the occasion, offered there then in place, 
 To rid the fly by that colour, and not hold 
 His bond by promise made to the fly, erst told ; 
 Which was, — to charge and discharge him of 
 offence, [science. 
 
 As srtandeth with reason, law, custom, and con- 
 
 With this, a formal fly into the tree flew. 
 Beginning thus : Friends, wise flies say (and 
 
 have said) 
 Of two inconveniences, the worst eschew. 
 
282 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 64 
 
 The worst of which two here, aside to be laid, 
 The best of these two is here first to be 
 
 weighed, 
 To save this poor ant, to save that poor fly, 
 Or to slay th'ant, and both ant and fly slain 
 
 thereby. 
 
 [Ee.i.r. 
 Considerations herein are so great. 
 And so many, and most of such weight, 
 That they are in counsel more meet to treat, 
 Than to make an alebench talk of, to be bait 
 For babbling tongues to babble on, wherefore 
 
 straight 
 Mine advice is that six or eight flies most wise, 
 Closely consult here, the best way to devise. 
 
 Nay, nay (cried a thousand) ; we will none of 
 
 that. 
 We will be of counsel all. Yea, will? quoth he ; 
 That kind of counsel is more meet to halloa at 
 Than to talk in, for if all of counsel be, 
 Ye can in that counsel have no secrecy ; 
 But (in counsel) where secrets lacketh any, 
 There is (ant least) one councillor too many. 
 
 We refuse that way, cried the gross flies again, 
 Lest great wise flies buy and sell foolish flies 
 
 small. 
 If ye (quoth he) take to counsel all this train. 
 Then, naught being secret, all your enemies 
 
 shall 
 Be of your counsel, and buy and sell you all ; 
 But since ye will have counsel cried at the cross, 
 I will disclose that I would have had kept close. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 64 283 
 
 The fly in cobweb with the spider detained, 
 We know what he is, we need not here to 
 
 boast him. [gained? 
 
 To kill th'ant, and have that fly killed, what is 
 That shall all flies feel after we have lost him. 
 But since the spider in such sort will host him, 
 As we host the ant, our best way doth appear 
 To keep th'ant (as gage for gage) prisoner here. 
 
 [Ee.i.v. 
 For tliough th'ant (truth being told before his 
 
 face) 
 Be far too base that fine fly to counterpoise, 
 Yet if the spider esteem th'ant in like case 
 Above the fly, as we him above th'ant prize, 
 Then for delivery of both (without stays) 
 The spider will (in exchange) change as gladly 
 The fly for th'ant, as we will th'ant for the fly. 
 
 Briefly, the best way is here (in my mind) 
 To keep th'ant prisoner in stocks fettered fast. 
 Under guard of certain flies', to be assigned. 
 Till we see somewhat of this war further past. 
 And if we see cause, we may kill him at last. 
 Or change him for some fly that spiders may 
 take. [make. 
 
 To this mine advice show yours, an end to 
 
 At this, much bumbling among them all there 
 
 wa^, 
 Many words, little matter, and to no purpose; 
 Number of sentences here I may let pass. 
 As things not worth the hearing here to dis- 
 close, [prose 
 And pass they must, for neither in rhyme nor 
 I can win memory well to write with pen 
 The tenth sentence given there, against th'ant 
 then. 
 
284 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 65 
 
 And though memory might the number have 
 
 contained, 
 Yet was all confused so, in such bibble babble. 
 All alike lowed, and all too loud, in voice con- 
 strained. 
 That all parts of best wit had been unable 
 To catch, keep, and make, th'account explic-^ 
 
 able 
 Of all sayings there said. Wherefore (as I say) 
 Not only they may, but they must, pass away. 
 
 [Ee.ii.r. 
 But finallj", all their chat chatted, anon 
 To the fly's last tale they all did so agree. 
 That th'ant (guarded) went to prison. Where- 
 upon [decree, 
 Quoth the captain : Since this is passed by 
 Being one point of two erst moved by me, 
 To be moved to you, in th 'other point now 
 Conceive, and receive the thing I shall s'how 
 you. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 72 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 ^The captain fly inveigheth upon matter before 
 passed, in such sort so encouraging the flies 
 again, that anon they all crying to the captain 
 to march forward, they bravely set forth. And 
 laying their ordnance to the cobweb castle, they 
 besiege it round. Cap. 65. 
 
The Spicier and the Fly, Cap. 65 285 
 
 [The plate as on p. 223 is here given in 
 origirial.] 
 
 [The plate as on p. 220 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 THIS thing- I mean which brought spiders 
 in fear ; 
 Th'ant moved all the spiders to cast their eyes 
 Upon us their enemies, whose show of strength 
 
 there 
 Showed so puissant (by huge number of us 
 
 flies), [terprise. 
 
 That they (much by that sight) gave up th'en- 
 Whereon the spider three inventions inveighed, 
 Reviving- the spirits of the spiders in aid. 
 
 First, the spider to this willed the spiders all 
 To cast eye from our force, and behold their 
 
 own, 
 Which sight, such strength (he said) to their 
 
 hearts must call, 
 That a heartless hearted spider should be 
 
 grown 
 Hardy to fight, till we flies be overthrown. 
 Hazel-wands in their hands to halberts in ours 
 He matched to over match us in our most 
 
 powers. 
 
 Secondly, he bade them think that we do dread 
 The sight of them, as much as they do fear us ; 
 Thirdly, to set cock on hoop and run on head. 
 Their right seen (saith he) to fight in to death 
 
 thus. 
 The most coward will fight and by his discuss. 
 Straight to bliss go they, straight to bale go 
 
 we. [three. 
 
 But hear me part the stake in these cases 
 
286 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 65 
 
 First, we them beholding- and they us viewing, 
 The fear falleth indifferently on either side ; 
 Next, each side viewing itself hath ensuing- 
 Of like courage to both sides to be applied ; 
 Thirdly, he labouring right by fig"ht to be tried, 
 With clear conscience on their side ; let that be 
 
 weighed 
 Upon this my next saying, when I have said. 
 
 [Ee.ii.r. 
 The spider to th'ant in this told tale erst said, 
 Laid to us flies rebellion, he laying 
 Example of plagues passed, where flies dis- 
 obeyed , [obeying-, 
 The great God's commandment, which dis- 
 Hath plagued such flies, according to his say- 
 ing. 
 Upon his which saying-, hear me somewhat say. 
 How case of rebellion from our case doth 
 weigh. 
 
 All subjects in violent variance grown, 
 Ag-ainst the high powers, they by that g-reat 
 
 God placed. 
 His work hath showed his will, to bring- over- 
 thrown, [braced 
 Suffer, and not resist, that must be here em- 
 And fulfilled, or else as such flies, in time past. 
 Have been scourged for resisting, so shall we. 
 And so to be scourged well worthy we be. 
 
 But perceive these high powers must take high 
 
 place 
 As standeth with law of the great God rig-ht- 
 
 fully. 
 For otherwise it falsifieth in this case 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 65 287 
 
 Their said defence at God's hand ; and contrary 
 Where extort power usurpeth place wrong-fully, 
 The God doth right oft, in such usurpation, 
 Put miraculous power to th 'extirpation. 
 
 Oft making- th 'instruments of the overthrow 
 As far to compare under the overthrown 
 As flies under spiders in comparison show ; 
 And how this spider hath usurpedly grown 
 To potentate state, that is to us unknown ; 
 I never heard fly yet that ever could tell 
 Ground of title, why his state should thus excel. 
 
 [Ee.ii.v. 
 And he an usurper, as I think he is. 
 You thinking so too, can we think that he, 
 Breaking the God's law (as he doth doing this) 
 Shall in th'ill deed by gfood God defended be. 
 Whom he and his offend, offending- his decree? 
 Nay, hazel-wands in our hands the God's power 
 
 leads, 
 To beat back their halberts, to break their own 
 
 heads. 
 
 And where he allegeth that the spiders' right 
 Is a safe warrant with safe conscience to die, 
 For all such spiders as shall die in that fig"ht, 
 And that flies dying therein die damnably, 
 That loud lusty lie for a lie warrant I. 
 With safe conscience {in this case) courage 
 
 arise, — 
 To bale go all spiders, to bliss go all flies. 
 
 The flies, upon hearing and doing of this, 
 All stert up and stood up most courageously ; 
 With one voice all cried : Sir captain, our mind 
 is 
 
288 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 66 
 
 To give 'sault to the cobweb even by and by. 
 Wherewith, much more wilfully than wittily 
 (And yet not witless) into array they got, 
 Marching toward the cobweb, within gun shot. 
 
 The watch-tower struck alarum, th 'enemies 
 
 descrying ; 
 The gunners gave fire ; and first at random they 
 Shot off, the gunstones among the flies flying, 
 Which galled the flies' cursedly coming on the 
 
 way. [may, 
 
 But forth flying the flies now, as fast as they 
 Without trenching or such defensive forestalls, 
 Ordnance they lay, to batter that castle walls. 
 
 [Ee.iii.r. 
 HI Great shot and grievous slaughter of flies 
 
 there was 
 Ere they could any piece of the walls batter, 
 To make it 'saultable ; but so came to pass 
 That, in short time, that wall they did so 
 
 shatter 
 That their way lay plain, and straight to the 
 
 matter 
 (For which they came), they went to such a 
 
 fierce fight 
 As never fought spiders and flies in man's 
 
 sight. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 154 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 ^The flies give onset in assault upon the castle, 
 the spiders defending it in furious flght. And, 
 upon the slaughter on both sides, the flies re- 
 tire to their camp, the spider's wife and chil- 
 dren, on knees to him, beseeching him to take 
 peace with the flies. Cap. 66. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 66 289 
 
 IN all battered breaks flies, raging in a rank, 
 Fiercely flew in, all black as the cloudy sky, 
 Spiders defending them; spider nor fly shrank, 
 Hundreds striking with guns in pieces twenty ; 
 There a leg, here an arm, there a head doth fly ; 
 And piece from piece, by violence flown round, 
 A flight shoot asunder, and as far from ground. 
 
 Both sides to see — so busily occupied 
 
 With pole-axes, partisans, halberts, bills, guns, 
 
 Trumpets on both sides, each t'encourage their 
 
 side — 
 The annoyance of the noise through my head 
 
 runs. [s'ons,— 
 
 The sonless flies' fathers, the fatherless flies'' 
 With this thing, above all thing, (alack ! 
 
 alack !) 
 Oh what woeful widow flies go now in black ! 
 
 Three-quarters of an hour this fight endured ; 
 Which time, I imagined doom's-day present, 
 And that all the damned souls had been pro- 
 cured [bent, 
 To come with the devil thither, in his band 
 There to set up hell, to sufi^er their torment. 
 For, during the time, I think no worldly sight 
 More like hell than was sight of that helly fight. 
 
 Terror whereof was, to be witnessed well, 
 To see so many, alive so late, now dead ; 
 Thousands setting on that cobweb (with heart 
 
 fell) [head ; 
 
 Hang now there (like herrings in nets) by the 
 And spiders for their part, nor scotfree led, 
 Here some, and there some, snatched up amid 
 
 the rout 
 That were, within half an hour afore, full stout. 
 
 HEY. III. u 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 66 289 
 
 IN all battered breaks flies, raging in a rank, 
 Fiercely flew in, all black as the cloudy sky, 
 Spiders defending them ; spider nor fly shrank, 
 Hundreds striking with guns in pieces twenty ; 
 There a leg, here an arm, there a head doth fly ; 
 And piece from piece, by violence flown round, 
 A flight shoot asunder, and as far from ground. 
 
 Both sides to see — so busily occupied 
 
 With pole-axes, partisans, halberts, bills, guns, 
 
 Trumpets on both sides, each t'encourage their 
 
 side — 
 The annoyance of the noise through my head 
 
 runs. [s'ons,— 
 
 The sonless flies' fathers, the fatherless flies'' 
 With this thing, above all thing, (alack ! 
 
 alack !) 
 Oh what woeful widow flies go now in black ! 
 
 Three-quarters of an hour this fight endured ; 
 Which time, I imagined doom's-day present. 
 And that all the damned souls had been pro- 
 cured [bent, 
 To come with the devil thither, In his band 
 There to set up hell, to suffer their torment. 
 For, during the time, I think no worldly sight 
 More like hell than was sight of that helly fight. 
 
 Terror whereof was, to be witnessed well, 
 To see so many, alive so late, now dead ; 
 Thousands setting on that cobweb (with heart 
 
 fell) [head ; 
 
 Hang now there (like herrings in nets) by the 
 And spiders for their part, nor scotfree led, 
 Here some, and there some, snatched up amid 
 
 the rout 
 That were, within half an hour afore, full stout. 
 
 HEY. III. u 
 
290 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 67 
 
 At end of this fray, no part saw cause to 
 
 boast, — 
 Five thousand flies and five hundred spiders 
 
 slain ; 
 Wherewith the flies, seeing so many flies lost, 
 And of their purpose could yet no part obtain, 
 At retreat of trumpet, they retired amain 
 Where they before had camped, there to take a 
 
 breath, 
 To save their honesty, and keep them from 
 
 death. 
 
 The spiders' were as glad to see the flies' backs 
 As flies were to show them, for what time they, 
 (Beholding dead spiders) each seeth his friend 
 
 lacks. 
 Few spiders (or none) saw cause to joy that day. 
 The spider's wife and children, near dead in 
 
 fray, 
 On knees besought him, in way of petition, 
 With the flies to take peace, on some condition. 
 
 \The tail-piece as on p. 38 is here given in 
 original.^ 
 
 UT/ie spider, having compassion on his wife and 
 children as on himself, he saith that he will, 
 with the advice of his council, in their suit do 
 all that may be done for the best. Cap. 67. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 67 
 
 291 
 
 [The plate as on p. 223 is here giveti in 
 original, preceding the following illustration.] 
 
 u 2 
 
292 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 67 
 
 THE spider, in hearing of this their re- 
 quest, 
 Seeing them in such fear, as he saw them there, 
 That sight and hearing may at first sight be 
 
 guessed 
 In husband and fathers that any zeal bear 
 To their dear wives and sweet babes, at eye and 
 
 ear ; [sight and sound 
 
 The sight showeth, and hearing soundeth such 
 As may their zealous hearts to death well nigh 
 
 wound. 
 
 What kind-hearted husband can see his kind 
 
 wife, 
 In Hke careful case, without woe at his heart? 
 What natural father can see, for his life, 
 His natural children, in dread quake and start. 
 Without his heart smarting in most smartful 
 
 smart? 
 I think, ye think, none, and even so think I ; 
 Marvel not, then, though the spider be touched 
 
 nigh. 
 
 He tenderly tendereth his children and wife, 
 Refusing to stand up when he bade them rise, 
 Till he would grant them (his grace) to stint 
 
 this strife. 
 His' sight of fear in them and fury in flies, 
 Added his more perplexity to devise 
 To use pity to them, as nature drove him, 
 And policy to flies, as reason gave him. 
 
 To this he said. My dear wife and sweet babes 
 
 two, 
 Great were the thing by you of me desired 
 That I could deny, in what I can do. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 68 293 
 
 But for this treason, spitefully conspired, 
 
 And so put in ure by flies now retired, 
 
 Your suit therein, if I should grant out of 
 
 hand, 
 As the case standeth, I doubt how that grant 
 
 should stand. 
 
 m- 
 
 This case, touching me and all spiders most 
 nigh, [scanned. 
 
 In me and my council shall forthwith be 
 Go in and be cheerful, and fear not, but I 
 Will favour and further your suit as may stand 
 With most safety of us, and all our whole band. 
 They rose and made curtsey ; forthwith where- 
 upon 
 (They and he weeping) they (from him) thence 
 are gone. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 154 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 Urfie spider, set with twelve of his council, de- 
 clareth his wives' and children's suit [adjoin- 
 ing thereunto considerations of his own) for 
 peace to be taken with the flies, requiring those 
 councillors (while he depart and return) to de- 
 termine what way he shall take. Cap. 68. 
 
294 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 68 
 
 [The plate as on p. 2^2 is here given in 
 original, preceding the following illustration.] 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 68 295 
 
 THE spider with his council to counsel gat ; 
 The flies, flocking- together, as was then 
 need, 
 In consultation, full busily sat. 
 Each side for themselves, best way to see de- 
 creed. 
 I gave ear to both sides', to hear them proceed, 
 Stretching my memory to a double charge, 
 To hold (upon hearing) both th 'effects at large. 
 
 And first, what I gathered on the spiders' side 
 That shall ye have, and then the talk of the 
 
 flies. 
 The spiders at a board themselves did divide. 
 Six on th'one, six on th 'other side to devise 
 (And beside, such matter as should there arise). 
 The head spider, in a chair at the board's end, 
 Entereth as followeth hereafter pend. 
 
 Dear friends, our present peril in words to 
 
 dilate. 
 It in deed, in heart felt, and at eye here seen, 
 Should show fully. Our case is now to debate 
 Our best way to wind out of this danger clean, 
 To stay our state, as before stayed hath been. 
 Wherein between two things I doubtfully doubt, 
 To which one I shall undoubtedly stand stout. 
 
 My wife and children, upon their knees all 
 three, [show. 
 
 With dead hearts as death in their faces did 
 As I love their lives humbly besought me 
 By some means forthwith to peace with flies to 
 grow. [throw 
 
 For should they (said they) see the like over- 
 That they had seen between our enemies and us. 
 Of their present deaths they felt feeling discuss. 
 
296 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 69 
 
 [rr. 
 This perplexeth me, — what one way to take of 
 
 twain : 
 Nature provoketh me (in pitying those three) 
 To take peace with the flies, to run amain. 
 Reason provoketh me politicly to flee 
 The show of desire in peace with flies to be. 
 Which pity to use, and policy to refuse, [news. 
 How cruel flies will cock with us, that's no 
 
 Now, on th'other side, if I pity omit, 
 
 Nought weighing my wife and offspring in this 
 
 case, 
 But do bend upon policy every whit 
 To outface the flies, to stand face to face, 
 And these three (by dread) to die in the mean 
 
 space, [have. 
 
 Then am I double dead, th'one that they death 
 T'other to see them die, whom myself might 
 
 save. 
 
 I pray this whole board this case first to re- 
 volve. 
 Each in himself, and then all together speak. 
 Devising your best. Wherein while ye resolve, 
 Your full minds to me (at my return) to break, 
 I'll go to cheer my wife and babes, woe and 
 weak. [ear 
 
 They prayed him to do so, which rang in mine 
 That they were more glad to have him thence 
 
 than there. 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 234 is here given in 
 
 original.^ 
 ^Straight as the spider is gone, the rest arise, 
 ^vithdra^wing asunder in three plumps, four in 
 a plump, no one knot knowing what the rest 
 saith. Which done, they all sit down again 
 against the spider's return. Cap. 69. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 69 
 
 297 
 
 [The plate as on p. 252 is here given in 
 original, preceding the following illustration.] 
 
298 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 69 
 
 THE spider's back turned, straight these 
 twelve arose 
 By four, four, and four, flocking into flocks 
 
 three. 
 Every flock talking, and standing together 
 
 close, 
 Each flock unto other (by ought I could see). 
 As s'trange and as loth that their talk heard 
 
 should be [season 
 
 As all could have been that that spider that 
 Should have heard their talk, had they all 
 
 talked reason. 
 
 All showed one manner, which showed them all 
 meved, 
 
 Beating their fists, bending their brows, shak- 
 ing their heads ; 
 
 In fear and fury all were greatly grieved. 
 
 Talk of two of which three flocks whereto it 
 leads, 
 
 I could not yet know, soft whispering, not far 
 spreads. [near). 
 
 But talk of the third flock (standing somewhat 
 
 Harkening somewhat to them, somewhat did 
 I hear. 
 
 Friends (quoth one of those four), we four 
 
 being one, 
 We may talk (and let us talk) frankly our 
 
 minds. 
 This spider (our ringleader) to his flock gone, 
 In debate of this case, to which he us binds, 
 Is to me not unguessed how he with us winds. 
 But first, not to teach, but to tell what he is, 
 And then what he meaneth here, hear me say 
 
 in this. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 69 299 
 
 The spider is of wit, wondrous dark and deep, 
 And double as double, as he is deep and dark. 
 Lover where he loveth, laugh where he hateth 
 
 to creep 
 To bottom of bosom, for to spy what spark, 
 Kindled with or against him, he may there 
 
 mark. 
 Much for which purpose he giveth us now a 
 
 bone 
 Of pity and policy to gnaw upon. 
 
 [Ee.iii.r. 
 But except we spice pity and policy both, 
 As the seasoning may savour in taste, to stand 
 As in his taste and savour savourly goeth, 
 He will gnaw our bones out of taste out of 
 
 hand. 
 Which ye shall see when I this scantling have 
 
 scanned, 
 Between his politicles's pity (erst said) 
 And his pitiless policy, (here erst laid) 
 
 This doubt, to bring out of doubt, he hath us 
 
 set, 
 Whether (by pity) to save his babes and wife 
 He shall seek to flies s'ome peace of them to get, 
 Or by policy to stand stiff still in strife. 
 And lose both his babes, and also his wife's 
 
 life. 
 First case, showing our danger in general. 
 Last case, showing his danger in special. 
 
 This trap (not for mice) for spiders is baited 
 To see what bit we bite or on what string we 
 
 harp. 
 If his pity here be restrained or straighted, 
 
300 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 69 
 
 And that (on his policy) our tongues do carp, 
 More to save ourselves from danger of death 
 
 sharp 
 Than to save him and his, we playing those 
 
 parts [hearts. 
 
 He will sure suspect that we have traitors' 
 
 And if we leave policy, and pity take. 
 Concluding that we will bide all jeopardy 
 Rather than see of him or his one finger ache, 
 I'll hold a hundred pound to a halfpenny 
 That he will take all that talk for flattery. 
 Though his eye on us thereat pleasantly pink. 
 Yet will he think that we say not as we think. 
 
 [Ee.iii.v. 
 
 These two two-edged cases take I for such, 
 That tKey may be taken a two-edged sword ; 
 Each side of both cutteth, wherever it touch. 
 But when we shall resolve at yonder board. 
 Leaving these two ways, I have devised a third. 
 Wherewith, a tale he told them, so silently 
 That (till he told it at board), no word heard I. 
 
 But in taking end, I heard him to them say : 
 
 The spider will our minds severally know, 
 
 And I, the youngest, shall speak first (no nay). 
 
 And so each other following, sitting a-row. 
 
 Wherein, as you in course to speak (after me) 
 grow, 
 
 Say you : In this deep case, upon deep weigh- 
 ing, 
 
 Ye have naught to say, but t'aflfirm my saying. 
 
 And so shall we (said he) save our four lives. 
 They agreed. And to touch the second sort 
 
 now, 
 Ancients to the first, one of them four contrives 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 70 301 
 
 To conclude, in matter what or manner how 
 From hearing I was yet kept (as I told you), 
 But the talker to that flock at end spake out 
 These words : This way shall save our four 
 lives, no doubt. 
 
 Of the third and most ancient flock likewise, 
 One at end of his talk these words aloud spake : 
 This way shall save our four lives. Or at least 
 
 size 
 Our honesties, and honest spiders undertake 
 Life much rather than honesty to forsake. 
 Ye say truth (said the three) and we three agree 
 With you to lose life, rather than honesty. 
 
 [Ee.iv.r. 
 
 ^With this, they all at the board sat down 
 
 again. 
 That they (at the spider's return) might appear 
 Set as he left them, all as one to remain, 
 While he went to and came from his flock most 
 
 dear. 
 Who (so finding them), with sad and sober 
 
 cheer. 
 Sat down in his chair where he had sat erst. 
 And this process to his purpose promptly prest. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 272 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 ^The spider sat again with his council, in those 
 three said sorts arise three divers wa/ys to take 
 herein. The best one whereof to choose, the 
 spider departeth to devise upon, willing them 
 to cause all corners of that castle to he cleansed 
 and all battered places made strong again. 
 
 Cap. 70. 
 
302 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. *JQ> 
 
 \The plate as on p. 252 is here given in 
 original.^ 
 
 [The plate as on p. 294 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 AS I told you I would go, so have I gone 
 To comfort my wife and mine in your 
 names all, 
 Assuring them of your good hearts every one 
 To pity and relieve their dread, as may fall 
 In your most portable peril, come what come 
 shall. [them so, 
 
 Which hath (and naught else could) comforted 
 That quiet they hark to hear, how th'end shall 
 go. 
 
 Now, in case of pity and policy, erst laid, 
 Touching the two doubts which I was, and 
 
 am in, 
 I require fully to hear what ye have weighed ; 
 Wherein your sentences severally to win, 
 You shall severally speak, and the youngest 
 
 begin. [would), 
 
 Wherewith that youngest (as he erst said he 
 In words next following here, his tale he told. 
 
 In these two cases, bolted, sifted, and fanned, 
 To sue for peace in pity of you and your. 
 Or (by policy) to war stiffly to stand. 
 The doubts debated here, in most might of our, 
 Require this demand, judged in my most power ; 
 Whether to take no peace, or what peace to 
 
 take. 
 Labour wherein, I think vain, all that we make. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 70 
 
 ^'^o 
 
 If I be worthy in your council to live, 
 
 My counsel is that all your study shall be, 
 
 Not what peace ye shall take, what peace ye 
 
 will give. 
 The flies being- afraid as much or more than we. 
 Will not they seek for peace? yes, I warrant 
 
 ye: 
 Trust not my wit, except ye have out of hand 
 Flies suing to take peace, as your will shall 
 
 stand. 
 
 Wherein what your will shall be ere the flies 
 come, [wade, 
 
 Good is to dream to what point in peace to 
 And not when they come to stand mute or mum, 
 In lack of an answer (by you or yours made). 
 Needful haste in this case doth me full per- 
 suade 
 From needless hasty device in th 'other cases, 
 Both which (this taking place) they take no 
 places. 
 
 This (under your correction) is my full mind. 
 And mine (quoth the second), and mine (quoth 
 
 the third), 
 And mine (quoth the fourth). Quoth the fifth, 
 
 I am inclined 
 Of another mind than this tale hath now stirred. 
 For two causes; th'one, for that this toucheth 
 
 no word 
 Of the case propound, which is our charge to 
 
 touch ; 
 Th 'other, for that I have other matter 
 
 t 'avouch. 
 
304 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 70 
 
 The pith of these two cases I take to consist 
 Whether (by pity your fearful flock to save) 
 We shall take peace with the flies as the flies 
 
 list, 
 To our common danger, by pride of flies brave ; 
 Or politicly show that we no peace will have 
 To fear flies, and save us, yours and you, in 
 By their fear of wars continual quarrel. [peril 
 
 I hold the best one way of these both to be, 
 To save your wife and children, your succes- 
 sion. 
 And thereby you. For, lacking you, what are 
 
 we? 
 Who can (like you) save us from oppression? 
 Our benefits (by you) enforce confession : 
 For notable governance in governors, 
 Never was felt our like governance to yours. 
 
 Your offspring so toward to rule after you. 
 As you rule before them to their erudition, 
 For our inestimable wealth now, and after now, 
 No spider hath the contrary suspicion : 
 But all spiders, in most humble submission, 
 Submit them whole to you so loved or dread. 
 As never was ruler that ever spiders had. 
 
 Our commodities won by you being huge, 
 Huge were our loss likewise by your being lost. 
 You and yours, appearing here our whole re- 
 fuge, 
 Pity or policy which shall be the post : 
 In this case to stick to my sentence bendeth 
 most, [rise, 
 
 Ere danger (by bread) to you or yours shall 
 To cleave here to pity, and take peace with 
 flies. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 70 305 
 
 So say I (saith second) of that second sort. 
 And we, said the third (and fourth) which said 
 
 anon. 
 The first of most ancient four his report 
 Beg^inneth, but first this tale last j^one 
 He seemeth to commend {in part); whereupon 
 He showeth his mind ; but first (I say) in words 
 
 fair, 
 He saith as followeth next, of this last sayer. 
 
 Said this said ancient spider : This tale told last 
 Somewhat to touch (under pardon) I intend. 
 The teller's mind I dispraise in no part past, 
 But in sundry parts I can his mind commend ; 
 Namely, in that his mind is bent to defend 
 You and yours from the death, as he ought 
 
 to do, 
 As far as duty duly draweth, and we too. 
 
 VFf.i.r. 
 But as these two doubtful dangers touch our 
 
 state [low) 
 
 From top to toe, (as who say, high, mean, and 
 So from brim to bottom them both to debate, 
 In faithful plain manner, (as in heart may grow) 
 All dark dissimulation to overthrow ; 
 Subtly sounding to sense depraved. 
 That trace shall I tread, under pardon craved. 
 
 In these two tossed terms, pity and policy. 
 To turn and toss recital, of this whole case, 
 No need. After recital so sundrily. 
 The terms but named, where memory is most 
 
 base : 
 Remembrance of the whole, those terms bring 
 
 to place. [yours. 
 
 Which pity is here applied, to save you and 
 And policy here applied to save us and ours. 
 HEY. m. X 
 
3o6 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 70 
 
 Beseeching you, and all you before I say, 
 
 Till all my saying- be said, judge therein no 
 part. 
 
 But thoroughly hear me without stop or stay. 
 
 And take in good part, my plain true meaning 
 heart. 
 
 Good tales, ill taken may make the teller smart. 
 
 But here, I pray hearing, and having ex- 
 pressed. 
 
 In following the effect, do as seemeth you best. 
 
 But first these two terms, pity and policy, 
 
 (As I understand them) hear me them define. 
 
 Pity is an effect of all clemency, 
 
 That doth alway most clemently incline 
 
 To have regard to remittable discipline ; 
 
 In matter of justice, or any case else, 
 
 All displeasant sufferance pity it expels. 
 
 Policy is the thing that circumspectly weigheth. 
 
 Wisely (and warily) to put things in ure; 
 
 As reasons furthest fetch in foresight purvey- 
 
 eth, 
 An overreach above the weak wit's cure; 
 So to put things in ure, that they may endure, 
 As no light blast of wind do overblow them, 
 Nor lack of firm foundation overthrow them. 
 
 And policy, right taken (as I take it) 
 In good part is taken, and construed ever. 
 Policy is not as some spiders make it, 
 Witty wretched wile, that doth all endeavour 
 In wrongful ill to invent, to persevere. 
 The name of policy there is to be last, 
 And to be named falsehead, otherwise false 
 craft. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 70 307 
 
 Pity, wrong named, and wrong used also, 
 May be and hath been as where it is applied, 
 To help one or few, to the hurt of many more, 
 The pitied part being- deep offenders tried, 
 Th 'other part innocent. This (clear to decide) 
 Is either not pity, or peevish pity. 
 Which (as th'old saying saith) marreth the city. 
 
 But the right use of pity is (as I guess) 
 
 To pity part, as pity may pity all. 
 
 Without wrongful hurt any one to oppress. 
 
 This mean I in use of pity general : 
 
 But touching case (namely, yours) especial. 
 
 How it and such, from this general case 
 
 swerve. 
 Shall be touched anon, as my mean wit may 
 
 serve. 
 
 [Ff.ii.r. 
 But policy and pity, pictured thus, 
 I take man and wife and temperance (as who 
 
 .^^y) ... 
 
 Minister in this marriage I discuss, 
 Knitting this couple in steady stinted stay, 
 Policy to command, and pity to obey ; 
 Policy her husband, and pity his wife, 
 Politicly to keep all from pitiless strife. 
 
 Where policy may bring pity, promptly placed, 
 That husband will not keep that wife out of 
 
 place ; 
 And that wife (that husband's assent not pur- 
 chased) [grace 
 Will not presume to take place, both to dis- 
 Her husband, and also herself to deface. 
 Thus policy and pity, in case general, 
 Join (for common wealth) in common governal. 
 
 X 2 
 
3o8 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 70 
 
 But now, to grow toward speciality. 
 
 Where I laid misuse of pity before 
 
 To stand in not pitying- generality. 
 
 By pitying the less number before the more, 
 
 Though that rule lean rightly to the right shore, 
 
 In case of pity, much misused generally, 
 
 It may (and doth) fail in some case specially. 
 
 Some three or four are in pity to be weighed 
 More than some other three or four thousand 
 
 are 
 In sundry cases, which policy doth aid. 
 Namely and properly now here to declare 
 In particular case of your present care, 
 To save us and ours, and lose you and yours. 
 Or lose you and yours, and save us and ours. 
 
 [Ff.ii.v. 
 The loss of four thousand of mean spiders now, 
 Touching dangerous disturbance of the state, 
 Were less loss than were you four, and chiefly 
 
 you. 
 But the loss of the whole corps, of us to rate, 
 With loss of you four the most loss to debate. 
 This case to our case presently directed. 
 Is needless or bootless, to be respected. 
 
 Needless I take the talk, as in this respect. 
 First our case reacheth not determinately 
 To death of you, or us, but it doth direct 
 A dread of death in yours, and in you thereby, 
 Or danger of death in us ; not death clearly, 
 But dread or danger of death, and death out- 
 
 Are oft (and now I hope) far distant m sight. 
 
 Yours in dread, and we in danger, of death 
 
 much, [whit. 
 
 All may be brought, and death yet follow no 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 70 309 
 
 Neither in yours, nor ours. And this case is 
 
 such, 
 As if ye will therein policy admit 
 To outface flies, the corps' of spiders to knit 
 In courageous countenance, then shall ye see, 
 The flies in fear, and your fear needless to be. 
 
 As the talk is needless to compare the loss 
 Of us all with you four, for none s'hall be lost ; 
 And otherwise, bootless, in this talk to toss, 
 In matter on this side or that side to boast 
 The most or least loss', for all, least and most. 
 Shall die. If ye shrink and seek peace, flies 
 
 will none. 
 Then we being- first slain, you and yours are 
 
 gone. 
 
 [Ff.iii.r. 
 
 Will they slay us and save you, seeing this war 
 Against you is chiefly or only begun? 
 Nay, make ye sure ye are the principal bar, 
 Or beam, in their eyes, as the quarrel doth run. 
 Wherein I perceive no way ought to be won, 
 But politicly t'encourage all our whole rout 
 Afresh against the flies, in array to stand stout. 
 
 We in courage, out of courage the flies are. 
 And we out of courage, in courage are they. 
 We spiders pressing forward, back the flies 
 
 bear ; [stay. 
 
 Spiders drawing back, forth press flies without 
 Thus ye see policy here must make the way. 
 If any way may be made, by possible powers, 
 To preserve all, both you and yours, us and 
 
 ours. 
 
 This under pardon of you and yours, erst 
 
 prayed. 
 Is both my conscience and my counsel plain. 
 
3IO The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 70 
 
 And mine (quoth the next of the three) with 
 
 him stayed. 
 And likewise ours also (quoth those other 
 
 twain). [retain 
 
 The spiders' outward words, showed show to 
 All their sayings and all alike to like well. 
 But how he liked inwardly, I could not tell. 
 
 But on these three divers tales a part to muse, 
 Which one to take, or which to leave of all 
 
 three, 
 He said he would (and did) depart to peruse. 
 Willing them in meantime an order to see 
 That castle in warlike case again to be. 
 Whereupon he to his inner mansion gone, 
 To the soldiers spiders they went anon. 
 
 IFf.iii.v. 
 To whom that most ancient spider repeated 
 Such part hereof as was meet for them to hear. 
 But first he invented in that he treated 
 To encourage them all to be of good cheer, 
 And pluck up their hearts, if flies again march 
 
 near. 
 Matter of which rule such, and the tale so told. 
 That it brought the spiders again brag and 
 
 bold. 
 
 Then entereth he into repetition. 
 
 Of commandment given for that sort renewing. 
 
 For cleansing and strengthening in each con- 
 dition, 
 
 As it was before former 'sault in viewing. 
 
 The peril of a second 'sault eschewing; 
 
 To lay down their weapons, and set to their 
 hands [stands. 
 
 To scour and to repair all there that in need 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 71 311 
 
 The whole number (saving- reserved to watch 
 The watch in the watch tower and upon the 
 
 walls), 
 Lay by their weapons, each one his place to 
 
 catch. [falls ; 
 
 To strengthen weak places, each one to work 
 Strongly they stop up all gun hole galls ; 
 All places spied in any kind of faulting 
 Made strong in defence of a second 'saulting. 
 
 The dead spiders they buried in the castle close, 
 The dead flies hanged out in gibbets openly. 
 But to see the spiders, how they turn and toss, 
 Some making of graves', some the spiders bury, 
 Some making gibbets, some hanging flies on 
 
 high. 
 Some spinning threads to repair that castle 
 
 wall, — 
 I never saw the like, nor I think never shall. 
 
 [Ff.i.r. 
 ]f;[ Which, while they bring in pre-estate, now to 
 
 hear 
 What the flies (in common counsel not private) 
 Be in devising what way may best appear 
 On their part, each party to save his own pate. 
 They, being set in counsel it to debate 
 In a troop beside the reformation tree, 
 Th 'order and th'end followeth here, to hear 
 
 and see. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 272 is here given in 
 original. \ 
 
 ^\The flies in camp be at counsel, desirously 
 devising, by what mean to get peace best. 
 Whereupon the captain inventing a mean to 
 drive th'ant to sue for peace if they will he ruled 
 by him, they thereunto agree. And thereupon 
 the ant is brought before the flies. Cap. 71. 
 
312 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 71 
 
 [The plate as on p. 252 is here given in 
 original, preceding the jolloiving illustration.] 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 71 313 
 
 THE flics discouraged (as erst disclosed), 
 Tliey all cried to take peace some manner 
 of way. 
 A warfare to fare, that fare them disponed 
 Rather to fast, and to fare full hard that day 
 Than sharp 'saults, with sour sauce to taste 
 
 more in say. 
 Their bumbling^ buzzing at their captain's cry 
 
 ceased, 
 This advised advice to them he expressed. 
 
 Friends all, that ye all would have peace, ye all 
 
 show ; 
 But what way to come to peace, none of you 
 
 tell. [grow ; 
 
 Two plain ways there be, to provoke peace to 
 One to submit us on knees to our foes fell; 
 Another, to offer them talk, war to expel. 
 By taking- peace under condition such. 
 As may extinct (in both parties) all cause of 
 
 gruch. 
 
 But first, if we submit us, all are undone; 
 Mean mercy, nay, main misery, shall be our 
 
 end ; 
 Flies knees to furious spiders win no boon. 
 The second, and the best way is, to extend 
 Some talk as I told ; which if ye condescend 
 To follow, we must enter talk in the same 
 By some other bye mean than in our own name. 
 
 If we sue directly, spiders will be proud, 
 xA.nd we either get no peace, or such a peace 
 As between war and that peace small choice 
 
 avowed. 
 Exactions, ransoms, or fines, shall never cease; 
 Bonds of good abearing shall no release ; 
 
3U The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 72 
 
 « 
 
 Flies' lands, flies' goods, flies' lives, and flies' 
 
 liberty, 
 Many clearly lost, and all in jeopardy. 
 
 But you following (as ye ought) my counsel, 
 I will drive th'ant to make suit this suit to sue. 
 By a tale told to him here, which I will tell, 
 If ye will hear it and sooth it. The flies grew 
 To agree. Wherewith certain flies for th'ant 
 
 flew 
 Who fet and set at ladder foot by the flies, 
 The captain (to th'ant) did this tale devise. 
 
 ^,The captain telleth the ant that the flies have 
 retired from th' assault: {where many spiders 
 are slain) to see whether the spiders will sue 
 for peace, for which since they sue not, the 
 flies will assault them again. But the ant they 
 will hang straight before they go. Cap. 72. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 72 315 
 
 [The plate as on p. 252 is here given in 
 original.^ 
 
 \The plate as on p. 312 is here given in 
 original. \ 
 
 ANT (plain and true, short and sharp), a 
 tale of me, 
 Told to thee, thou must hear. Thus standeth 
 
 the case. 
 A g-reat conflict (even now) the spiders and we, 
 Have had, which slew spiders a piteous pace, 
 Till pity wrougfht our retire, to see what grace 
 Might appear in them to sue to us for peace, 
 In giving us our right, this war to surcease. 
 
 And that they do us wrong intolerable, 
 
 I durst make thee (their friend) our judge for 
 my part ; 
 
 The abomination is inscrutable, 
 
 To pronounce at full, how they (by will per- 
 vert) [smart. 
 
 Have wrongfully wrung us, to wrong's of most 
 
 Which we have borne, and never thereon 
 wroken, [broken. 
 
 Till the burden our backs and necks hath 
 
 And when we hope (if we at any time hope) 
 That our breakback burdens shall come to end, 
 Then showeth th 'increase of our burdens so 
 
 large scope. 
 That they seem but begun, none end seen t'in- 
 
 tend ; 
 Wherein their force forceth us to band in bend. 
 Rather than bide their perpetual shackling:. 
 To stand against them, and stick to our tack- 
 
 Hngf. 
 
3i6 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 73 
 
 As we have stuck now here (I say) to their 
 
 pain ; [said) 
 
 And to avoid their more pain (I say and 
 Being- loth to set abroach their blood again, 
 We have trained a long time (indifferently 
 
 weig-hed) 
 To keep them from th 'extreme extremity 
 
 stayed, 
 To see' their suit for peace us to peace t'at- 
 
 tempt, [empt. 
 
 Which, through their own fault, (we say) is ex- 
 
 [U- 
 But since they sue not, we will set on ag-ain, 
 
 To leave no spider (or else no fly) alive. 
 
 But ere we g"o we have made decree certain 
 
 To hang- thee straig-ht, ant — it booteth not to 
 
 strive. 
 Get a ghostly father that can shortly shrive ; 
 Dispatch, hangman; some fly go some bell to 
 
 toll. 
 That spiders and flies may pray for th 'ant's 
 
 soul. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 154 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 ^The ant, upon sudden short warning of his 
 death being tnuch dismayed, laying all that he 
 can for his life, and yet can get no grace, he 
 prayeth respite while he he brought to the 
 spider to see whether he will grow to any peace 
 to save the ant's life. Which granted, the ant 
 is brought before the spider. Cap. 73. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 73 317 
 
 [The plate as on p. 223 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 [The plate as on p. 312 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 NEVER was there ant (I ween) so as- 
 tonished 
 As was this ant upon this chief fly's tale told; 
 Had be been an ant plenteously moneyed 
 He would have given sacks full of silver and 
 gold [to hold, 
 
 To have been safe thence, but he prayed them 
 And hear him speak once again before he die. 
 Which granted, this began the ant by and by. 
 
 Master Captain (and all my masters here flies) 
 I beseech you consider, considerately. 
 Not only that none enmity doth arise 
 In me toward you, proved approbately. 
 Before nor since my sufferance captivately ; 
 But friendship in advising you peace to keep, 
 Where war hath since brought many flies in 
 dead sleep. 
 
 Also to view I humbly you instant. 
 
 What time ye have hanged me, what thing ye 
 
 have won? 
 The carcass of a poor wretched silly ant 
 Not worth the rope that it hangeth by in the 
 
 sun. [were spun 
 
 Weigh well (with yourselves) what a thread this 
 An innocent by tyranny to death to draw, 
 No fly thereby winner the worth of a straw. 
 
 Note more ; this thing once done, can never be 
 
 undone. 
 And till it be done, may be done when ye will ; 
 Which being now done, and repented as soon, 
 
31 8 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 73 
 
 Too late cometh that repentance to avoid th'ill. 
 Mark more ; if you in this fury me here kill, 
 Then the fair flower of flies (as ye take him) 
 dieth, [lieth. 
 
 As from the spider, threatening- therein erst 
 
 Quoth the captain, Turn the ladder ! Th'ant 
 
 cried, Stay ! 
 If all this aforesaid, my life will not save, 
 Hear this device, devised another way. 
 That is, it may like you I your grant to have 
 Of one poor petition, which I last here crave. 
 Let me go guarded to the spiders again. 
 To prove what peace I can for my life obtain. 
 
 Be it so, cried the flies, who made a herald g^o : 
 To make most humble suit in behalf of th'ant, 
 That he and (save forty flies with him, no mo') 
 Mig^ht be admitted to his speech that instant. 
 The spider (seeming to grant it, hard and 
 
 scant) 
 Bade him come. Wherewith away the herald 
 
 went, 
 Showing the flies and ant the spider's assent. 
 
 Forty flies guarding the ant flew forth bravely. 
 The spiders' fort, renewed and furnished 
 
 again. 
 The head spider in the midst standing gravely, 
 And (for terror) on gibbets and gallows remain, 
 Flies thousands hanging, some in rope, some in 
 
 chain. 
 
 Th'ant, being brought before the spider to 
 
 speak, [break. 
 
 His mind (a.s followeth) forthwith he did 
 
 [The iail-piece as on p. 257 is here given in 
 
 original.] 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 74 319 
 
 ^Th'ant {in way of petition) suing to the spider 
 for peace, laying considerations to provoke him 
 the rather thereto, the spider doth attentively 
 give the ant hearing. Cap. 74. 
 
 [T/ze plate as 0)2 p. 227 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 [The plate as on p. 253 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 RIGHT excellent uncle, if I, woeful wretch, 
 To call you mine uncle may here be so 
 bold, 
 Two things to pronounce plainly without far 
 
 fetch 
 Is my present purpose, first of which doth hold 
 Thanks, for saving my life; second to be told, 
 Standeth upon a request by petition 
 For peril, like the first in condition. 
 
 As thus : of life I am in like danger now, 
 As I was then (except your merciful aid) 
 The flies being bent to live and die on you. 
 To 'sault this castle afresh, they have purveyed, 
 And had been here ere this, s'aving that they 
 
 stayed 
 To hang me first, which hath no longer stay 
 But till I of peace bring them word, yea or nay, 
 
 No whit at their suit, but altogether at mine, 
 They respite my life till my return, to try 
 What good luck your good love to me may 
 
 assign 
 By inclination to peace charitably, 
 At my suit, for my sake, both to save thereby 
 My life, and as many of yours as shall, 
 In this fierce force, be clapped in the necks 
 
 withal. 
 
320 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 74 
 
 And since your own estate ye can better weigh 
 What way is best (for you and yours) than I 
 
 can, 
 And that ye know the worst peace (as wis-e 
 
 wights say) 
 Is better than ii. the best war to scan. 
 As proof showeth partly here, since this war 
 
 began. 
 This considered, considering of your part here, 
 I leave off to consider mine own part clear. 
 
 First beseeching you with me, and for me now 
 To consider I am in this peril brought 
 By myself, for myself? nay, by you for you, 
 Without my seeking, by your own request 
 
 wrought ; 
 And stinted reward, corruptly to be bought, 
 None ye offered, none I asked, nor none I have, 
 Nor rone I sought, but your favour to vouch- 
 safe. 
 
 Secondly, your case erst arbitrated 
 I furthered (as far as my wit might force power) 
 Which showed so, when I the same iterated, 
 That I had words of thanks from the mouth of 
 
 your. 
 Thirdly, where chance of war was to me so sour 
 That I (for you) was captive and should have 
 
 died, 
 What (and how) things grew thereon, hear 
 
 them specified. 
 
 At the flies' first approach toward this assault, 
 To a tree they drew me, straight to hang me 
 
 there, 
 Asking of me, or laying to me, no fault, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 74 321 
 
 But that I was your friend. In which deadly 
 
 fear 
 One fly, erst at th 'arbitrament (as other were) 
 I prayed to speak, that I might speak ere I 
 
 died, 
 Which was at last granted, but first long 
 
 denied. 
 
 My tale there, stood on two intents in effect ; 
 One, to save myself, another to save you 
 And yours. And therein to 'scape unsuspect, 
 First for myself, I laid that no fly could avow 
 That ever I offended fly ere now or now ; 
 Praying them (thereupon) to hear and adjudge 
 
 me. 
 As might most equally stand with equity. 
 
 And for the safety of you, and of yours here, 
 To qualify the fierce fury of the flies. 
 All trembling terror that I could make appear, 
 That might discourage the flies in any wise, 
 That did I at the full to the flies' device; 
 Which wrought such effect and did their hearts 
 so pall, [nigh all. 
 
 That they cried for peace, and would have fled 
 
 But the chief fly staying them, then against me 
 Spake his pleasure there, as you did after here; 
 He saw and said to the flies that they might see 
 My counsel given them was against them clear, 
 And that I put them in fear to come here mere 
 Only for the love that I to spiders bear. 
 And to set myself at liberty from flies' snare. 
 
 Whereupon he moved, and they did consent. 
 That I should be sent hither as sent was I, 
 To tell a tale, to abate your fury bent ; 
 
 HEY. III. Y 
 
322 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 74 
 
 Wherein if I brought you all as fearfully 
 To fear them as I had brought them formerly 
 To fear you, then should I be set frank and free. 
 Or else (at my return), hanged straight should 
 I be. 
 
 Here to prolong my life, nature provoked me, 
 To make you afraid of them, somewhat to say; 
 But yet again to that affection yoked me 
 To reason so faintly, when that I did inveigh. 
 That you (by reason) straight wiped that fear 
 
 away ; 
 For which I was no sooner returned uneath. 
 Ere I had (at the flies' hands) judgment of 
 
 death. 
 
 ^^=^3 First at your request, for you, and not 
 
 for me, 
 I came, craving no reward but your good-will ; 
 Second, in th 'arbitrate case I wrought decree 
 To the best for you, as far as I could skill ; 
 Thirdly, for your sake to death most vile or ill, 
 I was then drawn, and am now drawing again, 
 Except my grief some grace of you obtain. 
 
 That is, that it may like you to flies to grant 
 Peace, such as despair give no cause to refuse, 
 And pride give no cause it proudly to avaunt. 
 But as measurable mean measure endues. 
 So (of your grace) graciously them to use. 
 This love toward my life, please it you to show. 
 No reward else at your hands crave I to grow. 
 
 This ended, the ant made curtsey to the 
 ground, [bowed. 
 
 At which the spider gave him a beck, low 
 But before he any word to th'ant did sound. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 75 
 
 323 
 
 He paused solemnly, as any spider could. 
 Which done, very lovingly, but not very loud, 
 In manner assured and in words right grave, 
 First th 'enter and then th'end of answer he 
 gave. 
 
 %The spider {upon th'ant's tale told to him) 
 allegeth certain things hy which he seemeth in 
 doubt much to grant peace to the flies. 
 Wherein the ant and he traversing somewhat, 
 anon he granteth peace to them under condi- 
 tion expressed, wherewith th'ant is brought to 
 the flies again. Cap. 75. 
 
 Y 2 
 
324 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 75 
 
 [The plate as on p. 227 is here given in original.] 
 
 [The plate as on p. 253 is here given in original.] 
 
 COUSIN ant, a long matter in short speech 
 here. 
 Ye have (as ye can) right wisely declared. 
 Which, as ye grounded on three things to ap- 
 pear, 
 To draw me to pity you, in case thus snared. 
 So, this mine answer to those three prepared 
 Hath in it other three things, two of which 
 three [with ye. 
 
 Stand sore-against ye and the third standeth 
 
 First, the harm (by wrong) that flies have done 
 
 me; 
 Second, my will to be revenged on the same; 
 Third, the pity I have of you, I promise ye. 
 Of two things between these three, which one 
 
 to name, 
 I can (as yet) no determination frame ; 
 Which is', one of these two to determine at end. 
 Whether to slay all my foes, or save one friend. 
 
 Nay, whether to slay or to save foes and friend 
 
 both. 
 And whether to slay or save both you and 
 
 yours. [goeth : 
 
 On this question (quoth th'ant) this case rightly 
 But peace saveth them and theirs, us and ours. 
 War slayeth (or dangereth) all in short sharp 
 
 showers. 
 Ye save all in pitying me, the least one ; 
 Not pitying me, ye slay as seemeth every one. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 75 325 
 
 But two of your three points last touched, hear 
 
 me touch, 
 Omitting the third, till I them have touched. 
 Of your harm, your will to revenge, as ye 
 
 avouch, 
 To th'one ill past, th 'other ill to come, 
 
 couched : 
 When all is revolved, that can be avouched. 
 Your revengement to come, of the flies* ill 
 
 past, [cast. 
 
 May bring you more harm and the flies away 
 
 [Gg.i.r. 
 Yea, cast you and yours away too, I say it 
 
 may : [plain, 
 
 And (under your pardon) to speak my mind 
 Your desire of further revengement to weigh, 
 Declareth much cruelty in you to remain. 
 The least fly's ransom hath been loss of his 
 
 brain, [in sight. 
 
 That in time past hath touched here and now 
 Thousands of flies slain, and hanged in present 
 
 fight. 
 
 Thus for their ill, and your will th'ill to re- 
 venge, [be. 
 
 Your pointing of those two points dispointed 
 
 In that quarrel charity doth you challenge 
 
 In deadly defiance of all enmity. 
 
 Then passing these two points, to this third 
 pass we — 
 
 Pity, whereby charity here to embrace, 
 
 Above all cases, pity this pitiful case. 
 
 And pity in you showed here now unto me, 
 Commodity to yourself I think shall gain. 
 If you (in this respect of pity) agree 
 
326 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 75 
 
 To take peace with the flies, though ye loss 
 
 sustain, 
 My life to save in recompense of my pain : 
 Hands and hearts of ants, old and young, 
 
 great and small. 
 To serve you in your need, ye are sure of all. 
 
 And contrariwise, if I here now go to wrack, 
 Where you shall me slay, in that ye may me 
 
 save. 
 Not only friendship of all ants ye shall lack, 
 But all creatures living shall you deprave 
 And abhor where they speech or thought of 
 
 you have ; 
 Against you (in this case) least mite in a cheese, 
 In his most might will fight in blood to his 
 
 knees. 
 
 [Gg.i.v. 
 To this (all that I can say) what ye will do 
 I humbly beseech you forthwith to declare. 
 Life, or death, which one of two to trust unto, 
 Is my deep desire, that I may now prepare 
 My stomack ready, according to my fare; 
 My mind, I mean, to die, or else to live, 
 As your pleasure is, my death or life to give. 
 
 Cousin ant (quoth the spider) pity toward you 
 And anger toward them, wrestleth in me sore. 
 The flies' spite to spiders, to show what and 
 
 how 
 They have spited us from long before, 
 Laying their faults on our backs, and evermore, 
 By claiming our commons and such other like 
 Slandering our titles, quarrels still they pike. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 75 327 
 
 Sir (quoth the ant) faults on both sides I have 
 
 heard, 
 Which on both parts I wish to be mended, 
 The next way whereto, is peace to be preferred ; 
 By war, no part mended, all parts offended. 
 War wasteth all things ; where war is thus 
 
 bended ; 
 In pity whereof, by peace all ills to mend, 
 Peace to all parts I wish still an end. 
 
 Well, cousin, chiefly, yea only for your sake, 
 In recompense of your pains at my desire. 
 Pardon I give flies, and peace thus shall they 
 
 take — 
 I will all flies out of hand hence to retire, 
 And that they in tumult no further conspire. 
 But that they clear dissolve this conspiracy, 
 And every fly flee home, to live peaceably. 
 
 [Gg.ii.r. 
 + §+ They shall now set you at liberty also, 
 Bag, and baggage, to go straight home frank 
 and free ; [go, 
 
 And in this window and all, where my powers 
 Half the holes for theirs I grant to them from 
 
 me ; 
 And the fly that this began, still here to be. 
 Standing upon his trial in consequence, 
 As standeth with reason, law, custom, and con- 
 science. 
 
 Which (as I promised him), I will perform. 
 This is your end. And flies, warn your fellow 
 
 flies. 
 To beware henceforth of these deeds enorm. 
 
328 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 76 
 
 And by their harm here present, to wax so wise 
 That they never attempt more thus to rise 
 Agfainst their beggars or betters, such as be 
 Placed thus above flies in authority. 
 
 Great God save you (quoth th'ant) quoth those 
 
 flies Amen. 
 Low curtsey they made, and away they flew 
 To the camp of flies, and there and then. 
 Presenting th'ant to them, about th'ant they 
 
 drew 
 With panting hearts, to perceive what would 
 
 ensue. 
 Wherewith the ant, at curtsey, with knees low 
 
 bowed, [loud. 
 
 These sweet words he began, in voice right 
 
 ^Th'ant declaring peace, as it is granted, the 
 flies in much joy set the ant thankfully at 
 liberty, and home goeth he. Whereupon the 
 captain commandeth all flies to draw near to 
 hear him speak ere they depart. But they flee 
 all away, a few except. Cap. 76. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 77 329 
 
 [The plate as on p. 227 is here given in original.] 
 
 [The plate as on p. 253 is here given in original.] 
 
 PEACE and pardon I bring now into your 
 Iap5. 
 Upon these words spoken there was such a 
 
 shrill shout, 
 Holding- up their hands, casting up their caps, 
 Such joying and rejoicing the whole camp 
 
 about, [rout. 
 
 As seldom hath been heard and seen, in such a 
 Long was it ere silence would fully be won ; 
 But at last it was won, which done th'ant 
 
 begun — 
 
 Peace to pronounce, in form as it was granted, 
 And that it was granted only for his sake. 
 When he at end (to them) had it avaunted, 
 And that he of his guard thither did witness 
 
 take. 
 They all of the same affirmation did make. 
 Straightway the halter taken from the ant's 
 
 neck. 
 The captain fly gave th'ant a lovely low beck. 
 
 Praying him to let all hard handling past, pass. 
 And to consider that in number so great. 
 All be not one fly's brood, and woe he was. 
 That he had showed himself so ill, him t'en- 
 
 treat, 
 Desiring him it to forgive and forget. 
 Sir, quoth th'ant, forgiven and forgotten all is. 
 For my part, and ever shall be after this. 
 
330 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 77 
 
 And such flies as erst had frowningly faced him, 
 Lovingly they then on him did smoothly smile. 
 The captain and chief flies, having embraced 
 him, [style, 
 
 They giving him thanks, in words of pleasant 
 Dis'charging him thence, I let him pass a while ; 
 Most jocund and joyfully homeward to flee. 
 While ye the flies' conclusion have by me. 
 
 The ant being gone, the captain forthwith 
 Made proclamation, to be heard there say. 
 But thousands (after hundreds) are gone even 
 
 since, 
 Till all within forty were flown quite away. 
 The rest, most against their will forced to this 
 
 fray, 
 Gathering about the captain to hear him speak. 
 He to them, and they to him, their minds did 
 
 break. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. ^2 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
 ^Upon a little talk had between the captain and 
 the few flies there left, touching the rudeness 
 and lightness of the common sort of flies, mis- 
 liking their former light lewd, demeanour, they 
 depart. The camps on both sides, clear broken 
 up. Cap. *j*j» 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 77 
 
 331 
 
 [The plate as on p. 220 is here given in original] 
 
132 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 77 
 
 H 
 
 OW like ye this rudeness of these flies 
 _ _ (quoth he)? 
 
 As ill as any sight I have seen (quoth one). 
 Well (quoth another) it is no novelty : 
 Common sort of flies (in manner every one), 
 As gidds come and go, so flies come and are 
 
 gone. 
 Oft times when strifes are (by wrangling flies) 
 
 begun, 
 In the midst of the matter, away they run, 
 
 Leaving flies in the briers, whom they forced 
 
 thereto. 
 As they forced me ; but I am this time taught 
 Against another time what I shall do. 
 And we (quoth other) thither forcibly wrought. 
 My mind (quoth the captain) was to have 
 
 brought 
 Our camp in order dissolved. Sir (quoth one) 
 Ye know they that know none order, can keep 
 
 none. 
 
 I told at first (those flies that forced me out) 
 Though I took (as I took and take) our claim 
 
 right. 
 Yet against our superiors to be stout. 
 To attain our right by force of furious fight, 
 A blind fly might see that out of the way quite. 
 Which would not be heard, but ere I again stir, 
 As I now stirred, I'll be hanged at mine own 
 
 door. 
 
 And we (quoth the rest). Friends (quoth the 
 
 captain) 
 I was not forced at beginning to come forth ; 
 I rather forced other. But to be plain, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 78 
 
 333 
 
 The gain in this journey seen, what it is worth, 
 And what danger this and lil^e enterprise 
 
 stoorth, 
 I'll not stir thus again, if I may sit still; 
 And forced to stir thus, I'll stir with an ill will. 
 
 [Gg.ii.r. 
 Better smooth words to give than s'mart stripes 
 
 to take, 
 Namely, where stripes win nought and words 
 
 may win all ; 
 Against the stream, strife again I will not make. 
 But take at spiders' hands, as in peace may fall ; 
 I see what it is' to spurn against the wall. 
 Home will I in peace, and in peace abide there, 
 \Vishing peace th 'instrument right to try each 
 
 where. 
 
 We wish the same (said the rest) all taking 
 flight [place. 
 
 From thence; nothing there left but th 'empty 
 Whereupon the spider break up his camp quite. 
 Which done, I started up a speedy pace, 
 Looking out at the window, there to purchase 
 A sight (if I could) of the ant come home new. 
 What solemn salutations should there ensue. 
 
334 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 78 
 
 [Gg.ii.v. 
 ^Th'ant being come to his ^molehill, solemnly 
 received of his wife and children, and a great 
 number of ants, he telleth to them all a tale 
 discoursing th' effect of all his trouble had 
 among the spiders and. flies, 'willing them dili- 
 gently to mark what he sayeth. Cap. 78. 
 
 [Gg.iii.r. 
 
 OUT at a lattice hole casting mine eye, 
 A molehill I spied, as' the emerald green, 
 The grass low laid, and, unto the window nigh. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 78 335 
 
 Th'ant new entering the same, who, when he 
 
 was seen, 
 On so sudden warning, never was (I ween) 
 Such a number of ants as were on that hill, 
 To show outward tokens of inward goodwill. 
 
 At th'ant's first entry, a lane of ants was made, 
 Every ant by the way shaking that ant's fist; 
 And somewhat more than the midway of that 
 
 glade. 
 His wife met him, whom he full sweetly kissed ; 
 His babes fell on knees, whom he devoutly 
 
 blessed. 
 Whereupon, all ants having that ant embraced. 
 These words said he to them, amid 'mong them 
 
 passed. 
 
 Dear kinsfolks, and allies many, and friends all. 
 What ye have heard of me since I from you 
 went, [shall 
 
 That know I not. But myself here report 
 Of my troublous tragedy th 'effect fervent. 
 In telling which tale, mine effectual intent 
 Is that ye all shall now mark much what I say. 
 And all mark much more why I say that I say. 
 
 But what I say mark first. I think ye know all 
 That my young cousin spider was with me here, 
 To come to his father, my uncle, at call. 
 But the cause wherefore he willed me to appear, 
 Whether ye know or not, that know I not clear. 
 My knowledge whereof, to witness that ye 
 
 know, 
 In full and few words (as I can) I shall show. 
 
 [Gg.iii.v. 
 A notable fly hath late chanced to light 
 In that spider's cobweb, the spider by that 
 Charging the fly with desert of death by right ; 
 
336 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 78 
 
 The fly to deserve to die denying flat, 
 
 Beseeching the spider to hear him speak some- 
 what ; 
 
 He granting him speech, and to judge his of- 
 fence 
 
 Standing with reason, law, custom, and con- 
 science. 
 
 The spider's challenge to the fly gave great 
 
 charge, 
 Whereto (as far as I could there understand) 
 The fly's defence was very lusty and large. 
 In which challenge and defence, when all was 
 
 scanned [hand ; 
 
 To come to end, they two could not take in 
 But being driven to choose arbiters t'agree, 
 The fly chose a butterfly, the spider chose me. 
 
 This one of their many matters t'arbitrate. 
 At trial (by custom) on which side to lay 
 All holes, in that and all windows in each state ; 
 The flies claiming freehold, for free passing 
 
 way ; 
 The spiders for spiders said, — So, all hold they. 
 Whereon, we hearing all sides what could be 
 
 laid, [weighed 
 
 We could not agree how the case might be 
 
 To any one side of both; so that at end, 
 In our report (to that spider and that fly) 
 The case as we first found, we left it to depend. 
 The spider and fly in cobweb th'end to try; 
 Whereupon the flies, in a fume by and by. 
 Were suddenly up in a rought, on a rore. 
 Such a flock as I have never seen before. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 78 337 
 
 [Gg.iv.r. 
 No need to ask them wherefore their coming 
 
 was, [fif^ht ; 
 
 Their warHke fashion showed them bent to 
 But in a moment about me they compass, 
 And, without word of cause declared, wrong or 
 
 right, 
 They drew me to a tree standing nigh in sight, 
 Where, with halter about my neck, on ladder 
 
 set, [get. 
 
 Turn the ladder ! they cried, none other glace to 
 
 Saving the foresaid arbiter butterfly, 
 Upon great and long s'uit, at last obtained 
 Of them to hear me speak before I should die. 
 But ere I spake (what to speak seeing unfeigned 
 Life or death lie before me), I was constrained 
 (As that short time would serve) to premeditate 
 How to conserve myself, and the spider's state. 
 
 As affection natural moved me more 
 
 To lean to the spiders than toward the flies. 
 
 And of my tale the very kernel or core 
 
 Must stand on two points (methought) in any 
 
 wise; 
 Th'one, to persuade no fault in me to surmise 
 Against them; th 'other to make them to relent, 
 By enforcing the force of spiders' force bent. 
 
 In first part of which tale, my faults I cleared 
 That they (to touch me with) could any way lay ; 
 And where, by the rest of my tale, appeared 
 Their deaths plain (as I their foe's force did dis- 
 play) 
 They thereupon all well-nigh running away ; 
 I handling the tale so, from first part to end. 
 That the most part (simple flies) took me their 
 friend. 
 
 HEY. III. z 
 
33^ The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 78 
 
 [Gg.iv.v. 
 But the crafty fly, capital captain, 
 Opening- (to the flies) my politic intent, 
 Unseen to the flies till he made them see it 
 
 plain, 
 Him.self seeing- his danger above all bent, 
 If the flies did flee, their flight then to prevent, 
 He inveighed s'uch matter to them that anon 
 He 'couraged them to stand, all former fear 
 
 gone. 
 
 Whereupon, with their consent, he awarded 
 That I before the spiders, a tale to tell. 
 Should be sent forthwith, with forty flies 
 
 gfuarded ; 
 Wherein if I made spiders fear flies as well 
 Or as much (in my saying serious or fell) 
 As I brought flies of spiders before in fear, 
 I should go quite ; if not, at return hang there. 
 
 I said I would do my best, and therewithal, 
 Standing- on the ladder, my two wings start out, 
 As in a time of our time is natural ; 
 Which had, I flew guarded with this guarded 
 rout [stout. 
 
 Before the spider, having look strange and 
 But what of that? my curtsey once low made, 
 I ushd words my matter to persuade. 
 
 Where, although I would have told another tale, 
 Yet who may not as he will, must as" he ma)' ; 
 Life was sweet, death was sour ; nature did me 
 
 hale 
 To save my life, while my life in my tongue lay. 
 Short tale to make, in tale so did I there say 
 That spiders in fear of flies had agony 
 As much as flies of spiders had formerly. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 78 339 
 
 [Hh.i.f. 
 Wherewith the head spider fell in fell fury ; 
 I feared he would (with his weapon) have killed 
 
 me; 
 And sure all my friends from Jersey to Jewry 
 Had not saved my life but he would have spilled 
 
 me, [me 
 
 Had not his foregrant warranted and willed 
 To come and go safe ; but this passing over, 
 He entered a talk, the spiders to recover, 
 
 And encourage again, which in fine he did, 
 Bringing me in much disdain and more distrust. 
 He said that on both those parts I dissembled, 
 Creeping with spiders at times when I lust, 
 And flying with flies other times, even as just; 
 Where I to him meant nothing but honestly. 
 He reported my meaning clean contrary. 
 
 Ensampled, by my creeping with spiders first, 
 And last exampled by my fleeing with flies. 
 In rest of his tale told, he telling the worst 
 Against me and my tale that he could devise, 
 He such matter laid, and laid it in such wise, 
 That in courage (I say) were the spiders again, 
 We, with his defiance, returning amain. 
 
 To the flies by one fly all past repeated. 
 Which declaring me the spiders to have 'fraid. 
 As I was willed to do, straight was it treated 
 (Upon demand) whether in that I there said 
 I should have my life or not ; which to be 
 
 weighed 
 Between two flies, a serious argument, 
 Whether I should live or die, was bigly bent. 
 
 z 2 
 
34° The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 78 
 
 [Hh.i.v. 
 
 The one said that I by covenant ought to live. 
 
 Nay, said th'other, by covenant he ought to die ; 
 
 The first said, — As words of covenant do give 
 
 To bring the spider in fear, even so did I. 
 
 Th'other said, that fear held not permanently, 
 
 And the words fulfilled, the meaning not ful- 
 filled, 
 
 The covenant is not kept, in judgment well 
 skilled, 
 
 This argument they turned and tossed till at last 
 The friend quite overthrew th 'adversary ; 
 And yet against me the most number straight 
 
 passed 
 As though th 'argument had run clean contrary. 
 On the ladder I stood, straight to miscarry 
 From which at turning off, by the fly hangman, 
 Hold ! cried a fly far off, flinging toward us 
 
 then. 
 
 Which fly said the spider had made a decree 
 The fly in close prison with him detained. 
 Should straight lose his life, if the flies did 
 
 kill me ; 
 Whereupon they reprieved me to prison 
 
 chained. 
 With harnessed flies' watched, and in stocks re- 
 mained, 
 Between hope and dread, whether to live or die, 
 As this side, or that side, should win victory. 
 
 Forthwith herewith, on the spider they gave 
 
 'sault. 
 Where five hundred spiders and five thousand 
 
 flies [haute. 
 
 Were slain. Abating on both sides courage 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 78 341 
 
 The flies retired, peace some way to devise. 
 The spiders were desirous of peace likewise ; 
 But which part should begin suit, that peace to 
 
 move, 
 Both parts showed as much curtsey as little 
 
 love. 
 
 [Hh.ii.r. 
 The flies had me before them bragging in boast 
 That since spiders to them for peace would not 
 
 sue, [crossed 
 
 Spiders or flies one part of both should be 
 Quite out of this life, none left alive to view. 
 And straight to the ladder again they me drew, 
 Protesting that I should die ere they marched 
 
 thence, [pense 
 
 I praying them my life might hang in sus- 
 
 While I were guarded again to the spider, 
 To s'ue to the spider, all in mine own name, 
 To see of what peace hap might be provider 
 At mine humble suit unto him for the same. 
 They granted, and sent me, to whom when I 
 
 came 
 I sued for peace, beseeching it the rather 
 For certain respects, which I then did gather. 
 
 Such as showed then high time peace to give 
 
 and take, 
 As' danger to him and his, and then for me, 
 Most innocently cast away, for his sake, 
 Having, or looking, for no commodity 
 But only his favour; and hereupon he 
 (Seeming loth to grant, and glad to grant in- 
 deed) 
 Granted peace in form as forthwith shall pro- 
 ceed. 
 
342 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 78 
 
 Under general pardon for all faults passed, 
 The flies must all away, and all war surcease ; 
 I, set at liberty, no longer to lie fast; 
 Flies in windows to have half the holes in 
 
 peace ; 
 The fly, with him in prison, not to release, 
 But to take an end at his hands, there or 
 
 thence, [science. 
 
 As standeth with reason, law, custom, and con- 
 
 [Hh.ii.v. 
 But note I must take this done all for my love. 
 In recompense of pain and peril had there. 
 This done, I and the flies there, as did behove, 
 Giving thanks and taking leave, thence gone we 
 
 were * 
 
 To the flies, who flocked about me giving ear 
 To hear of peace, which when I there had 
 
 declared, [guard. 
 
 With thanks I was discharged of all captive 
 
 From whence I am (as you see) hither now 
 come, [played. 
 
 The one half of my whole tale having dis- 
 For of what I have to say this is the sum. 
 But now wherefore this what (now said) is said, 
 As I at beginning willed this what well weighed, 
 So wish I this wherefore to be weighed as well. 
 For safety of all ants, which I shall now tell. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 72 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap, 78 343 
 
 [Hh.iii.r. 
 ^Th^ant having said 7vhat he would say, isDilleth 
 all ants to note why he said that he said. 
 Which is to warn them by his harms to beware 
 how they meddle in matters between spiders 
 and flies. Cap. 79. 
 
 [Hh.iii.v. 
 
 WISE ants are warned by other ants' harms 
 (ants say) 
 And you, avoiding' your harms by harms of 
 
 mine, 
 The why of my former tale ye then well weigh, 
 
344 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 79 
 
 For of the what, that is the why, in fine. 
 Your hearing- and following- of which discipline 
 (With hearing- and following my next words 
 
 here s'et) 
 Defence from my like harms I hope ye shall 
 
 get. 
 
 My which harms, though they show outwardly 
 to grow [own, 
 
 By war's froward chance, without fault of mine 
 Yet the high God knoweth, and my conscience 
 doth me show, [grown, 
 
 That these my harms of these my two faults are 
 Pride and covetousnes's, by corrupt blast blown 
 Into my heart inculked by fancy fond, 
 Which to warn you of, I'll make you under- 
 stand. 
 
 Though the spider sent for me ere I hence went, 
 Yet when I was sent for, proud was I to go. 
 Where I thought to grow in state more excel- 
 lent 
 Than any ant before had g^rown, and so. 
 Perking with spiders, in top of the window, 
 I thought therewith the spiders' equal to be. 
 And here, in anthillsr, ants a god should take 
 me. 
 
 And for the maintenance of that proud estate, 
 I covetously cast what way to find mean, 
 Being above all ants in place situate, 
 By preferment (at the spiders' hand) to glean 
 Oflfice, fee, all that I could, to gather up clean; 
 Low curtsey, great riches, mirth, ease, love, 
 
 and laud, 
 I thought all should be offered, me to applaud. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 79 345 
 
 [Hh.iv.r. 
 But in fine, this was the fruit of this vain hope : 
 Love, or laud, on no side; on all, hate and 
 
 blame ; 
 For g-olden chain at my neck, an hempen rope ; 
 For reverence and praise, disdain and defame. 
 Looking to win much, lose all, as in the same 
 Showed my reward, at end of all, at hands all. 
 Namely at spider's hands, who did me thither 
 
 call. 
 
 As he, in g-ranting- peace to the flies', showed 
 plain. [take 
 
 Which peace he said (I say) with flies he did 
 To save my life, and to recompense of my pain, 
 And for no cause else. But let us here make 
 As it indeed had been done all my sake ; 
 Yet the head and tail of this tale, joined nigh. 
 Shall show that I right naught did win thereby. 
 
 What if to save my life that peace he then gave ? 
 My life was out of peril till I came there, 
 Brought by him, for him, to the brink of my 
 
 grave. 
 Had I kept me here, neither peril nor fear 
 Had my heart wounded as it did there whilere. 
 This gift is like as if a thief (by false train), 
 Robbed me of my good, and gave it me again. 
 
 I lost my time there, and I lost my thrift here ; 
 In summer (ye know) we ants work busily 
 For winter to provide our food every year ; 
 But lack of this summer day's diligency 
 May make me fast two days in winter (haply), 
 And drive me (perhaps) ere winter all done be, 
 To beg of ants, that might else have begged 
 of me. 
 
346 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 79 
 
 [Hh.iv.v. 
 In all my which punishment at all whose hands 
 I take them, but as the great God's instruments. 
 His judg-ments are secret ; he useth his wands 
 Sometimes in appearance of outward intents 
 To one purpose, when his high wisdom assents 
 To use them for another, and sure 
 I think he now put so my trouble in ure. 
 
 For my two said faults willing- you to beware 
 Of all ambitious and covetous desire. 
 In avoiding (for my like offence) my like care, 
 Which if ye do, fleeing desire to aspire, 
 Then can ye this lesson as I would require. 
 And not doing it, upon this warning given. 
 Ye will thereto (by my like plague) to be driven. 
 
 And did we consider but this present life. 
 Yet must we live in an order here (perde !) 
 The God hath placed us all to live out of strife, 
 Spiders, flies, and ants, each sort in their 
 
 degree. 
 Spiders, in head parts of windows, the heads 
 
 be ; 
 Flies in the midst, the body as it were ; 
 Ants at the low part, the feet, accounted there. 
 
 And as a spider overmatcheth a fly. 
 
 So is a fly as far too big for an ant ; 
 
 Which seemeth wrought by divine providence 
 
 (think I), 
 As our degrees are in order distant. 
 So the degrees of our strengths are discrepant ; 
 And where all three sorts keep quietly their 
 
 place, 
 All live together in quiet wealthy case. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 79 347 
 
 [li.i.r. 
 But if they (for change of place) begin to strive, 
 As spiders and flies (two parts of three) did 
 
 now, 
 They may hastily strive, and slowly thrive ; 
 And to the spider in our allegiant vow, 
 In all lawful things, all we ants always bow 
 Without grief or grudge ; but if war again rise. 
 What should ants meddle between spiders and 
 
 flies? 
 
 Be warned here again (by my harm) of med- 
 cfling. 
 
 Meddle we in things of our vocation ; 
 
 One fly's finger thrusteth ten ants down head- 
 ling ; 
 
 Ants are not made to walk in war's station, 
 
 Nor to meddle in severe consultation. 
 
 Meddle we in our molehills at the window's 
 feet, [meet. 
 
 And let spiders and flies do as they think 
 
 They shall for me, (quoth he) and for us, cried 
 
 they ; 
 And to their business busily they went. 
 Wherewith come four flies fleeing, fast as they 
 
 may, 
 And at low part of the window, by assent, 
 They lighted, and the spider then himself bent 
 From his house to his chair, and I forthwith 
 Set in my place, of their words to note the pith. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 38 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
348 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 80 
 
 [li.i.v. 
 ^Four flies {in the name of all flies) at the cob- 
 web, thanking the spider for pardon a/nd peace, 
 declaring the conditions and the performance 
 on their part, sue to the spider on his part to 
 perform his grant, in laying out and possessing 
 them of their limits with half the holes in the 
 window, which he granteth, bidding them a 
 little time stay, in which while he sendeth the 
 youngest spider of his twain to the ant, pray- 
 ing him to come to him again, to divide and 
 deliver the holes to the flies as the spider will 
 appoint them. Cap. 80. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 80 349 
 
 [li.ii.r. 
 
 ONE fly of thosre four (made the mouth for 
 all, 
 At curtsey to the spider had) these words had, 
 Framed in manner (to the matter) formal. 
 Right honourable sir, most dear and most dread. 
 All flies (they of your prosperous estate mo^ 
 
 glad). 
 Have commanded us to commend them to you 
 Humbly, and duly as duty biddeth them bow. 
 
 So thanking your gifts to them, pardon and 
 peace. 
 
 Upon these conditions, as they understand : 
 
 Wars' and conspiracies on their part to cease ; 
 
 Th'ant to be set free, out of their captive band ; 
 
 The fly here in prison to have end at your hand. 
 
 As standeth with reason, law, custom and con- 
 science ; [hence. 
 
 Half holes in windows theirs, all times from 
 
 Which covenants they receive, and put in ure. 
 In what they should do, and in what they shall 
 
 have. 
 They thereupon send us to know your pleasure ; 
 What time and what way ye will take to vouch- 
 
 save [gave, 
 
 To point and possess them in that ye them 
 Binding them (by indifferent divided rate). 
 To wish continuance of your present state. 
 
 At their curtsey made, to this the spider said : 
 This suit I grant : tarry my return again. 
 In he went, and herein to have the ant's aid, 
 
 
350 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 80 
 
 To th'ant he sent the least spider of his twain, 
 Praying- th'ant to come to him and take the 
 
 pain 
 To be his deputy t'insess the flies, in fine. 
 With half the holes whereas the spider would 
 
 assign. 
 
 [li.ii.v. 
 Th'ant, spying his cousin coming, liked it not. 
 Some thankless office was toward again 
 
 (thought he). 
 Through the window, I saw he quickly gat : 
 One leg and his waist in swadeband rolled to be. 
 And crutches by his side, a two or a three. 
 That spider coming to th'ant whereas he lay, 
 These, or these like words, that spider did first 
 
 say. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 8i 35 « 
 
 [li.iii.r. 
 ^Upon this message done, th'ant feigned a let 
 of his coming hy a hurt mischancing him that 
 morning. With which answer the young spider 
 returneth to the old. Cap. 8i. 
 
 [li.iii.v. 
 
 COUSIN ant, rest you merry. Cousin (quoth 
 th'ant) 
 Ye be welcome ; what good tidings do ye bring ? 
 My father prayeth you (quoth he) at this in- 
 stant 
 To come to him, and for the holes delivering, 
 Which he in windows granted at war's ending, 
 To be therein his deputy of trust, 
 To see flies possessed of their number just. 
 
352 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 8i 
 
 Good cousin (quoth the ant) it will not be. 
 
 In a dark house (right now) where candle was 
 
 light, 
 The Hght dazzling mine eyes, it so blinded me, 
 That against the snuff of a candle, burning 
 
 bright, [flight, 
 
 I flew, force of which fire and snuff in which 
 Mischance (that all misadventures always 
 
 bring), [wings. 
 
 Brake one of my legs, and burned one of my 
 
 So that I now can neither creep nor fly, 
 
 The which for mine own harm grieveth me 
 
 right sore, 
 And as sore for his sake, that now can not I 
 In this case serve him as I have done before. 
 Thus commend me, cousin ; I can say no more. 
 That spider took his leave, and to his father 
 
 straight 
 Told what answer he had at th'ant in receipt. 
 
 Who, seeing the ant did not come, forth he 
 
 went, 
 With a long rod in his hand taking his chair ; 
 Which when I saw, to see further what he 
 
 meant, 
 To my chair in my place I did then repair. 
 The four flies before him stood in order fair. 
 Wherewith (in few words) a brief tale there 
 
 told he. 
 Which done, he possessed them in plat here 
 
 to see. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 82 
 
 353 
 
 [li.iv.r. 
 
 ^The spider, after a few words to the four 
 flies, assigneth to them all the small holes 
 beneath, half the holes in number, but scant 
 the sixth part of the room. At which they 
 somewhat grudge; but they must take them or 
 none. Cap. 82. 
 
 \li.iv.v, 
 
 FRIENDS flies, — friends, I say, if ye friendly 
 use me, 
 You four, and all flies your friend shall find me. 
 And to make you unable to accuse me 
 
 HEY. III. A A 
 
354 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 82 
 
 In lack to perform as promise doth bind me. 
 Upon your present suit I have inclined me 
 To assign and possess you, here and elsewhere, 
 Of half the holes in windows where I power 
 bear. 
 
 Exampled by these holes, just half, as they 
 stand 
 
 Them, and none but them, to have and to hold. 
 
 Wherewith he pointed beneath with his wand 
 
 To all the small holes, s'aying what fly that 
 would [told, 
 
 Touch any hole there but those to them then 
 
 He should die therefore; which plat thus dis- 
 posed, 
 
 One fly (to the spider) these words disclosed. 
 
 Sir (may it like you) the meaning of all flies' 
 Was to have, with half the holes, half the plat 
 
 here. 
 And I, fly (quoth the spider) meant otherwise. 
 Without further pleading-, take as doth appear. 
 And think yourselves well handled ; for this is 
 
 clear, — 
 I might (if I would), my grant again withdraw, 
 And that withdrawing justify well by law. 
 
 At time of this grant, I was (as who say) 
 Stressed by you, your prisoner (as it were). 
 And all bonds so forced, of no force are they; 
 Be answered and warned rebellion to forbear. 
 As every fly had had a flea in his ear. 
 At curtsey low made from the spider they slank. 
 They marvellous blank, and the spider as 
 crank. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 82 
 
 355 
 
 [Kk.i.r. 
 What have we won now? (quoth one) as they 
 
 took wing. 
 Wise flies say as good sit still, as rise and fall. 
 But what a fall have we now by our rising? 
 Before, we had some part; now we have lost 
 
 all. [shall. 
 
 In effect, yea (quoth one) thisr hath been and 
 Where flies (with spiders) in this kind of strife 
 
 strive, 
 We win nought but wretchedness ; the craft 
 
 will not thrive. 
 
 A A 2 
 
356 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 83 
 
 [Kk.i.v. 
 ^The four flies flown thence, the spider to the 
 fly in prison layeth that in all kinds of trial that 
 day on both parts laid, he thinketh his own pa/rt 
 approved best, as he thinketh the fly would 
 think were he^ a spider. Contrary judgment 
 whereof the fly thinketh in the spider were he a 
 fly. Whereupon they agree to change places 
 {each for the time) to imagine and set forth 
 other's part the best they cam. Cap. 83. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 83 357 
 
 [Kk.ii.r. 
 
 THEY being thus gone, the spider sitting 
 still, 
 The fly fast before him, as he erst had been, 
 To draw to end, in hand with the fly he fill. 
 Fly (quoth he), now hast thou in this matter 
 
 seen 
 All kinds of trial that can be seen, I ween; 
 Reason, law, and custom, full reasoned and 
 
 cast, 
 Arbitrament, and rebellion at last. 
 
 Which rebellion (I think) thou didst devise, 
 When thou didst rown the butterfly in the ear. 
 Nay (quoth the fly) the truth is clear otherwise. 
 I prayed him to pray flies all war to forbear. 
 Which he will say. Fly, (quoth he) say he or 
 swear, [preef, 
 
 I trust none of you. This trieth truth like in 
 As to ask my fellow whether I be a thief. 
 
 But were it so or not, I forgive it thee. 
 In all this bibble babble had here this day. 
 What hast thou won thereby? that let us see. 
 All cases past here indifferently to weigh, 
 Weigh more on my side than on thine, I dare- 
 say, [would you, 
 I say and think nay (quoth he) and so think 
 Were ye a fly, in case as I am here now. 
 
 And wert thou a spider, as I am here placed, 
 I think thou wouldst think as I think, and to 
 
 grow 
 Some way to end. One trial more to taste, 
 Let us change places a while, for to know 
 What change of opinion that change may show, 
 I 'magining myself, to be a fly, 
 Thou thinking thyself, a spider unfeignedly. 
 
358 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 83 
 
 [KkJi.v. 
 Thou the spider, and I the fly to be named ; 
 Thou reasoning for the spider all that thou 
 
 may, 
 And I for the fly in like case will be framed. 
 This take I (quoth the fly) a very good way. 
 Place and case (in appearance) forthwith change 
 
 they; 
 The fly solemnly set in the spider's chair. 
 The spider to the fly's base place did repair. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 84 359 
 
 [Kk.iii.r. 
 ^They having changed places, they allege each 
 for his dissembled side. Wherein the fly anon is 
 so allured to pride and ambition in occupying 
 (for the ivhile) the spider's stately place, that 
 he at last with an oath affirmeth that spiders are 
 owners of all windows. The spider, granting it 
 true, starteth to the fly, seeming to take end 
 upon the fly's own judgment. Cap. 84. 
 
 \Kk.iii.v. 
 
 HE fly being once set in the spider's place, 
 Advanced himself, setting hands under his 
 side. 
 
 The spider crouched, in countenance mild and 
 base, 
 
 T 
 
36o The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 84 
 
 Looking pale and wan, as though he should 
 
 have died. 
 Which change (upon this sudden) when I espied, 
 It printed in me a wonderful wonder, 
 To see parties (from their parts) so asunder. 
 
 New matter they laid small, but that most 
 
 touched 
 That had been erst alleged, both parts growing 
 Little and little, stoutly to be couched 
 Each to other's, against his own part now 
 
 showing ; 
 Namely, the fly for the spider's part crowing 
 With spiderlike spiteful words, as hot and high 
 As he had been the spider, and th 'other the fly. 
 
 He was from the fly's part so carried away, 
 By being suddenly there thus elevate. 
 That all claim laid by the spider there that day 
 The fly ruled for right of most lawful right 
 
 rate. 
 So farforth he forgat where and how he sate, 
 That upon the chair-boll hard beating his fist. 
 Spiders own all windows, he sware by gods 
 
 blist. 
 
 The spider granted it true, starting out straight 
 To the fly, saying, Sir, ye have said right well. 
 We need no longer (for judge or judgment) 
 
 wait ; [here tell. 
 
 Our chief point in judgment yourself doth 
 Oh, sir, (quoth the fly, and flat to ground he 
 
 fell) [had) 
 
 I beseech you hear how (by pride here now 
 I was stricken beetle blind, and bedlam mad. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 85 361 
 
 [Kk.iv.r. 
 HT/ie fiy out of that chair fallen fiat before the 
 spider, perceiving his oversight and danger 
 therein, he declareth how change of place 
 changed his affection. In discoursing of which 
 case, he partly toucheth the commodity of ad- 
 versity, and the discommodity of prosperity, 
 beseeching the spider to relinquish all advan- 
 tage therein to be taken against him. Which 
 the spider granteth. Caf. 85. 
 
 [Kk.iv.v. 
 
 THE spider, leaning to his chair, said : 
 Say on. 
 Sir, (said the fly) by vainglorious pride, 
 It stealing sly and suddenly me upon, 
 
362 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 85 
 
 I was so puffed up here so blindly myself to 
 
 guide, 
 That I neither saw yours, nor yet my own side. 
 I, once but set in place of your authority. 
 Took myself straight in case of your prosperity. 
 
 Which place and case, how they may right 
 
 judgment blind ! 
 That see I now, and never till now could see. 
 Wherein, I being but a shadow assigned 
 For. this time to sit, yet mark (I beseech ye) 
 How from a fly's state to a spider's' degree 
 I (at moment) advanced myself to proceed. 
 Not with flies, but with spiders, all I decreed. 
 
 My which blindness (in some respect) doth 
 
 stretch 
 To those in places past, as debitees. 
 They keeping countenance of my like high 
 
 reach, 
 Looking each as high, when he his suitor sees, 
 As his head master of far higher degrees. 
 Which flock (as I am now) wherever it flocks. 
 All made (in reason), reason's mocking-stocks. 
 
 See more, how beastly blindness did my bent 
 
 bend 
 Life and liberty of me, and of all flies. 
 Here lying and bleeding, except I it defend. 
 All that not withstanding pride bleared both 
 
 mine eyes 
 Against them and myself sentence to devise, 
 I was a spider, I ; I took flies as fleas ; 
 Pride goeth before, shame cometh after, me 
 
 to seize ! 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 85 363 
 
 [Ll.i.r. 
 But pride had here a subtle sly allurer, 
 Which the countenance of prosperity was ; 
 Vain liking of which state was my procurer 
 To pride and blindness thereby, that here did 
 
 pass ; 
 Which pride to present, prosperity is' a glass, 
 As doth (on the other part) adversity 
 First procure and then present humility. 
 
 Prosperity (we see) made me forget clear 
 Myself, my matter, all flies', and also you. 
 Which, in adversity, I held in mind here. 
 To you, as duty required, I could there bow; 
 Reasons for me and all flies I could avow ; 
 Our perfect sight from blindness standeth not 
 
 (I see) 
 In prosperity, but in adversity. 
 
 Which showeth in this one change of our two 
 
 places, 
 My place of adversity gave you such sight 
 That, in our reasoning of both our cases. 
 Your saying showed you to see the very right ; 
 Your place of prosperity blinded me quite, 
 As I perceive it doth blind all in like case. 
 Save such as therein have especial grace. 
 
 In lack whereof I (thus graceless a minion, 
 Thus loudly and lewdly to lie) humbly pray 
 Neither my judgment, nor yet mine opinion. 
 Any word to be judged that I here did say. 
 But (as all lies should) let these vanish away. 
 Thou art (quoth the spider) a monster now 
 
 wox ; 
 In mine eye a fly, and in mine ear a fox. 
 
364 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 85 
 
 [Ll.i.v. 
 
 Like a fox, wilily thou dost here devise 
 
 For helping- of thy part and hurting of mine, 
 
 To take my lies true tales, and thy true tales 
 lies, 
 
 And further slandering me and my state; in 
 fine. 
 
 Thou hast here set forth this devilish disci- 
 pline ; 
 
 Pride hideth knowledge (sayest thou) by pros- 
 perity. 
 
 Humility showeth knowledge, by adversity. 
 
 As though captive caitifs saw all in misery, 
 And prosperous princes saw nought. But I see 
 Thou art in a wrong box for case presently. 
 The fly, seeing rightnought won hereby would 
 
 be. 
 But danger of displeasure, thereupon he 
 Passed over this argument, and upon that. 
 Said this to the spider, at his foot laid flat. 
 
 Sir, I beseech you my blindness showed here 
 
 last. 
 Forgive, and none advantage on me take 
 In any word of mine, against me there passed. 
 Fly (quoth he) I forgive thee for pity's sake. 
 To change places again, asunder they break. 
 Wherewith the spider, in form formal and 
 
 cold, 
 These words following to the fly forthwith told. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 38 is here given in 
 original.} 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 86 
 
 365 
 
 [Ll.ii.r. 
 ^The spider, upon a glance given at his desert 
 of thank to he had at the fly's hand, allegeth 
 custom to he his warrant to destroy the fly, 
 which the fly cannot deny. Whereupon he de- 
 sireth that the case may he reasoned in con- 
 science. Which the spider now granteth. 
 
 Cap. 86. 
 
 [Ll.ii.v. 
 
 FLY, if thou canst use the reason that thou 
 hast, 
 Thou canst (and wilt) thank me in many re- 
 spects. 
 Never was there fly in cobweb thus placed, 
 
366 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 86 
 
 That had the like favour in the like effects 
 That thou hast had ; but necessity directs 
 This to be true : in the day most long here past, 
 Yet they (evermore) ring to evensong at last. 
 
 As who say, things most long after beginning, 
 Yet must they (at last) needly come to an end, 
 Which after long time wrought to have in win- 
 ning, [pend, 
 We now shall win which end shall briefly de- 
 Upon one brief reason that I s'hall extend. 
 Which reason to confute thee, shall be so plain 
 That straight to yield thee reason shall thee 
 constrain. 
 
 Which lurketh (and I all this time have let it 
 
 lurk) 
 In custom, one principle of the four 
 On which pillars I promised s'hould stand all 
 
 this work ; 
 Which invincible reason I (to this hour) 
 Have kept, to hear (as I have heard) bran and 
 
 flour [l^y* 
 
 Of all that thou couldst (this day) for thy part 
 Which (for full conclusion) hear me to thee say. 
 
 Custom, one chief post principal (as erst said) 
 Declareth, and hath declared, this six thousand 
 
 year, [stayed, 
 
 All flies (or any fly) in cobwebs (or cobweb) 
 However they come there, if they there appear 
 No reason in reason and law alleged here 
 Could discharge them thence, but straight there 
 
 Cometh amain [brain. 
 
 A spider, who slayeth him and sucketh out his 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 86 367 
 
 [Ll.iii.r. 
 
 Here seest thou thy life lost, to begin withal 
 
 By custom, and for windows claimed in interest 
 
 For flies general, agreement general 
 
 (With their receiving it) an end hath expressed. 
 
 Th'end had I mean, upon rebellion sest. 
 
 But for thy life (by custom) canst thou ought 
 
 say 
 Why thou should by custom live? Sir (said 
 
 he) nay. 
 
 Well (quoth the spider) thou seest reason and 
 
 law 
 So yield to custom here, that in any trial 
 Those twain to conquer custom here we never 
 
 saw. 
 I have to this (quoth the fly) no denial. 
 What thing (quoth the spider) hast thou in 
 
 special 
 To help thee, beside law, custom, and reason? 
 Conscience (quoth the fly) I hope cometh in 
 
 season. 
 
 True (quoth the spider) now at end it hath 
 place ; [lay 
 
 What hast thou (in conscience) for thy life to 
 
 Again^ accustomed custom in this case? 
 
 Enough (quoth he) if conscience bear any sway. 
 
 Yes (quoth the spider) be bold of that ye may ; 
 
 That fourth shall have full place, as firm as 
 those three. 
 
 I thank you (quoth the fly) ; this showeth 
 charity. 
 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 86 is here given in 
 original.] 
 
368 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 87 
 
 [Ll.iii.v. 
 ViThey both lay sundry sharp reasons in con- 
 science for the spider^s life and death. But 
 the spider in conclusion draweth these four 
 principles {reason, law, custom, and con- 
 science, which he at beginning granted to try 
 all by) so to combine that he maketh thereby 
 an appearance, to show the fly convinced ; and 
 straight by custom he giveth judgment of the 
 fly's death, to which the fly yieldeth, pra/ying 
 to speak with twelve flies before he die. And 
 it is granted. Cap. 87. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 87 369 
 
 [Ll.iv.r. 
 
 BY conscience I claim here now (quoth the 
 fly) ... 
 
 In this place (till now place of mine imprison- 
 ment), 
 Not to be in prison, but in sanctuary, 
 Whereas charged parties be innocent 
 Of all such charged crimes as to them are bent, 
 There doth conscience in every place defend 
 Those charged parties, discharging them at 
 end. 
 
 If (quoth the spider) there were no difference 
 Between a fly innocent and arrogant, 
 Then must I discharge thee (even of con- 
 science). 
 But if innocency on your part here want, 
 Then is this clause (for your discharge) no war- 
 rant. 
 But go to ; make proof approbately appear 
 How ye prove yourself an innocent now here. 
 
 Sir, proof that I innocently hither came, 
 Appeareth in my known coming against my 
 
 will ; 
 And since I came, that I an innocent am, 
 I hope your conscience (and I know your skill) 
 Will judge my fact here not ill or not so ill 
 Whereby ye (with conscience) can rightfully 
 Either kill me, or keep me here thus to lie. 
 
 What have I done, in conscience strait or large, 
 To make reason, law, or custom, bite or bark? 
 I lay and laid (quoth the spider) to thy charge 
 
 HEY. III. B B 
 
370 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 87 
 
 Breach of my house, not made with a thousand 
 
 mark. 
 No (quoth he) but one-quarter of one hour's 
 
 work, [pain, 
 
 Without one penny cost or one pin's worth 
 Re-edifieth your house in prime state again. 
 
 [Ll.iv.v. 
 Which yourself may do, and must naturally ; 
 That work is' your talent, given for exercise ; 
 In lack whereof, (by idleness) ye straight die. 
 But put case custom, my fact a wrong here 
 
 tries ; 
 Yet how can conscience death or pain devise 
 To me, for that I to you occasion give 
 To work the work lacking which ye cannot 
 
 live? 
 
 Though (quoth the spider) by nature work we 
 
 must, 
 Yet is't neither conscience, nor our avail 
 To work in cobwebs, have we lust or no lust 
 At wagging (in cobwebs) of every fly's tail. 
 So doth it (quoth the fly) conscience likewise 
 
 quail 
 To hang a fly by the neck or by the neb, 
 For wagging his tail in a spider's cobweb. 
 
 This case is (in conscience) very much like 
 As a fish breaking a fisher's set net; 
 It set to take the fish and the fisher did pike 
 A quarrel to him, and would conscience set 
 To kill the poor fish. This' were far and foul 
 
 fet; 
 And no fouler fetched than conscience set to be 
 To kill me for breach of this net set for me. 
 
The Spicier and the Fly, Cap. 87 37 1 
 
 But did I maliciously do you much wrong, 
 And some harm, as harm or wrong- here ye 
 
 have none, [strong, 
 
 Yet shall your revengement show malice more 
 If ye both detain and kill me thereupon. 
 Come that wrong here in ure, conscience is 
 
 gone [sworn 
 
 As far from you as from him that had now 
 The death of an innocent, but last might borne. 
 
 [Mm.i.r. 
 You not offended (as ye will not, I hope) 
 This last principle of these four, conscience — 
 It giving me (above th 'other three) full scope 
 Of advantage as custom giveth assistance 
 To your part, in present charge of mineoffence — 
 I must make my sheet anchor, to make my way, 
 As you make (and I grant) custom yours (no 
 nay). 
 
 Spare not (quoth the spider) that anchor sheet 
 
 ought, 
 The best thou canst therewith to take anchor- 
 hold. [I mought) 
 I thank you (quoth he) and would crave (if 
 Your answer in conscience, full to unfold 
 To one question of me, in few words told. 
 Thy question (quoth the spider) propone thou, 
 And mine answer to it, thou shalt have even 
 now. 
 
 This is then, Sir, I put case, quoth the fly : 
 My young master spider your son went astray, 
 Wandering here and there (at adventure mean 
 
 I). 
 
 B B 2 
 
372 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 87 
 
 Wherewith slily one laid a thing in the way. 
 Whereat the babe fell, and it thus brought to 
 
 bay, 
 Th 'other, for falling there, killed it out of hand. 
 Think ye conscience would warrant this deed 
 
 to stand? 
 
 Nay (quoth he) conscience is the doer of right. 
 Mitigating fierce force of extremities 
 That giveth or taketh right by rigorous might. 
 Conscience (quoth the fly) my judgm.ent so 
 decrees, [agrees ; 
 
 And my case with this case in all points 
 No difference between them, to be lost or won, 
 Saving that I am not your mastership's son. 
 
 [Mm.i.v. 
 For in like case put, I wandered about here. 
 Innocently, as that innocent there did. 
 And by these cobwebs, cast in my way thus 
 
 near, 
 In this babe exampling, I am exampled ; 
 Innocently as he was, I am masked. 
 Think if I were your child, what ye could think 
 
 then. 
 Conscience, or no conscience, this to scan ? 
 
 In faith, fly (quoth the spider) to tell the truth, 
 No conscience (or hard conscience) I take this. 
 Nay, no conscience (quoth the fly) truth so 
 
 showeth. 
 So that conscience on my side clearly is 
 As custom is of yours ; and ye know, I wis, 
 That custom alone doth oft, and may ever 
 Use judgment of abuse, and conscience never. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 87 373 
 
 Well said, fly (said he) had I no more to say 
 To this that thou now saith than I have yet 
 said, [day. 
 
 Then hadst thou here won the victory this 
 But reason, law, custom, and conscience, erst 
 laid, [weighed, 
 
 How I granted thee hearing in those four 
 Thou shalt hear in few words, and we there- 
 upon 
 Shall the more clearly conclude this case anon. 
 
 The words of my grant t 'adjudge thee, thus 
 
 they draw. 
 As standeth with reason, law, custom, and con- 
 science. 
 Not with reason, custom, conscience, or law : 
 This and, and this or, fly, make much differ- 
 ence, [ance ; 
 That and, implieth all four placed in assist- 
 That or, importeth one, or any one of all ; 
 And here is the gap, fly, wherein lieth the gall. 
 
 [Mm.ii.r. 
 And a point for flies' learning at spider's hand. 
 Though ye flies* learning above spiders' com- 
 pare, [and, 
 But here learn of me, fly; this conjunctive, 
 Conjoineth these four said terms jointly to 
 
 prepare 
 Trial in this case, as they all may declare. 
 The tone with the tother, all in property 
 Knit best in knot of conjoined unity. 
 
 Well (quoth the fly) then conscience shall be 
 
 one. 
 Yea (quoth the spider) and custom another. 
 Sir, then will those two fall at a fray anon. 
 
374 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 87 
 
 If they do, reason shall stickle them, brother. 
 To make them agree where each impugneth 
 other. [complete : 
 
 But bring conscience, thy champion, armed 
 How conscience challengeth custom let us weet. 
 
 Sir, I coming (as I came) unwillingly. 
 And none offensive harm, in me doth appear, 
 Conscience chargeth custom with tyranny 
 In killing {or keeping) me innocent here. 
 Which case, reason recordeth for case clear. 
 This charge (quoth the spider) to discharge 
 
 plain. 
 Hear what custom saith to conscience again. 
 
 Custom saith : all windows are spiders* of right. 
 Then conscience must say that flies have done 
 
 wrong [flig^ht ; 
 
 Through windows (without leave) to take their 
 To make conscience grant this, reason is 
 
 strong. [long. 
 
 Till spiders (quoth he) time present, and past 
 Do prove windows theirs, as they never did 
 
 yet, 
 
 Conscience and reason denieth this every whit. 
 
 [Mm.ii.v. 
 But admit we that all windows were your own, 
 Flies (without your leave) passing offensively, 
 Though custom allege for th 'offence death here 
 
 grown. 
 Yet conscience (in this case) seeth death 
 
 tyranny. 
 Reason granting it to show tyranniously. 
 It were too much here to fine by the purse, 
 But to fine by the poll, what fiend could poll 
 
 worse ? 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 87 375 
 
 Thou thinkest (quoth the spider) conscience 
 
 thinketh it strange 
 That flies' by custom should die for this offence ; 
 But conscience, with reason ranging^ in range, 
 In cause of custom's usage, as conscience 
 May have with reason herein full conference, 
 Reasonably reasoning this present case. 
 Conscience (by reason) shall give custom place. 
 
 I say (as I erst said) when a fly or flies 
 In this or any window in cobwebs light, 
 Any spider that within that window lies, 
 Shall kill him, and suck out his (or their) brain 
 
 quite ; [right, 
 
 Which, begun by nature, custom followeth 
 Nature conceiving, but for this her sharp law, 
 Flies would have marred all for lack of orderly 
 
 awe. 
 
 And as nature in spiders wrought this defence, 
 So reason in man was driven to work the 
 
 same, 
 Cain's generation making resistance 
 Against all men that quiet order would frame, 
 (As you against US' do) then those men to tame, 
 And defend the quiet in their quiet cause, 
 Reason to th 'unquiet, gave our like sharp laws. 
 
 IMm.iii.r. 
 But reason to them wrought not this to th 'in- 
 tent 
 To catch them and kill them tyrannouslv, 
 But to save them, by terror in their eyes bent 
 To provoke them to flee th 'occasion, whereby 
 They might flee their ill, felt thereby formerly. 
 Which as reason in man did (and doth) con- 
 sider. 
 So (fid nature in us both concur together. 
 
376 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 87 
 
 Nature in us, reason (I say) so allowed. 
 That this law of nature in us, laid on flies^ 
 Reason to man, for order in man, hath vowed. 
 For breaking a wall by night man as soon dies 
 As flies for cobwebs breach by day, which ex- 
 ercise 
 Conscience (by reason) not kicking at for man. 
 Conscience (by reason) kicketh not at for flies 
 then. 
 
 Reason in man worketh man to work (quoth the 
 fly) [th'ill; 
 
 Sharp laws more to save the good than to slay 
 Nature in spiders worketh sharp laws cruelly, 
 Not to save the good, but good and ill to kill, 
 Only killing all on all to feed their fill. 
 Thou liest (quoth he) ; we work cobwebs every- 
 where 
 To save flies by fear, cobwebs to forbear. 
 
 Thus reason hath conscience and custom 
 agreed, [knows. 
 
 Whereto law not repugnant, all the world 
 Whereupon (without more parting) to proceed, 
 Concordance of these principles here so shows, 
 That here, hear thine end, fly, for here thine 
 
 end grows. 
 By custom (it aided with these other said three). 
 Thy present death I presently here decree. 
 
 [Mm.iii.v. 
 
 The fly fared as though he would have spoken 
 
 more. 
 But his heart wonderly fainted and failed ; 
 His judgment of death astonished him so sore, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 87 377 
 
 (In that he saw his speech right naught pre- 
 vailed 
 To be from death dehvered or bailed), 
 That down he sank upon his knees and hands. 
 Requesting the spider in case as next stands. 
 
 Good master spider, since the case stands thus, 
 That die I must, folly were it for me here 
 To plead this case further; it passed by dis- 
 cuss ; 
 All pleading or reasoning I give over clear, 
 Submitting and committing my life most dear 
 Into your hands, beseeching you, ere I die, 
 To grant me one petition ; more crave not I. 
 
 That is that I (before you) my mind may say, 
 To twelve flies, which speech I promise faith- 
 fully [weigh. 
 Either with you, or not against you, shall 
 I grant (quoth the spider). And by and by, 
 I know not whether by chance, or purposely, 
 A dozen flies about the cobweb's side placed 
 were, [there. 
 To whom this following the fly said then and 
 
378 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 88 
 
 [Mm.iv.r. 
 ^The fly {to twelve grave flies for all flies) 
 giveth his advice for avoiding their perils by 
 their strife had in windows against spiders. 
 The great ground of which tale standeth most 
 upon consideration of these three things, — 
 wherefore they strive, with whom they strive, 
 and how they strive. Cap. 88. 
 
 [Mm.iv.v. 
 
 COUSINS and country flies, each one of 
 you all 
 Another myself, as each of all flies are, 
 I have (at suit), obtained you hither to call. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 88 379 
 
 Minding my conscience to you to declare, 
 In such a time and such a thing to prepare, 
 As the time most meet to make you credit me, 
 And the thing most meet to you told to be. 
 
 First, as touching time, no time in my time 
 
 past, [frail) 
 
 When I was more prosperous (and so more 
 
 Than I this time am, yet all times, first and 
 
 last, [fail. 
 
 Your trust in my truth did not any time 
 
 But what time s'hould credence set up so his 
 
 sail, [hold, 
 
 As this time, when life time shall no more time 
 
 But till time this my tale (to be told) be told ? 
 
 In all sorts of sects of civil discipline. 
 Of all times in life of any fly, I trow, 
 In time of his known death, coming straight 
 like mine, [show) 
 
 Credence of his word (he fiend nor fool in 
 To credit his matter must that time most grow. 
 What vanity were this, in ought to devise 
 Lying now a-dying, to lie and devise lies? 
 
 Of all times for credit (I say) none like this ; 
 And secondly, touching the thing here to tell. 
 Hearing thereof, no doubt most meet for you is. 
 Which thing is the strife of furious force fell 
 Between spiders and flies, wherein to expell 
 And kill all occasions in time to come, 
 Of my last will (in my last words) hear the 
 
 sum. 
 
 [Nn.i.r. 
 What way is herein best for spiders to take, 
 That can themselves tell much better thar 
 
 can I ; 
 I am a fly, no spider nor spider's make 
 
3 
 
 8o The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 88 
 
 To control the spider's part, but heartily 
 I pray the great God their hearts to mollify 
 As temperance may temper their claim touching 
 
 this, 
 To give right, and take right, as most rightful 
 
 is. 
 
 But in right of either part to determine aught, 
 What they for their part, or you for yours 
 
 should have. 
 Shift that among you, for it foreseeth me 
 
 naught. [grave. 
 
 Meseemeth I hear the mattock digging my 
 The Crown of the whole world, who it me 
 
 now gave, [win. 
 
 His good-will mus't I thank, but for aught to 
 I take not the gift worth the point of a pin. 
 
 And where you (and all flies) are as sure to die 
 As am I now, your times to you unknown sure, 
 Advantage of you in my known death have I, 
 In having some time of remorse, to procure 
 Forgiveness of former life, led in lewd lure. 
 Where you may (without remorse) s'uddenly go, 
 And where the tree falleth there lieth it, — clerks 
 say so. 
 
 But for profitable purpose towards you. 
 
 In purpose purposed to you here by me. 
 
 Your imaginations I pray to draw you now 
 
 Into my person, as in my cas'e to be. 
 
 To work affection, to win effect in ye, 
 
 To conceive and receive things that I shall 
 
 move, 
 Which to your behoof behovingly behove. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 88 381 
 
 [Nn.i.v. 
 
 Three principles whereon my tale to contrive, 
 
 And to proceed upon, are these to prepose ; 
 
 Wherefore we strive, with whom we strive, 
 how we strive. [thereof goes 
 
 Wherefore we strive, — ye know the cause 
 
 For holes in windows, which quarrels to dis- 
 close, 
 
 Our coming to them and going from them 
 sought, [nought. 
 
 Shall show our winning small, or rather right 
 
 First for our coming to them : who can dis- 
 
 scrive 
 How many flies have pressed possession to win, 
 That never could get possession alive. 
 But maimed and killed down right at their en- 
 tering in ? 
 And such as do come in (where spiders do spin) 
 Most wise fly devising to sit there most fast. 
 May think his first hour (or each hour) there 
 his last. 
 
 Few flies (I think) have 'scaped longer here 
 than I, [and fear, 
 
 My which time being spent between hope 
 Yet at last (for all my shifts) lo ! where I lie, 
 Where no ransom my redemption may rear, 
 But my life remediless I must forbear. 
 Come with danger, bide with fear, depart with 
 
 death, — 
 Too hasty a journey to take with one breath. 
 
 In this said first principle, what we strive for. 
 Commodity therein proof doth thus witness, 
 The more flies have of it, flies' danger the 
 more; 
 
382 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 88 
 
 The less flies have of it, flies' danger the 
 
 less. 
 Then is no whit best, for who doth aught 
 
 possess, [ware 
 
 Each pennyworth of pleasure of such possessed 
 Bringeth more than counterpoise of danger 
 
 and care. 
 
 [Nn.ii.r. 
 
 Beggars flies before thieves flies may sing (we 
 sray) [see) 
 
 Rich flies before true flies here do weep (we 
 
 The richest winning fly in windows to weigh ; 
 
 If any winning there, any riches be, 
 
 As the best thing won there is but fly's liberty. 
 
 What is the winning, won and kept with such 
 strife, 
 
 That hourly winneth death or deadly fear of life? 
 
 It is a winning better lost than won, 
 
 And so these windows are, wherefore we strive. 
 
 With whom we strive now, secondly to run? 
 
 With our biggers to contend, we here contrive 
 
 A match as much unmeet for us to thrive 
 
 As may be matched for two things here to try — 
 
 First thing their power, most thing their policy. 
 
 To their much power, our power, oft times 
 
 thought more 
 By number, many small making a great, 
 Their policy (keeping their power in store) 
 Hath most times erst brought us ourselves to 
 
 beat. 
 What winning is in this matched match to get? 
 None ; wherefore with whom we strive (I think 
 
 it best), 
 To leave off strife, and live by loss in rest. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 88 383 
 
 Now thirdly, how or in what manner we strive. 
 To tell plain truth, in my worst time to lie, 
 Spice of rebellion our strife showeth to con- 
 trive. 
 Spiders are placed above, superiorly, 
 And flies beneath them placed inferiorly. 
 Then may it seem, as they above us have 
 
 place, 
 So have they above us like rule in like case. 
 
 [Nn.ii.v. 
 Which case granted, in striving against them 
 
 thus, 
 Our matter standing in state of most right, 
 Yet is our manner wrong and seditious. 
 No law alloweth flies to win their right by fight 
 Between private flies, and law inhibiteth quite 
 Any flies to fight against their high heads. 
 But rather suffer, as obedience leads. 
 
 Wherefore we strive, ye see trifles they are ; 
 With whom we strive, their policy passeth our 
 
 power ; 
 How we strive doth sedition declare. 
 Three parts without melody in the part of 
 
 our. [sour, 
 
 Our part hath a face here no crab more 
 To move flies (henceforward) to turn their facesr 
 From strife with spiders, in quarreling cases. 
 
 To which, you drawing your imagination 
 As though ye stood in my state at this present. 
 Your own consent must give confirmation 
 My words herein past to have a true extent. 
 And further the sheet-anchor experiment. 
 What ye lost at spiders' hands, late before 
 
 this, 
 A full ratification of my tale that is. 
 
384 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 88 
 
 And if that any fly will demand of me 
 
 What mean flies may use best their right to 
 
 obtain, 
 Mine answer is : not in harness cap-a-pie 
 Besieging ('stead of beseeching) to constrain; 
 Not stir with every fly stirred by bedlam brain. 
 Sturdily standing with bills in foul fighting, 
 But humbly suing, with bills of fair writing. 
 
 [Nn.iii.r. 
 By aught (in any law) that ever I wist, 
 Thus may flies sue for right, and not only may, 
 But sue so flies' must, forbidden to resist 
 Their higher powers by violence (any way) ; 
 Which way not helping flies, their way is to 
 
 pray 
 Unto the great God to work spiders consent 
 To give and take right in right rated extent. 
 
 But further (in this case) where any flies go 
 Of long time, of late time, and this time is seen, 
 Yea, seen, heard, and felt, in our present 
 
 wrought woe, 
 That we are wrongdoers, and ever have been. 
 Our works herein witnessing so, that I ween. 
 No fly so foolish but he doth understand 
 Our harm for wrong working we have at God's 
 
 hand. 
 
 This to be true I think and have thought, 
 Which (master spider) may suspicion clear 
 In your suspecting me for late tumult wrought. 
 But on my death I take (which I shall take here) 
 I never avowed (nor allowed) to draw near 
 Any number by lawless usurped powers. 
 But as peaceably stood with God's peace and 
 yours. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 88 385 
 
 But for fine : friends, in your beholding my 
 death 
 
 As th 'image of your own deaths plainly to pur- 
 port, [cath 
 
 In that one hour's quarter ye are sure un- 
 
 To 'scape the same, to get aught by power 
 extort, 
 
 Or get or keep aught in any wrongful sort, 
 
 That sight, with thinking of my words in the 
 re^, [surest. 
 
 May henceforth of strife here bring your side 
 
 [Nn.iii.v. 
 Behold your deaths in me, by uncertain life; 
 Behold your dread in me, your lives' account to 
 
 make ; [endeth your strife ; 
 
 Behold wherefore ye strive, and that death 
 Behold with whom and how ye strive (as I 
 
 spake); [take; 
 
 Behold the losing gain, that winneth loss to 
 Beholding these winnings, with the jeopardies, 
 Showeth holes in windows (to behold) vanities. 
 
 And so all holes in windows to take and use, 
 That none offensive strife flies' abuse procure, 
 But peaceably, as due obedience indues 
 To put having or craving of right in ure. 
 This crave I of you for love to you most pure. 
 And thus (praying you to pray for me at end), 
 To the Almighty Lord my spirit I commend. 
 
 The flies (unto these words) no word could 
 
 speak. 
 But yielded tears, like drops in April showers, 
 Saving in outcry, as they thence did break, 
 HEY. III. c c 
 
386 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 88 
 
 They cried, Farewell, of flies the flower of 
 flowers. [hours ; 
 
 But well the last hour hath no following 
 The hour is come wherein the fly must die. 
 For which he waiteth, at spider's foot pros- 
 trately. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 89 387 
 
 [Nn.iv.r. 
 ^As the spider is about to kill the fly, the maid 
 of the house cometh in and striketh down the 
 cobweb and the spider to the ground. Cap. 89. 
 
 [Nn.iv.v. 
 
 THE spider toward the fly furiously draws, 
 And being stepped to the fly, staying in 
 stop [his paws, 
 
 As he would have pierced the fly's head with 
 The maid of the house to the window did chop, 
 Setting her broom hard to the cobweb's top; 
 Where, at one stroke with her broom stricken 
 round, [ground. 
 
 The cobweb and spider she struck to the 
 [The tail-piece as on p. 154 is here inserted in 
 original. J 
 
 c c 2 
 
3S8 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 90 
 
 [Oo.i.r. 
 ^The maid being at point to tread the spider 
 to death, the spider prayeth her to hear him 
 speak ere he die, and then to adjudge him 
 justly, the maid granting to use him (as he did 
 use the fly) as may best stand with reason, law, 
 custom, and conscience. She at his request 
 {for the time) withdrawing her foot, they fall 
 to reasoning of the case. Cap. 90. 
 
 [Oo.i.v. 
 
 THE maid, by mine absence to be the more 
 bold 
 To work her will, as she came in, I went out, 
 And looked in at the window, her to behold. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 90 
 
 389 
 
 She swept down the cobweb ; the fly flew about 
 The parlour round, never more lusty nor stout; 
 The spider on the ground, under the maid's 
 
 foot. 
 To tread him to death, and was about to do't. 
 
 But the spider (on knees) lift up his hands high, 
 Beseeching- her, of mild maidenly pity. 
 To be content to hear him speak ere he die, 
 And to declare first what he had done, and then 
 
 why 
 He did those deeds, and so to judge him justly ; 
 And that she would (in meantime) her foot 
 
 withdraw, [stomach gnaw. 
 
 Sight whereof made his head ache, and his 
 
 To banish (quoth the maid) all partial pretence, 
 I'll hear and judge thee, as thou didst the fly 
 
 hear, [science, 
 
 As standeth with reason, law, custom, and con- 
 So shalt thou have good, bad, high, low, far 
 
 or near ; 
 And since fear of my foot abateth thy cheer, 
 Lest thou might'st take harm, of thine own 
 
 conceit 
 That I withdraw. And so withdrew It straight. 
 
390 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 91 
 
 [Oo.ii.r. 
 1i7n reasoning of both sides, the maid driveth 
 the spider to grant himself convinced (by custom 
 aided with the other principles erst said) as he 
 convinced and adjudged the fly before. Where- 
 upon she (by custom) decreeth the spider to 
 die, he then desiring to speak with his son and 
 his council, which the maid granteth. Cap. 91. 
 
 good 
 
 [Oo.ii.v. 
 mistress, maidenly maid 
 
 FAIR and 
 (quoth he) 
 
 Leaving the brim to the bottom to wade, 
 What deeds I have done here you have seen 
 and see; 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 91 39 1 
 
 Which are the cobwebs in windows here made 
 Of all spiders the natural trace to trade ; 
 Which to be impugned we never heard nor 
 
 saw, 
 In reason, cus'tom, conscience, nor law. 
 
 Spider (quoth the maid) know ye that I heard 
 All this day between you and the fly here said ; 
 Wherein I saw the cause wherefore ye jarred 
 Was not for that the cobwebs here wrought 
 
 and laid, [thus weighed : 
 
 But for the place ye wrought them in as 
 You to build in top and top-side, the fly held ; 
 You held the whole yours, in all places to 
 
 build. 
 
 The fly held that all flies hold all holes in free- 
 hold ; 
 
 You (for all spiders) held that freehold all yours. 
 
 In reason, law, and custom, each to other told 
 
 Your minds in this matter (at least) five long 
 hours. [powers 
 
 At end whereof, it passed both your wits and 
 
 To take end yourselves, but were driven to 
 devise 
 
 Arbiters, to take an end by compromise. 
 
 Which, matter, as both sides writhed it and 
 
 wound it, 
 Your arbiters there, the ant and butterfly. 
 Were driven to leave it at large as they 
 
 found it. 
 Whereupon ye finally burdenously 
 Burdened the fly with custom, thereby to die. 
 Which he could not deny, and for his defence, 
 He got the case to be reasoned in conscience. 
 
392 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 91 
 
 [Oo.iii.r. 
 
 Wherein (by nature in you and reason in man), 
 Ye set a discourse, reasonably sounding-. 
 With reason and conscience that custom to 
 
 scan. 
 Whereupon appeared infallible grounding- 
 To bring the fly justly to his confounding. 
 And had not been your usurping in this place, 
 Conscience with custom had stand in this case. 
 
 Custom granteth, and conscience not denieth, 
 Disturbing your cobwebs wrought in top post, 
 The fly (for th 'offence) accustomable dieth. 
 But cobwebs upon cobwebs, purled in each cost, 
 All parts of windows to be so emboss^ed 
 That no fly can pass without death's interrup- 
 tion. 
 Conscience construeth that custom corruption. 
 
 In taking- the fly's part here, I take mine own; 
 I being- maid of the house, my charge it is 
 To see cobwebs corrected, thus overgrown. 
 And so will I do, spider, be sure of this. 
 Well (quoth the spider, if I have done amiss. 
 Redress mine ill doing, and let me go free. 
 Nay, nay, spider (quoth the maid) that may 
 not be. 
 
 Swept I these superfluous cobwebs now hence, 
 Letting- thee pass in this window to remain. 
 Custom hath so corrupted thy conscience. 
 That where is now one cobweb, there should 
 
 be twain. [plain) 
 
 Well (quoth he) since ye like not (as appeareth 
 What I have done, yet hear why I have done it, 
 Which shall (I hope) appease your ire every 
 
 whit. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 91 393 
 
 [Oo.iii.v. 
 
 The why (or wherefore) I did that I have done, 
 Was that flies (beyond number) did here resort, 
 Blowing- meat here (raw and roast) beyond the 
 mone. [speech short 
 
 Which wrought your master and mistres"s in 
 To rebuke you sore, to your deep discomfort. 
 Which to redress, I, in pitying- of you, 
 Set nets to catch flies, as I do now. 
 
 Here is (quoth the maid) one truth told, and 
 one lie. [blown, 
 
 That flies have my meat here outrageously 
 That IS truly said, and it for true grant I. 
 But that thou didst set nets here, all over- 
 gfrown, [own, 
 
 Aught for my pleasure, and not all for thine 
 That's a false tale, to which policy thee draws, 
 To win favour at my hands, clear without 
 cause. 
 
 But were it as true as it is false, yet thou 
 And thy family do me displeasure more 
 Then pleasure in this, for your nigh approach 
 
 now 
 Is to my master and mistress an eyes'ore 
 Above the flies blowing by degrees a score, 
 ^hey both loathe less to have, be it flesh or fish, 
 Ten flies in their meat, than one spider in their 
 
 dish. 
 
 And in their dish wouldst thou and thine surely 
 
 be. 
 If I (rather too late than in time due) 
 Took thee not up, as is my charge in duty 
 
394 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 91 
 
 Executing mine office, did I eschew 
 To correct such pride in thee as never grew 
 In spider erst, than my master and mistress 
 Of my rebuke had just cause of increase. 
 
 [Oo.iv.r. 
 And hadst thou been never so serviceable 
 In doing thy duty in many things right, 
 Yet this thy usurpation abominable, 
 Hath drowned thy thank of those due done 
 
 deeds quite, 
 Which is to be witnessed, in all the world's 
 
 sight. [weighed 
 
 All reasons in law, custom, and conscience 
 Against the fly, are now against thyself laid. 
 
 And as thou madest custom thy sheet-anchor 
 
 chief, [science), 
 
 (Conjoining thereto reason, law, and con- 
 Of the fly's death (by right) to make perfect 
 
 preef 
 From first age of the world had in consequence ; 
 So briag I custom, fetched like far time from 
 
 hence. [brain. 
 
 Custom is thy warrant to suck the fly's 
 Whereto mark how custom warranteth me 
 
 again. 
 
 From the beginning it is th 'accustomed guise. 
 When spiders in windows their cobwebs so 
 
 make 
 That they too far offend their beholder's eyes, 
 The maid of the house with her broom, at a 
 
 strake, [spiders take 
 
 Sweepeth down those cobwebs, and those 
 Under her foot, and for any intercess 
 Those spiders (with her foot) to death she doth 
 
 press. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 91 395 
 
 Which custom is underpropped (as I said) 
 With reason, with law, and with conscience, 
 
 for me [laid. 
 
 As strong^ly in my case, as for thee in thine 
 Now speak, spider; canst thou deny this? 
 
 (quoth she) 
 Nay, forsooth, I cannot deny it (quoth he), 
 But am driven to grant it, and even so I do. 
 Your merciful hands I commit me into. 
 
 [Oo.iv.v. 
 Thou shalt have (quoth she) mercy even as 
 much [thine. 
 
 At my hands, as the fly should have had at 
 Cast off all vain hope, since thy fortune is such, 
 Thyself framing- fortune to thy this ruin. 
 Make patience thy salve for this sore, in fine ; 
 And make thee ready, spider, for finally 
 I assuredly assure thee thou shalt die. 
 
 The change of his cheer at these words made 
 me see [make. 
 
 How the dread of death could lambs of lions 
 
 This lionlike spider, erst fierce as could be, 
 
 Fear did all his fury full far then aslake. 
 
 His heart in a pursenet was easy to take. 
 
 Change (by chance) brought him at twinkle of 
 an eye. 
 
 From twig top of the tree, at the root to lie. 
 
 These two things are meet things (as me- 
 
 thinketh) to note — 
 The spider right now so high, even now so low; 
 The fly right now at ebb, even now afloat. 
 
396 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 91 
 
 The trump of his fame never so high did blow 
 Th'other's trump of shame, as high in sound 
 doth show. [blew this blast : 
 
 Which blasts of which trumps (in mine ear) 
 Fickle fortune will never leave her old cast. 
 
 But to the matter : the spider prayed the maid 
 To speak with his son and heir before he died. 
 And with his counsel. She was content (she 
 
 said) 
 Chance being- messenger, chance thither 
 
 straight hied [side. 
 
 His son and twelve counsellors hard by his 
 Whereupon he there and then dis'coursed his 
 
 mind, 
 In matter such as ye next this may find. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 92 397 
 
 [Pp.i.r. 
 ^The spider to his so7i ajid twelve spiders 
 giveih his best advice for most quiet and best 
 governance, his tale standing most upon these 
 three terms ,— first, a declaration of himself ; 
 second, an exhortation to them; the third, a 
 submission for himself, whereunto he desireth 
 licence to take his child in his arms, now at 
 their departing, which the maid granteth. 
 
 Cap. 92. 
 
 [PpA.v. 
 
 MY dear child, my near friends, and coun- 
 sellors late, 
 My short time not allowing long talk with you, 
 When I would most long and most deeply de- 
 bate 
 
398 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 92 
 
 Mine estate past and present with you all now ; 
 My talk most short and thereby most slight 
 
 t'allow, 
 I must, and (since I must) will devise to tell, 
 Charg-ing- my child, and praying you, to weigh 
 
 it well. 
 
 This short tale, shortened by short time (as I 
 
 say). 
 For a ground of firm framed foundation. 
 Upon these three principles I will here lay. 
 The first, of myself, a declaration ; 
 The second, to you, an exhortation ; 
 The third, for myself, a submission 
 For remission of my ill condition. 
 
 First, I declare and confess my former life, 
 
 Chief in time and place of mine authority. 
 
 To wring to the worse (by right or wrong in 
 
 strife) 
 All flies or spiders that would stand against me. 
 Their destruction was my felicity ; 
 My displeasure, as I used it in quarrel. 
 Was as judgment of death, or deathlike peril. 
 
 Mine ambitious desire, here to declare : 
 In winning in windows, no one so nigh all 
 (Which I might have kept quietly to my share). 
 When my winning was most, I thought it too 
 
 small. 
 The shooting at all was my mark principal ; 
 And now, shooting at all, I have lost all quite. 
 The mean is the merry part, being sung right, 
 
 [Pp.ii.r. 
 And of the two extreme parts (as I take it) 
 The base is better than the treble to sing. 
 Treble prosperity, reason doth make it 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 92 399 
 
 Worse than base adversity, it approving 
 In the fly's" bass and my treble state erst mov- 
 ing-. 
 Prosperity, (as that fly said) maketh us blind ; 
 Adversity, (I feel) giveth sight by kind. 
 
 When I had all that could well-nigh be got, 
 Restraint of liberty had been my hell pain ; 
 Now I have naught, I were content with lot 
 To sit and beg, fast locked in a chain ; 
 I never to obtain more estate or gain. 
 But only life and living, such as would 
 Maintain a beggar's life, basely to hold. 
 
 But life, liberty, lands and all, must I lose, 
 And I confess me to lose all worthily ; 
 Every wight is worthy to have as he does. 
 Lands, life, and goods of many flies had have I, 
 And now must I leave life, lands, and goods, 
 
 semblably. 
 This long-learned lesson I late had forgotten ; 
 Our measures meet to other, shall to us be 
 
 motten. 
 
 But in this measure, hear me measure right 
 How wrong judgers, wrong judgments in this 
 
 text lay. 
 Some expound it so largely, that in their sight 
 Where authorised judges punishment weigh, 
 Measuring harm to harm doers th'ill to stay, 
 If any ill come to those judges eft soon 
 That judge th'ill to be done, for th'ill to them 
 
 done. 
 
 [Pp.ii.v. 
 But those judgments grow of'^this condition : 
 Malice arrogant, or ignorance insolent, 
 Mothers of erroneous" exposition. 
 
400 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 92 
 
 This text hath a Hmit : how far it hath bent 
 Such harms as chance judg-es, or such as assent 
 To procure punishment to such as are nought, 
 Thos'e harms unto them for that are not 
 wrought. 
 
 Judgments of the great God are secret, we 
 
 know : 
 A judge using justice, of just true deahng. 
 The God may punish, for other things that 
 
 grow, [veaHng) 
 
 Which he knoweth, and we know not (by re- 
 And ofttimes the good, their glory ensealing : 
 He punisheth some here, as standeth with his 
 
 will. 
 Whose measures he knoweth, (of man's 
 
 measures) least ill. 
 
 But for such false measurers as I have been, 
 This measure is made, and duly put in ure. 
 At hands of the great God, oft directly seen. 
 Right measure meting, for wrong meting 
 measure. [cure 
 
 And (ofttimes) he doth his instruments pro- 
 As now this maid right measurer to me is. 
 As I to other have measured wrong ere this. 
 
 This declaration, one part of these three, 
 What I have partly been, hath made you hear 
 Whereby what case I am in, here you see. 
 Which sight and hearing may be mirror clear 
 To look in all times of the day and the year, 
 For spiders high and spiders underneath 
 To keep with life, that I have lost with death. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 92 401 
 
 [Pp.iii.r. 
 And so to do, I shall you all exhort. 
 And first, my son, mark mine advice to thee, 
 (That shall succeed me straight in place of 
 
 such port, 
 As" I first beg-an in superiority) 
 In few words, which smart shall time limitcth 
 
 me. 
 For the which while, my child to me most dear, 
 Thy weeping leave, and lay thine ear to hear. 
 
 Those things that thou hast heard me here 
 
 declare, 
 By which thou seest thy father cast away. 
 To save thyself (my child) s'ee thou prepare 
 To flee the same by temperate steady stay. 
 The contrary of my demeanour aye 
 Shall aye defend thee so in every case. 
 As thou, both loved and dread, shall keep thy 
 
 place. 
 
 Against my subtlety, use thou simplicity ; 
 Against my wrong usurping, use thou right ; 
 Against my pride, use thou humility ; 
 Against my wrath, use charity in sight; 
 Aofainst my hate, in love have thou delight. 
 Against these ills, and other following me, 
 Note these next ills, not to follow, but to flee. 
 
 Where truth is taken treason, and traitors in 
 trust : [faith : 
 
 Where faith is framed fancy, and fancy feigned 
 Where losels over lords lay laws at their lust : 
 W^here witless as wisest the witty outweigh 'th : 
 Where mercy to the meek mere malice dis- 
 may 'th : 
 Where dawcocks in doctrine have domination, 
 There doth division bring desolation. 
 HEY. III. D D 
 
402 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 92 
 
 [Pp.iii.v. 
 Let truth be the badge, in whom thou trust 
 
 dost take; 
 Let not firm faith be left for fickle fancy ; 
 Let ruled lords rule ruleless losels, when they 
 
 crake ; 
 Let wise wisdom overweig-h witless folly ; 
 Let malice pass, use measurable mercy; 
 Let th 'unlearned in doctrine to the learned give 
 
 place ; 
 Let pastors be placed, as I place them in ca^e. 
 
 In place of a shepherd, place not a sheep; 
 In place of a sheep, place not a shepherd ; 
 In no place place a wolf, the flock to keep, 
 The sheep or the wolf to the shepherd's place 
 
 preferred ; [marred. 
 
 By faintness or fierceness the flocks must be 
 Place thou thy shepherds such shepherds to be, 
 As from the sheep and wolf, use the mean 
 
 decree. 
 
 Offenders penitent (for offences passed, 
 Saving- of whom olfendeth not the standing 
 
 state. 
 Nor encourageth other to offend the more fast) 
 Correct, as mercy may rigour moderate. 
 But to this make this a ground inviolate, — 
 L^pon sturdy stiff standers in violency, 
 Draw thy sword of justice, sharpened sharply. 
 
 And mark (my son) these points that I now 
 
 come to. 
 In common order, of thy governing. 
 Who honestly doth, as other honest do, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 92 403 
 
 And faith as those honest say, or saith nothini^, 
 Ask him not what he thinketh, for mark this 
 
 o'thinf^ : 
 Whose deed and his thought repungnantly 
 
 vary, 
 His word and his thought jar likewise contrary. 
 
 [Pp.iv.r. 
 Love to be loved, and hate to be hated 
 Of those that love good and hate ill ; otherwise, 
 Having hate of th'ill, for justice justly rated, 
 Hate so be thou glad to have, and by justice 
 Continue that hate in incessant size. 
 In whom (by their faults) to thee faultless it 
 
 draws 
 To continue by their continued cause. 
 
 Touching right or wrong, of both must thou 
 
 choose one. 
 As thus : either to do wrong, or to take wrong ; 
 Rather take it than do it ; see thou do none. 
 The wrong that I have done (the flies here 
 
 among) 
 Of mine ill, their ill hath been partly along. 
 Answer mine ill all (alas) straight must I do. 
 And as much of theirs as mine hath forced 
 
 them to. 
 
 Of spider or fly sued to for aught in grant, 
 Ere thou grant, look what, where, and why 
 
 thou grantest it ; 
 But grants once passed thee (at suitors' suites 
 
 instant), 
 Perform them full, without restraint any whit. 
 Performance of promise perfectly doth knit 
 Such credence to all (they performing the same) 
 As winneth them fast friendship and perpetual 
 
 fame. 
 
 D D 2 
 
404 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 92 
 
 Thy counsel choose, In these conditions bent, — 
 Few, wise, secret, expert, temperate, and true, 
 Satisfied with sufficiency, and dihg-ent 
 All sale of justice and all offers t 'eschew 
 That shall to thee or commonwealth hindrance 
 
 brew ; 
 Their takings whereof, seeming winning' to be. 
 May lose them with all theirs, and all thine 
 with thee. 
 
 [Pp.iv.v. 
 Here have I g'iven thee, son, such exhortation 
 As weak wit and short time will suffer in me ; 
 Which if thou use at thy father's contempla- 
 tion. 
 Behold then (my son) thine own prosperity. 
 Li not, behold thy father's adversity 
 As rightly and rightfully on thee to light, 
 As on thy father, thou seest it now light right. 
 
 Now to you of his counsel, mark what I devise. 
 In you, lieth the putting in ure of all this ; 
 You are his hands, his feet, his ears, and his 
 
 eyes ; 
 Hearing, feeling, or seeing, in him small is 
 To walk or to work with, you working amiss. 
 You are the mirrors that all lookers look in ; 
 As you work, they work, but you must first 
 
 begin. 
 
 In which work, this walk, I exhort you to 
 
 take 
 Walk in amity, work in unity. 
 The answer of suitors, expeditely make; 
 Search their subjections, how they may agree 
 To be granted, with honourable honesty. 
 Offenders against you, when ye will challenge, 
 Never draw his sword your quarrels to revenge. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 92 405 
 
 These be the great grounds presently brought 
 
 in mind, 
 They passing two parts of my promised three. 
 Me to declare, you to exhort, in such kind 
 As may show cause of repentance in me 
 For ills past, and for th'ills to come in ye 
 Warning to avoid. Thirdly and lastly now, 
 To witness my submis'sion, I shall pray you. 
 
 [Qq.i.r. 
 First to the great God I humbly and wholly 
 Submit me, even so beseeching his mercy 
 For all my great sin and all offensive folly 
 Against him committed. Secondarily, 
 Of all the whole world here I generally. 
 Ask forgiveness", where and in what mine of- 
 fence 
 To crave forgiveness chargeth my conscience. 
 
 Thirdly (and specially), good mistress maid, 
 Your displeasure toward me to bring appeased, 
 I pray your benignity to be displayed 
 To forgive my guilt, which hath you displeased, 
 And not only displeased, but diseased ; 
 Namely, now in straining your arms long and 
 
 small. 
 To cleanse your window of uncomely cobwebs 
 
 all. 
 
 Fourthly and finally, remiss'ion sought, 
 By submission, to all spiders and flies 
 That I in this window have offended aught, 
 In taking or giving the holes in such size. 
 Or stretched my cobwebs here in such wide 
 
 wise 
 As straitened any part of their lawful right ; 
 Of them, on knees, I pray forgiveness in sight. 
 
4o6 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 93 
 
 Here end I, saving six words here to be said 
 Unto my child; I, (him in mine arms having) 
 Pronounced in your hearing (good mistress 
 
 maid) 
 Your licence whereto is mine humble craving, 
 Without word of any ill in depraving. 
 Content (quoth she) ; wherewith in arms he 
 
 took him, 
 Saying these words, while she did overlook 
 ihim. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 93 
 
 407 
 
 [Qq.i.v. 
 
 ^After a few woeful words of the spider had 
 to his son (they both clasping each other in 
 arms very naturally) he kisseth and hlesseth 
 him. Whereivith that son, with, all the twelve 
 spiders, dolefully depart from the spider. 
 
 Cap. 93. 
 
 [QqM.r. 
 
 OH deep desired sight, of thee my child 
 dear, 
 Behold thy father, how he beholdeth thee ! 
 To thy mother, and brother, thou shalt appear, 
 
4oS The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 93 
 
 After this weeping time, worn out of you three, 
 To your comforts ofttimes, but no time more 
 
 to me. 
 Our departingfs differ ; nothing- more unneath 
 You from me to life, I from you to death. 
 
 Now here in sight, as I should never be hence, 
 Straight hence from sight, as I had never been 
 
 here. 
 Well, farewell ; use to thy mother obedience; 
 To thy brother, let brotherly love appear ; 
 Commend me to them both (my jewels dear). 
 I bless thee ; kiss thou me. They did so, and so 
 Loathly he loosed his arms, and let him go. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 94 
 
 409 
 
 [Oq.ii.v. 
 
 UT/ie maid [appearing as woe to destroy the 
 spider as he is to be destroyed) with her foot 
 presseth him to death. Cap. 94. 
 
 [Oq.iti.r. 
 
 THE water ran down the cheeks of them 
 both two ; 
 The maid, pitying- both, wept as fast they; 
 But for that she must do more than she would 
 do, 
 
410 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 94 
 
 The spider had been forgiven, and gone his 
 
 way. 
 But they gone weeping away, without delay, 
 The spider lying prostrate, she thereupon, 
 Setting her foot on him, he was forthwith gone. 
 
t UNIVERSITY ) 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 95 
 
 411 
 
 [Qq.iii.v. 
 
 ^The tnaid hath before her the twelve spiders 
 and the twelve flies that had been before in 
 place. And upon her show that all harms done 
 by those generations is grown by misorder, she 
 finally deviseth full redress in pointing them to 
 grow to order. Cap. 95. 
 
 [Qq.iv.r. 
 
 UPON this execution done, she hath now 
 Before her these twelve spiders with those 
 twelve flies 
 That erst were there, they erst mentioned to 
 you; 
 
412 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 95 
 
 Unto which number she did there devise 
 Certain precepts given in words weighty and 
 
 wise, 
 Which to repeat, as rightly as I can, 
 I will ; and in this wise her tale began. 
 
 To train the time and tarry you (quoth she) 
 In talk of your forefaults, folly it were. 
 The smart both doth and will still tell it ye. 
 But what thing brought that smart, each when 
 
 and where? 
 That here to hear, each one lay to his ear ; 
 Which thing briefly to tell, brief end to f order, 
 Was only in you all this thing — misorder. 
 
 As God orderly created creatures all, 
 So were they created, to orderly intent, 
 To use themselves, each creature in his call. 
 Of which created sort the creator meant 
 Spiders and flies twain, to order to relent. 
 The lack whereof on your sides witnesseth well, 
 To have wrought displeasure on all sides every- 
 deal. 
 
 On all sides I say, meaning these sides thereby 
 Your sides, my side, my master and master's 
 
 side. [ing'ly 5 
 
 First for your sides, the smart showeth feel- 
 On my side, such rebukes as I abide 
 Of them for you, seeming your faults to hide; 
 And on their sides their most displeasant sight. 
 To see spiders and flies out of order quite. 
 
 [Oq.iv.v. 
 Spiders spinning in windows well-nigh in their 
 
 faces 
 Spitefully have spun, and flies innumerably 
 To blow their meat have made their common 
 
 traces : 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 95 413 
 
 Thus lack of order on your two sides prove I 
 To have broug-ht all sides to live displeasantly, 
 To my master's" and mistress's grief, greatly 
 grown [own. 
 
 Whose which grief to me is more than mine 
 
 By whose appointment under them as now, 
 I (having- here the cure), must have the care 
 To assign redress, for which I sent for you, 
 To you and to all yours in you, to declare 
 Order, to eas'e all spiders and flies that are, 
 And all other such as have been annoyed 
 By lack of order which ye ere this destroyed. 
 
 That spiders and flies are the creatures of God, 
 And all his creatures in their creation good, 
 I know and acknowledge, or else God's" forbode. 
 I hate neither the spiders' nor the flies' brood; 
 I love all, as behoveth maidenly mood. 
 All his creatures in an order we must love, 
 That orderly use themselves as doth behove. 
 
 And such as be ill, yet may we not hate 
 The persons, but the ill in the persons seen. 
 This learned I of a preacher that preached late : 
 And of myself (I thank God) I have not been 
 So much given to hate (any person I mean, 
 Be they spiders, be they flies, whatever they be) 
 But I can use all, as standeth with charity. 
 
 [Rr.i.r. 
 And charitably such an order to set 
 To set you in rest, and the said rest thereby 
 All faults in all pa^ to forgive and forget, 
 
414 The Spider and the Fly, Cap, 95 
 
 That will I you all to do, and orderly 
 Each one to use himself ordinarily, 
 And each use other in every kind of cause, 
 As th'old known well-ordered custom duly 
 draws. 
 
 And that is this : ye spiders in tip of top. 
 
 Or in top-sides of windows, cobwebs shall 
 
 make, [crop 
 
 Above the reach of my broom to crush or 
 Any part thereof, not set like an ale stake, 
 Proudly to brag yourselves and bring- flies in 
 
 brake. 
 But in place to lie most high and most hidden ; 
 Spiders thus placed, custom's order hath 
 
 bidden. 
 
 Flies in the body of the window shall pass, 
 Not by thousands at once, seditiously. 
 But through holes of lattice or broken glass ; 
 Not blowing henceforth (so saucemalapertly) 
 My master's and mistress's meat, as years 
 
 lately 
 They have done, but pass and repass in number 
 And usage such as shall no house accumber. 
 
 This ancient order, in few words here given, 
 Is all that I ask in you to be used ; 
 In lack whereof, in all sorrow you are driven ; 
 In use thereof, in solace you inclused. 
 Misorder bringing you thus confused, 
 Let order, by your leaving of misorder, 
 Quietness on your sides and all sides forder. 
 
 [Rr.i.v. 
 By order (from misorder) you to redeem 
 (From sorrows of all sorts to solace so sorted), 
 Is cause of my coming, not by means extreme, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 95 415 
 
 But by most mild means that may be imported 
 In order to set you and see you comforted 
 To keep order. Wherein you obeying- me, 
 We may Hve in love all, each in his degree. 
 
 Each in his degree (I say) mark that point well ; 
 Your lack of living so, ye see, marred you all. 
 Chiefly you spiders, usurping to excel 
 In governance, out of your place natural ; 
 Which for few years past brought and kept 
 flies so thrall, [agree 
 
 That you (well nigh) brought flies to grant to 
 You as head governor general be. 
 
 In which usurpation ye ofi'ended 
 Nature, reason, my master, mistres's, and me. 
 Governors, nature hath commonly bended 
 Over such kinds to govern as themselves be ; 
 Beast over beasts, fowl over fowls, as we see 
 Man over men, and in fear and awe is then 
 Th 'unreasonable beast to reasonable man. 
 
 Nature ye offend, in planted plain proof here, 
 To take rule of other kinds than your kind is ; 
 Reason ye offend, in that ye here appear 
 To take upon you the use of mine office ; 
 Me ye offend in the same, and unto this 
 My master and mistress ye offend, as thus, — 
 Head rule here is their gift by custom's discuss. 
 
 [Rr.iir. 
 But leave this, and take that, mine order erst 
 
 told; 
 Keep you your places, and let me keep mine, 
 As nature and custom willeth you of old, 
 
4i6 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 95 
 
 While reason and custom do me clear incline 
 My mas'ter's and mistress's wfll to work in fine; 
 As I under them, and you under me, 
 May lovely live (I say) each in due degree. 
 
 The spiders and flies, perceiving- by her stay 
 That she in this matter had said what she 
 
 would, 
 All rejoicing, one spider assigned to say, 
 In such manner as good manner might him 
 
 bold. 
 This effect in these words, to this maid he told; 
 At beginning of whose talk she set her eye, 
 And laid her ear toward him diligently. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 96 417 
 
 [Rr.ii.v. 
 ^The twelve spiders and twelve flies, having 
 heard their order set by the maid, they thank- 
 fully receive it. And upon her commandment 
 to them, to put this order in ure among all 
 spiders and flies, they joyfully depart that com- 
 mandment to fulfil. Co/p. 96. 
 
 [Rr.iii.r. 
 
 MOST excellent maid and mistress of ours, 
 Your mild and motherly precepts given 
 us thus 
 In order old, revived now at hand of yours, 
 
 HEY III. E E 
 
41 8 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 96 
 
 Lack whereof (as ye said) the sorrows in us 
 Have witnessed that of them the cause in dis- 
 cuss ; [felt, 
 Your words wherein told to our deeds' therein 
 Do instruct us, with a double witness dealt. 
 
 And double or treble (yea, quadruple) cause, 
 With many causes more than I can now tell, 
 Have we to keep order as your will us draws ; 
 Spiders and flies have lived like as in hell, 
 Since new misorder did th'old order expel. 
 Thus our bound duty obeying your precept, 
 Is your pleasure, but our profit, to see kept. 
 
 Which I promise for us, and all spiders else, 
 To be observed as' farforth as we may. 
 And I (quoth one fly) for all flies as he tells. 
 Promise for order to walk the same way, 
 Rejoicing all that ever we saw this day ; 
 Praying the great God for you now and ever 
 
 In prosperous prosperity to persevere. 
 
 Well, friends (quoth the maid) to enter order 
 
 now. 
 Depart, and plant this in all spiders and flies ; 
 In top of windows, spiders, exercise you, 
 And flies^ the holes moderately exercise. 
 In most joyful joy, that both sorts can devise. 
 From thence most joyfully they all flang and 
 
 flew, [ensue. 
 
 While the maid used her will there, as doth 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 97 
 
 419 
 
 [Rr.iii.v. 
 ^The spiders and flies being now absent, the 
 maid sweepeth the window clean in every place, 
 as far as her broom and arm will stretch. 
 Which done, she departeth. Cap. 97. 
 
 [Rr.iv.t. 
 
 THE spiders and flies (for the time) being- 
 g-one, 
 The maid swept that window clean in all places ; 
 In all corners that her broom might lig-ht upon 
 
 E E 2 
 
420 
 
 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 97 
 
 Each cobweb (with her broom) she full defaces. 
 No wem seen in casements, nor casement cases 
 Upon her clear cleansing whereof. Out went 
 
 she, 
 And in came I, her workmanship there to see. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 98 421 
 
 [Rr.iv.v. 
 ^The maid being gone, the author cometh in. 
 And upon his beholding the window fair and 
 clean swept, without any cumbrous cobwebs or 
 excessive flocks of flies, he departeth. Cap. 98. 
 
 [5s. I. r. 
 
 BEHOLDING the window, seeing- every 
 room 
 Clean and empty, save three flies amid that plat, 
 And in the top (without reach of the maid's 
 broom) 
 
422 The Spider and the Fly, Cap. 98 
 
 Corners of cobwebs unneth seen, and to that 
 All things in quiet case, so that I could not 
 Of any matter be any further winner, 
 I went from the window, to the board to 
 dinner. 
 
 Finis. 
 
[Ss.i.v. 
 
 Cf)e conclusion toitf) an cxpo== 
 
 sjition of ii)t ^utl^or toudjtng one piece 
 
 of ti)t latter part of t\)\^ 
 
 parable, 
 
 I HAVE, good readers', this parable here 
 penned, 
 After old beginning newly brought to end. 
 The thing, years more than twenty since it 
 
 begun, [done. 
 
 To the thing years more than nineteen, nothing 
 The fruit was green ; I durst not gather it then. 
 For fear of rotting before riping began. 
 The loss (it on the fruiterer's hand lying) 
 Had (in that mystery) marred his occupying. 
 This work (among my poor works) thus hath 
 
 it passed, — 
 Begun with the first, and ended with the last. 
 At end whereof (as at beginning) I pray 
 All readers that read it (in all that we may) 
 Each one reader to scan this parable so 
 As our most scanning diligently may go 
 In speech of spiders' and flies' faults, here 
 
 shown. 
 To considerate weighing of faults of our own. 
 And them (by grace) t 'amend, for concord 
 
 growing. 
 As spiders and flies grow to, here in showing. 
 But, faults and faulters, erst repented and past, 
 Which faults (I hope) none on himself can now 
 
 cast. 
 Figured here in the spider's cruelty. 
 Touching deeds' and deaths of those that so 
 
 passed be, 
 
424 The Spider and the Fly, The Conclusion 
 
 Let us rather (when memory them to mind 
 
 calls). 
 Lament their false facts than rejoice their 
 
 foul falls ; 
 And pray for them, as we hope they pray for us, 
 That they and we, by God's merciful discuss, 
 May (after strife together in life carnal), 
 Live and love together in life eternal. 
 
 [55.n'.r. 
 And for the chief spider and fly understand, 
 Spider that died and fly that 'scaped at maid's 
 
 hand, 
 As in that figure both most charitably, 
 Th'one indeed dying, th'other ready to die. 
 So should we not only die, but also live 
 As God's precepts (pain of endless death) do 
 
 give. 
 Ye see also that this figure here implies, 
 For strife in windows between spiders and flies, 
 The plat of all the world, and people therein. 
 In which world which people, if all now begin, 
 And henceforth endeavour them during their 
 
 lives. 
 By counsel of those two to cut off all strives 
 By cutting off all cause of strife in all parties, 
 As they both (each in his last tale) did devise. 
 The first tale, in chapter fourscore and eight 
 
 here, [appear 
 
 The second, in fourscore and twelve doth 
 Th'advice in both turned to, it to hear and hold : 
 Turning their persons to ours (in those tales 
 
 told), [fruit 
 
 Then shall we first see, and after feel, what 
 Our right doing (against wrong) shall execute. 
 Which, since ye may turn and behold as a glass, 
 Tedious iteration thereof I let pass. 
 
The Spider and the Fly, The Conchision 425 
 
 As I (for tediousness and other causes), 
 
 Omit (to remit) the number of clauses 
 
 To those, learned and g-iven (in interpretation), 
 
 More them am I, unto moralisation. 
 
 I leave to the learned the core of this matter ; 
 
 Hovvbeit (as I can) I crave leave to smatter 
 
 In uttering- my fancy, under submission, 
 
 Touching the taking of one exposition. 
 
 [Ss.ii.v. 
 In one piece hereof one sense t'interpretate, 
 Of apt application to sense literate 
 In this the last said part of this said figure. 
 That maid, I mean, putting her office in ure, 
 Sweeping down cobwebs in every border. 
 That she (in that window) saw set out of order, 
 Setting all flies at their lawful liberty, 
 And spiders' also, t 'avoid all jeopardy. 
 They building in windows, without her broom's 
 
 reach, [breach) 
 
 (Where building within it broug-ht much of this 
 Keeping themselves within their bounds, as 
 
 they ought, [thought. 
 
 Harm she none did them, none said, nor none 
 But spiders, having past their bounds, (as they 
 
 had), [bad, 
 
 And flies having flown more broad than order 
 Th'one too nigh her master's and mistress's eye 
 
 showing ; 
 Th'other her master's and mistress's meat 
 
 blowing ; 
 She thought it her duty, it being her charge, 
 To do some execution for warning large 
 Both to spiders and flies, the flocks every one, 
 By executing of spiders only one. 
 And, save custom of justice forced her thereto, 
 Loath was she execution on him to do. 
 
426 The Spider and the Fly, The Conclusion 
 
 Her broom not sword of rigour, (double edged 
 blade) [made. 
 
 But the branch of mercy that mild maiden 
 Finally, upon her benign behaviour, 
 Appeasing all this fury with all this favour 
 In spiders and flies without stripes to stint 
 strife, [life, 
 
 All placed in right place to place prosperous 
 Each one in himself, in most joyful joy joyed. 
 And each one to other, their joys they em- 
 ployed. 
 
 [Ss.iii.r. 
 All joying in her as their redemption 
 Of rest, long erst had in exemption. 
 All bent (as all were bound) in all that they 
 
 may. 
 That maid (in her office) to love and obey. 
 ' Wherewith, as this parable here taketh end, 
 I So I (with a few words therein) an end intend. 
 I Of this last piece plain interpretation, 
 ; Lighteth in the lap of imagination. 
 I Which, of force, in weighing the sense literal, 
 Clearly conveyeth the sense allegorical 
 , To our sovereign Lady, Queen Mary, and maid. 
 At God's bringing whom to her crown, may be 
 
 laid 
 Our like strife risen, and more than like to rise 
 Than showeth here risen between spiders and 
 flies. [filth clean. 
 
 Whose sword, like a broom that sweepeth out 
 Not a sword that filleth the house by bloody 
 
 mean. 
 This merciful maiden took in hand to sweep 
 Her window, this realm, not to kill, but to 
 
 keep 
 All in quiet, on her bringing us thereto, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, The Conclusion 427 
 
 As that maid all spiders and flies showeth to 
 
 do. 
 And as under that maid spider died but one, 
 So under this maid, save one, (in effect) none. 
 And as that one under that one maid did die 
 Repentant, so this other repentantly, 
 Under this other maid, the death meekly took. 
 All sin 'with all sinful errors, he forsook, 
 Of God craving- forgiveness principally. 
 And then of the world, and most specially 
 Of this maid his mistress, who (clearly) him 
 
 forgave, 
 As that maid did that spider, when he did crave. 
 
 [Ss.iii.v. 
 And as that maid, loathly forced by just custom, 
 Was driven to bring that one t 'execution to 
 
 come. 
 So this maid, save like that maid, by force 
 
 was driven. 
 Was with that maid (for pity) more than even ; 
 And as that maiden's most quarrel was ad- 
 dict 
 For that spiders and flies in that window kicked 
 Against the will of her master and mistress, 
 So did this maid her chief quarrel address 
 To us (or to such of us) as the precept 
 Of her master and mistress had not kept. 
 And as that maid took those faults much more 
 
 to heart 
 In respect of her master's and mistress's part 
 Than for her own part (her part being not 
 
 small, 
 In that the redress she was charged withal). 
 So under her master and mistress, this maid. 
 Being their like instrument to see things 
 
 weighed 
 
42S The Spider and the Fly, The Conclusion 
 
 She weighed that with more grief to see them 
 
 offended [pended. 
 
 Than for augfht that on her own part de- 
 Her master Christ, the head master principal, 
 Her mistress, mother holy church catholical. 
 And as that one maid, with that one stroke of 
 
 her broom. 
 Cleansed her window clear in every room. 
 Setting- flies at liberty in their right rate, 
 Placing spiders likewise in accustomed state, 
 Pointing both parties path of direct direction 
 To trace and tread in as wealth's protection; 
 So this one maid, with this one stroke of her 
 
 sword, [board, 
 
 From long thrall thraldom hath set us clear a 
 Pointing us our places (and paths) of old 
 
 known. 
 Great guides both to ghostly and worldly 
 
 wealth grown. 
 
 [Ss.iv.r. 
 Thus far goeth this figure, and this exposition 
 Between that maid and this maid, the condi- 
 tion 
 On her part fulfilled. Whereupon let us here 
 Play our parts in this part all parts to appear. 
 To this maid, as spiders and flies to that maid, 
 Let our banners of obedience be displayed 
 Of love, the badge of rejoicing, the right root, 
 And of our own wealth the right and full boot. 
 Love Vv'^e her, and obey we her, as we ought. 
 And also our sovereign Lord Philip, to her 
 brought [twain, 
 
 By God, as God brought her to us. Which 
 Conjoined one in matrimonial train, 
 But one also in authority regal, 
 These two thus made one both one here we call, 
 
The Spider and the Fly, The Conclusion 429 
 
 Which two thus one, rejoice we every one. 
 And these two thus one, obey we all as one 
 Effectually, as thosre spiders and flies 
 Figuratively that one recognise. 
 Beseeching God that brought them, to keep 
 
 them here [mere 
 
 In long prosperous reign, and of his mercy 
 So to bless us that on this blessed stock, 
 He bring such imps as over their faithful flock 
 As their progenitors do reign presently, 
 They (after them) may reign perpetually. 
 And for gift of these two thus one to us given, 
 To yield the Three and One thanks, as we are 
 
 driven. 
 And also them, conclude we this even thus : 
 Thank we God for them, and God and them 
 
 for u5. 
 
 Finis. 
 
[5s.tv.v, 
 
 C4^ IMPRINTED AT LON- tn 
 
 DON IN FLEET- 
 
 STREET, BY THO. 
 
 POWELL. 
 
 Cum privilegio ad imprimen : 
 dum folum. 
 
OF GENTLENESS AND 
 NOBILITY 
 
 A 'Dialogue between the Merchant^ the 
 Knight^ and the Ploughman^ disputing 
 who is a very Gentleman^ and who is a 
 Nobleman^ and how men should come 
 to authority. Compiled in manner of 
 an Interlude^ with divers toys and jests 
 added thereto to make merry pastime 
 and disport. 
 
[This Dialogue has been attributed to John 
 Heywood, and as it is not otherwise acceS' 
 sible it is given in this collected edition of 
 John Heywood^s writings ^ without pre- 
 judice.] 
 
lA.i.r. 
 
 OF GENTLENESS AND 
 NOBILITY 
 
 ^ Dialogue between the Merchant^ the Knight^ and 
 the Ploughman, disputing who is a very Gentle- 
 man., and zoho is a Nobleman, and how men 
 should come to authority. Compiled in manner 
 of an Interlude, with divers toys and jests 
 added thereto to make merry pastime and 
 disport. 
 
 The Merchant. O what a g^reat wealth and 
 
 prosperity 
 It is to any realm where merchants be, 
 Having free liberty and intercourse also 
 All merchandise to convey to and fro ; 
 Which thing I have used, and the very feat 
 
 found, 
 And thereby gotten many a thousand pound. 
 Wherefore now, because of my great riches, 
 Throughout this land in every place doubtless 
 I am magnified and greatly regarded. 
 And for a wise and noble man esteemed. 
 
 The Knight. Master Merchant, I hear you 
 
 right well ; 
 But now in presumption methink ye excel. 
 To call yourself noble in presence here. 
 1 wis men know what your ancestors were, 
 And of what great stock descended ye be ; 
 
 HEY. III. F F 
 
434 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 Your father was but a blacksmith, pardy. 
 Mer. Why, sir, what then? What be you, 
 
 I pray you? 
 Knight. Marry, I am a gentleman, I would 
 
 ye know. 
 And may dispend yearly five hundred mark 
 
 land. 
 And I am sure all that ye have in hand 
 Of yearly rent is not worth five marks. 
 
 Mer. But I would thou knewest, for all thy 
 
 cracks, 
 I am able to buy now all the land 
 That thou hast, and pay for it out of hand, 
 
 [A.i.v. 
 
 Which I have got by mine own labour and wit. 
 
 Knight. Yet art thou but a churl, and I 
 
 have a scorn 
 Thou shouldest compare with me, a gentleman 
 
 born. 
 Mer. Why, what callest thou a gentleman? 
 
 Tell me. 
 Knight. Marry, I call them gentlemen that 
 
 be 
 Born to great lands by inheritance. 
 As mine ancestors, by continuance, 
 Have had this five hundred years, of whom 
 
 now J 
 Am descended and come lineally, 
 Bearing the same name and arms also 
 That they bare this five hundred years ago. 
 Mine ancestors also have ever been 
 Lords, knights, and in great authority, 
 Captains in the war and governors, 
 And also in time of peace great rulers ; 
 And thine were never but artificers, 
 As smiths, masons, carpenters, or weavers. 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 435 
 
 Mer. All that is truth, I will not deny now; 
 Yet I am more gentleman born than thou, 
 For 1 call him a gentleman that gently 
 Doth give unto other men lovingly 
 Such thing as he hath of his own proper ; 
 But he that taketh aught away from another, 
 And doth give nothing again therefor, 
 Ought to be called a churl evermore. 
 But mine ancestors have given alway 
 To thine ancestors such thing as they 
 By their labours did truly get and win ; 
 For mine ancestors builded houses, wherein 
 Thine ancestors have had their dwelling-place ; 
 Afso mine ancestors have made tools 
 To all manner crafty men belonging. 
 Whereby clothes, and every other thing. 
 Whereof thine ancestors need have had, 
 With the same tools have ever been made ; 
 So mine ancestors have given their labours 
 Ever to comfort and help thine ancestors. 
 
 Knight. I deny that ever th' ancestors of 
 thine 
 Did ever give to the ancestors of mine 
 At any time anything, except that they 
 Gave somewhat therefor, either ware or money. 
 
 Mer. Marry, God-a-mercy, John, for that 
 now ; 
 That is even a pig of our own sow. 
 
 [A.ii.r. 
 How can lords and estates have aught in store 
 Except th' artificers do get it before? 
 For all metals be digged first by mines, 
 And after wrought by the artificers. 
 Wool, fell, and every other thing 
 That is necessary to man's covering; 
 And all other things that men use and wear, 
 
 F F 2 
 
436 Of Gentleness and Nobility- 
 
 Is alvvay made by the artificer. 
 
 Knight. I grant tiiat the artificers do make 
 it, 
 But because commonly they have little wit, 
 Gentlemen that have lands and dominion, 
 Of all such riches have most possession ; 
 For reason will ever it should so be, 
 Wise men to have fools in captivity. 
 
 Mer. Marry, as for wit and subtle inven- 
 tion, [parison ; 
 Mine ancestors with thine may make com- 
 For though my father were a smith, what then? 
 Yet was he a marvellous quick-witted man. 
 And could work as well for his part 
 As any in this land using that art. 
 And devise new fashions in things that he 
 
 made, 
 That every man to buy his ware was glad ; 
 And carved and graved in iron and steel 
 Both image and letters marvellously well, 
 And thereon lay gold and gild it also 
 Fine and pure as any goldsmith could do. 
 My grandfather also was a mason. 
 Of great wit as any in this region, 
 And could build a castle and tower right well, 
 In which some of thy kinsmen now do dwell. 
 Wherein appeareth right good masonry, 
 With images and arms wrought curiously. 
 My great-grandfather, lo, was a weaver, 
 Of woollen yarn and of other gear, 
 And made marvellous pleasant works to be- 
 Linen, diaper, silk, and cloth of gold, [hold, 
 All such subtle things as I have rehearsed, lo. 
 Mine ancestors by their wits could work and 
 
 do; 
 And as for thine ancestors, I know nothing 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 437 
 
 They could do by their wits worth praising, 
 But use, occupy, and waste evermore 
 Such things as mine ancestors made before. 
 And thou and thine ancestors having th* 
 
 occupation 
 Of such things wrought by the operation 
 
 [A.ii.v. 
 Of other men oughtest not to be praised there- 
 for, 
 But the praise ought to be given evermore 
 To the artificer which by his wit 
 It devised, and so cunningly wrought it. 
 Wherefore if thou say that wit and policy 
 Be the things pertaining to gentry, 
 Thine ancestors may never compare with mine, 
 For their acts prove them wiser than thine ; 
 For thine did never no thing in their days 
 Concerning quick wit that was worthy praise. 
 Knight. Yes, I wis, lewd javell, I would 
 thou knewest it, 
 Mine ancestors have had more wisdom and wit 
 Than thine have had, and could do also 
 Many things that thine could never do ; 
 For in the country at sessions and 'size 
 They have been elect to be justice. 
 And for their wit and great discretion 
 They have judged and done correction 
 Upon thine ancestors' artificers 
 That have made false wares and been de- 
 ceivers, 
 And helped for to maintain everything 
 That is to the commonwealth pertaining. 
 They have been also, in time of war. 
 Both in this land and other countries far, 
 Dukes and leaders of the whole army. 
 And by their wits and warlike policy. 
 
438 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 Study, forecast, and diligent travel, 
 Have won many a great field and battle ; 
 And thine ancestors that were there 
 Were never able to bear shield nor spear, 
 And were never but soldiers and pioneers. 
 Nor never had wisdom to be rulers ; 
 But because mine ancestors have ever been 
 Discreet and wise, they have had authority. 
 Mer. Nay, nav, thine ancestors came never 
 
 all 
 To authority for wisdom principal ; 
 For though some were wise, yet some of tliem 
 
 again 
 Had small discretion, little wit or brain ; 
 But because of the long continuance 
 Of their great possessions by inheritance, 
 By the foolish manner of the world we see 
 For that cause ever they have had authority. 
 Knight. And I say that good reason 
 
 agreeth to it. 
 For though the father have no great wit, 
 
 [A.iii.r. 
 The son that is wise should never the more 
 Lose his land or authority therefor ; 
 For he that by study, diligence, and pain 
 Great lands or possessions doth attain, 
 His own life is too short and too light 
 For to take the fruit of his merit ; 
 Reason would, therefore, that, after this life, 
 His heirs before strangers have prerogate use, 
 And the continuance of such possessions 
 Maketh noble men and gentle conditions ; 
 And they whose blood hath long continued, 
 As gentlemen so they should be honoured. 
 And so mine ancestors long time have been 
 Great possessioners and in authority. 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 439 
 
 Therefore, considering my great lineage 
 By blood, my noble birth and parentage, 
 Thou art not able to compare with me. 
 Neither in gentleness nor in nobility. 
 
 Here the ploughman conieth in with a 
 short whip in his hand, and speaketh 
 as followeth. 
 Plough. Now, here is bibble-babble, clitter- 
 clatter ! 
 I heard never of so foolish a matter. 
 But, by God's body, to speak the truth 
 1 am better than either of you both. 
 
 Knight. Avaunt, cankered churl ! From 
 
 whence comest thou? 
 Plough. Marry, foolish peevish daw, even 
 from my plough. 
 Now say'st, — wouldest anything therewithal? 
 Knight. Yea, marry, thou lewd villain and 
 rude rascal ; 
 It is for the full ill beseeming. 
 To perturb any gentlemen's talking. 
 
 Plough. Gentlemen? Ye gentlemen? Jack 
 herring, 
 Put your shoon in your bosom for wearing ; 
 I account myself, by God's body, 
 Better than you both and more worthy. 
 
 Knight. Avaunt, knave ! get thee out of the 
 gate, 
 Or I shall lay sword on thy pate. 
 
 Plough. That shall I prove, I make God 
 avow, 
 Never in better time ; have at thee now ! 
 
 Et verberat eos. 
 Mer. Now hold thy hand, fellow, I thee 
 pray, 
 And harken what I shall to thee say. 
 
440 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 Plough. Say, knave, say? What canst 
 
 say? 
 Mer. Hold thy hand, 1 pray thee; 1 come 
 not near; 
 I am a merchant and no man of war. 
 
 [A.iii.v. 
 Knight. Thou are not honest, i tell thee 
 plainly. 
 To make any quarrel here so suddenly. 
 To perturb our communication. 
 
 Plough. Here ye may see, sirs, by God's 
 passion. 
 Two proud fools make a cracking. 
 And wiien it cometh to point dare do nothing. 
 
 Mer. Our coming hither and our intent 
 Is not to fight, but by way of argument. 
 Every man to show his opinion, 
 To see who could show the best reason 
 To prove himself noble and most gentleman. 
 Plough. By God, all the reasons since ye 
 began 
 That ye have made thereof be not worth a fly. 
 Knight. No, sir? 1 pray thee, then, tell 
 
 me why. 
 Plough. First, as touching nobleness, I say 
 There is neither of you both did prove or lay 
 Any of your acts whereby that ye 
 Should in reason prove you noble to be, 
 Or thereby deserve any manner praising ; 
 But all the effect of your arguing 
 To prove your nobleness was but only 
 Of the deeds and acts of your ancestry, 
 And of the acts that your ancestors did before ; 
 Ye are the nobler never the more. 
 
 Knight. As touching myself, I dare make 
 comparison 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 441 
 
 Of as noble deeds as he hath any done ; 
 For I am and have been one of the chivalry, 
 At the commandment of my prince ever ready, 
 And every time of war have been captain, 
 And leader of a thousand men or twain. 
 And with horse and harness, spear and shield, 
 Have jeopardied my body in every held, 
 The rents of my lands have spent liberally, 
 And kept a great house continually. 
 And helped to punish thieves and bribers alway, 
 To the g^reat tranquillity of my country ; 
 And you. Master Merchant, will never take 
 
 labour. 
 Except it be for your own profit and lucre. 
 
 Plough. Go to, go to, now. Master Mer- 
 chant ; 
 There is a reason that giveth you a taunt, 
 I trow, more than you can answer well. 
 
 Mer. Nay, I wis, peevish and rude Jack 
 javell, 
 I can make an answer so substantially 
 Whereto neither of you is able to reply. 
 
 [A.iv.r. 
 
 Knight. If thou canst answer my reason, 
 
 Mer. That can I well do. [do. 
 
 Plough. Then go to, fool, go to ! 
 
 Mer. I say the common weal of every land 
 In feat of merchandise doth principally stand. 
 For if our commodities be uttered for naught 
 Into strange lands and no riches brought. 
 Hither therefore we should come to beggary. 
 And all men driven to live in misery. 
 Then we noble merchants that in this realm be. 
 What a great wealth to this land do we ; 
 We utter our wares and buy theirs good cheap. 
 And bring them hither with great profit. 
 
442 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 And pleasure daily cometh to this reg-ion 
 To all manner of people that here do won. 
 Furthermore, ye see well with your eyes 
 That of strange lands the commodities, 
 We have such need of them that be there, 
 That in no wise we may them forbear. 
 As oil, silk, fruits, and spices also, 
 Gold, silver, iron, and other metals more ; 
 All drams and drugs 'longing- to physic, 
 Which men must needs have when they be 
 
 sick. 
 Which in this realm cannot well grow. 
 Our country is too cold and not hot, I know. 
 Without which things we should live in misery, 
 And oft-times for lack of them we should die. 
 And I spend my study and labour continually, 
 And cause such things to come hither daily, 
 For the comfort of this land and common- 
 wealth. 
 And to all the people great profit and 
 
 health. 
 And for such noble deeds reason will then 
 That I ought to be called a nobleman, 
 And neither of you both that here now be 
 In nobleness may accompare with me. 
 
 Plough. Now well hit ! by God's body, well 
 hit. 
 Of one that hath but little wit. 
 Answer me one word first, I pray thee ; 
 What is the noblest thing that can be? 
 
 Knight. What sayest thou thereto thyself? 
 
 Let's see. 
 Plough. Is not the noblest thing indeed 
 That of all other things hath least need? 
 As God, which reigneth etern in bliss, 
 Is not he the noblest thing that is? 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 443 
 
 Knight. Yes, marry, no man in reason can 
 that deny. 
 
 [A.iv.v. 
 
 Plough. Well, then, there is no reason 
 thereof why, 
 But because he is the thing- omnipotent, 
 And is in himself so sufficient, 
 And needeth the help of no other thing" 
 To the help of his glorious being, 
 But every other thing hath need of his aid. 
 
 Mer. Marry, that is very true, and well 
 said. [most need 
 
 Plough. And likewise that thing that hath 
 Is the thing that is most wretched. 
 So sufficiency is ever nobleness, 
 And necessity is ever wretchedness ; 
 And he that hath more need of that thing 
 For the preservation of his living- 
 Than his fellow hath, his fellow must needs be 
 By this same reason more noble than he. 
 
 Knight. What then? 
 
 Plough. By the same reason it proveth, lo ! 
 Ye be but caitiffs and wretches both two ; 
 And by the same reason prove I shall 
 That I am the noblest man of us all ; 
 For I have need of no manner of thing 
 That ye can do to help of my living, 
 For everything- whereby ye do live 
 I nourish it and to you both do give. 
 I plough, I till, I stir the ground, 
 Whereby I make the corn to abound, 
 Whereof there is made both drink and bread. 
 With the which daily ye must needs be fed. 
 I nourish the cattle and fowls also, 
 Fish, and herbs and other things more ; 
 Fell, hair, and wool which the beasts do bear 
 
444 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 I nourish and preserve, which ye do wear, 
 Which if ye had not, no doubt ye should 
 Starve for lack of clothes because of cold. 
 So both you should die, or live in necessity, 
 If ye had not comfort and helpe of me. 
 And as for your fine cloth and costly array, 
 I cannot see why ye ought or may 
 Call yourself noble because ye wear it, 
 Which was made by other men's labour and 
 
 wit ; 
 And also your delicate drinks and viand 
 By other men's labour be made so pleasant. 
 Therefore, Master Merchant, now to you I say 
 I cannot see but! am able and may 
 Live without you or your purveyance, 
 
 [A.v.r. 
 For of food and cloth I have sufficience 
 Of myself for living- necessary. 
 And now. Sir Knight, to you I say plainly, 
 I see not that ye can anything do 
 For the common weal, or ought 'longmg 
 
 thereto ; 
 But each man, being in authority, 
 Having wit may do it as well as ye. 
 Therefore to speak now of necessity, 
 There is neither of you both, but ye be 
 In more need than I ; therefore I say plain 
 I am more noble than either of you twain. 
 [Mcr.] Now that is a foolish reason, so God 
 
 me save, 
 For by the same reason thou wouldest have 
 Every beast, fish, and other fowl then 
 To be more noble of birth than a man. 
 For man hath more need of bodily covering 
 Than they have, for they need nothing ; 
 The beasts have hair, and also a thick skin, 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 445 
 
 The fish scales or shells to keep their bodies in, 
 The fowls feathers, and so everything- 
 By nature hath his proper covering, 
 Save man himself, which is born all naked. 
 And therefore he should be then most wretched. 
 Plough. Marry, no man can make a better 
 
 reason. 
 For that is a sure and true conclusion ; 
 For if a child when he is first born 
 Were not helped and covered, he were soon 
 
 lorn ; 
 He hath no strength to help him never a dell. 
 Yet beasts have power to help themselves well. 
 So, considering man's body in deed, 
 A beast is more noble and man more wretched, 
 Because he hath need of many more things 
 Than beasts have to help of their livings. 
 Also, man must daily labour and sweat 
 To get him full sustenance, as drink and meat. 
 The ground he must dig and the beasts kill 
 For bread and meat his Body to fill, 
 Grapes, fruits, and herbs nourish diligently 
 To make good drinks to refresh his body. 
 But all brute beasts have covering natural 
 Sufficient to cover their bodies withal, 
 And find their food ever on the ground ready. 
 Without any pain, labour, or study. 
 
 [A.v.v. 
 So every man, by reason of his body, 
 Is more wretched and in more misery 
 Than beasts be. Yet this notwithstanding, 
 Man is most noble of creatures living. 
 Not by his body, for that is impotent. 
 But by his soul being- so excellent; 
 For by reason of his soul intellective 
 He subdueth all other beasts alive, 
 
446 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 And compelleth all other beasts that be 
 
 By his wit to relieve his necessity. 
 
 But beasts have no wit themselves to defend, 
 
 Nor can get no more than God hath them send. 
 
 For take any beast that weareth hair, 
 
 And do clip it off bare against winter ; 
 
 That beast hath no manner of policy 
 
 To get other covering for his body 
 
 Of cloth nor skins, nor hath no wit 
 
 To put it upon him though one have made it, 
 
 Nor can build no house nor kindle no fire 
 
 To warm his body if need should require. 
 
 But yet a man hath wit and understanding 
 
 For to help himself in every such thing ; 
 
 So man for his soul intellectual 
 
 Is most noble creature of beasts all. 
 
 Mer. That is a very good and pregnant 
 
 reason. 
 Yet methinketh thou makest a digression 
 From the argument that we first began, 
 Which was to prove who was most gentleman, 
 Which we disputed ; I would thou haddest 
 
 heard it. [whit. 
 
 Plough. Tush ! I heard what ye said every 
 Knight. Then shew thy reason therein ere 
 
 thou go. 
 Plough. Nay, by God, I have somewhat 
 
 else to do. 
 I must go buy me a ha'porth of grease ' 
 The spokes of my cart therewith to dress. 
 Trow ye that I will leave my business 
 For your babbling pomp and foolishness? 
 Nay, by St. Mary, I will not do so, 
 For I can now to the market go 
 And for an halfpenny as much grease buy 
 As shall cost me in our town a penny ; 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 447 
 
 And I tell thee plainly, without any boast, 
 A halfpenny is as well saved as lost. 
 
 Mer. Straw for an halfpenny ! therein is no 
 waste ; 
 Tarry with us awhile; perhaps thou mayest 
 
 [A.vi.r. 
 By our acquaintance now here get more 
 Than thou gattest with thy cart this month 
 before. 
 
 Plough. Straw for thy counsel ! turd a fart ! 
 Trowest I will give up my plough or cart 
 And follow thy foolish appetite and mind? 
 Nay, 1 am not yet so mad nor so blind ! 
 For when I am at my cart or plough 
 I am more merrier than either of you. 
 I would not change my life nor my living 
 For to be made a great lord or a king. 
 There is no joy nor pleasure in this world here 
 But hyll belly fill and make good cheer, 
 Be it prince, lord, gentleman, or knave, 
 It is all the joy that here he can have. 
 But these covetous and ambitious wretches, 
 They set their minds in honour and riches 
 So much that they be never content. 
 So they live ever in pain and torment. 
 But a man that can this means find 
 To have food and cloth and a merry mind, 
 And to desire no more than is needful, t)- O^"^^ 
 That is in this world the life most joyful. 
 Which life in this world no man shall acquire 
 Till he subdue his insatiable desire. 
 
 Mer. I see well thou hast a cursed apish 
 wit. 
 Then if thou wilt depart, I pray thee yet 
 Come again when thy business is done. 
 
448 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 Plough. For what intent, now, should I do 
 so? [proceed, 
 
 Mer. For we will in our old argument 
 Who should be called a gentleman indeed, 
 And we would be glad to hear thy reason. 
 
 Plough. I will come again upon a condition, 
 That ye will wait upon me both twain, 
 And be not out of the way when I come again. 
 
 Knight. We will not be far hence. 
 
 Plough. Then I will not fail. [quail. 
 
 Mer. Then I pray thee let not thy promise 
 
 Plough. Lo, here is my finger ; now trust 
 me well, 
 I will come again if I have my hele ; 
 For, by God, I promise you one thing — 
 I am as true of my word as the king. 
 But if I find you not here, then by my troth 
 I shall call you openly false knaves both. 
 
 Mer. Thou shalt find us true in everything. 
 
 Plough. I think so; except lying and 
 stealing. [A.vi.v. 
 
 Knight. Then farewell for a season ; adieu ! — 
 
 [Plough.] Then fare ye well both, I dare say 
 as true 
 As some that be tied in Newgate. 
 
 Mer. Well, now he is gone, God speed well 
 his gate; 
 But what shall we do now the mean season? 
 
 Knight. Let us take now some recreation, 
 And come again here and keep our 'pointment. 
 
 Mer. Now thereto I am right well content, 
 And in the meanwhile, good Lord of thy Grace 
 Preserve all the people here in this place. 
 
 Amen. 
 
 Finis Primce Partis. 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 449 
 
 SECUNDA PARS. 
 
 The Ploughman. Here may I walk and 
 wander to and fro, 
 But I see not them which I would speak to. 
 
 Mer. Yes, by rood, here we be both twain 
 To whom thou didst promise to meet here 
 
 again 
 To dispute the question that we began, 
 Which of us could prove him most gentleman. 
 Knight. Thou saidest thou heardest our 
 
 arguments all. 
 Plough. So did I, neither good nor sub- 
 stantial, 
 For thy foolish and peevish opinion 
 Was, because of the great dominion 
 Of the lands and rents whereto thou wast born, 
 W'hich thine ancestors had long time before. 
 Thou thinkest thyself a gentleman to be. 
 And that is a foolish reason seemeth me, 
 For when Adam delved and Eve span. 
 Who was then a gentleman? 
 But then came the churl and gatherM good, 
 And there began first the gentle blood ; 
 And I think verily ye do believe 
 That we came all of A.dam and Eve. 
 Then to speak by reason ; g-reat possessions 
 Make no gentleman, but gentle conditions. 
 That is the cause and the best reason why 
 One should be called a gentleman truly. 
 And furthermore mark well this reason then, — 
 If a man's ancestors have been gentlemen, 
 And virtuous and good to common weal. 
 That ought to be reported never adell 
 To the praise of the child which doth refuse 
 
 HEY. III. G G 
 
450 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 [B.i.r. 
 Such g-ood conditions and the contrary use; 
 But he ought to be dispraised the more 
 Because his ancestors have showed him be- 
 fore 
 A precedent of gentleness and virtue, 
 Which good example he doth not ensue, 
 For the g-entleness of his blood cle[a]r[l]y 
 In him doth decay and^ utterly die; 
 So he that useth conditions virtuous. 
 Though that his ancestors were vicious, 
 Ought not to be dispraised therefor. 
 But ought to be honoured and praised the 
 more. 
 Knight. Yet methinketh more honour 
 should be g'iven 
 To him which is of noble blood and kin. 
 Plough. Then if thou wilt look honoured to 
 be 
 Because of thy blood, then mark well and see 
 The vilest begg-ar that goeth by the door. 
 Had ye not both one God and creator? 
 Ye came of one first stock and progeny. 
 Both of Adam and Eve, ye will not deny; 
 The beggar and thou were both, doubtless. 
 Conceived and born in filth and uncleanness. 
 Thy blood and the beggar's of one colour be, 
 Thou art as apt to take sickness as he; 
 If thou be in the body wounded 
 Thy flesh is as ill as his to be healed. 
 Alas ! I have known many or this 
 So proud of their birth that all their lives 
 Would give them to no labour nor learning-. 
 Which brought them to miserable ending. 
 That in poverty wretchedly did die, [high. 
 
 Or fallen to theft and hanged therefor full 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 451 
 
 So I say virtue and good conditions, then, 
 Is that which maketh the very gentleman ; 
 And though tlie father may bequeath to the 
 
 son 
 His riches, his land, and his possession, 
 Yet may he neither give nor bequeath 
 Unto him in no wise after his death 
 His virtue nor his gentle conditions. 
 They cannot descend as other possessions, 
 And if thou wilt be a gentleman, needs 
 Thou must then use virtue and gentle deeds. 
 
 Knight. Why desire men, then, praise 
 evermore 
 Of the acts of their ancestors done before? 
 
 Plough. One cause thereof is for lack of 
 learning ; [B.i.v. 
 
 They perceive not the reason of the thing. 
 Another is because there be many. 
 That call themselves gentlemen, unworthy, 
 Which live voluptuously and bestial. 
 And do no good in the world at all, 
 But live in pride, sloth, and unthriftiness ; 
 And because they have no manner goodness. 
 Nor property nor virtue in them whereby 
 Any man should think them any praiseworthy, 
 Therefore they seek for commendation 
 Of the acts that their ancestors have done. 
 
 Mer. Then I marvel men desire to be 
 called 
 Of the blood of them that excelled 
 In worldly honour, as kings and emperors, 
 Where some were tyrants, some were con- 
 querors. 
 And few desire to be called of their blood 
 Which have been called just men, virtuous and 
 good, 
 
 G G 2 
 
452 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 And used indifferent justice and equity, 
 Meekness, abstinence, or wilful poverty. 
 
 Plough. If I should tell thee the very cause 
 true. 
 It is because they love no such virtue, 
 Which virtue and gentle conditions should be 
 'Longing to gentlemen of property. 
 
 KnigJit. If gentle conditions be the cause, 
 
 Then will I compare with both you two ; 
 For I have ever used gentle manner, 
 And so have mine ancestors that before were. 
 For first of all, when this world began, 
 Long after there were but few people then, 
 Men had sufficient of everything, 
 Without great labour, for food and clothing ; 
 All thing was in common among them, doubt- 
 less ; 
 But afterward, when people did increase, 
 Each man, to increase his pleasure and 
 
 volupte. 
 Of goods and lands desired property. 
 Whereof great strife and debate did arise. 
 Then such as mine ancestors were that were 
 
 wise 
 Did study to make laws how the people might 
 
 be 
 Living together in peace and unity, 
 And against enemies alway defended 
 The people that tilled the ground and laboured. 
 The people, perceiving then their goodness. 
 Their great wit, discretion, and gentleness, 
 Were content to give them part of the profit 
 
 [B.ii.r. 
 Coming of their lands, which they did get, 
 As corn, cattle, and such things as they won. 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 453 
 
 But after, when that coin of money began, 
 They changed those revenues, and were con- 
 tent 
 To give them in money an annual rent. 
 So for their good and virtuous conditions 
 They came first to lands and possessions ; 
 So possessions began, and were first found 
 Upon a good and reasonable ground. 
 
 Plough. By Gogg's sweet body, thou liest 
 falsely ; 
 All possessions began first of tyranny. 
 For when people began first to increase, 
 Some gave themselves all to idleness, 
 And would not labour, but take by violence 
 That other men gat by labour and diligence. 
 Then they that laboured were fain to give 
 Them part of their gettings in peace to live. 
 Or else for their lands, money a portion; 
 So possession begun by extortion, 
 And when such extortioners had oppressed 
 The labouring people, then they ordained, 
 And made laws marvellous strait and hard, 
 That their heirs might enjoy it afterward. 
 So the law of inheritance was first begun. 
 Which is a thing against all good reason 
 That any inheritance in the world should be. 
 
 Knight. That is a shameful opinion, seem- 
 eth me. 
 For when I have laboured and by great study 
 Got and purchased lands truly, 
 It is good reason that I have liberty 
 To give those lands to whom it liketh me. 
 Or else to let them descend lineally 
 To my child or cousin of my blood most nigh. 
 For inheritance must needs be a good thing, 
 Because so much good thereof is proceeding. 
 
454 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 Every man to his blood such love doth bear, 
 Because the land shall descend to his heir, 
 He will build thereon, and the land improve, 
 And make corn and grass to increase and grow, 
 Graft fruit, set trees, and nourish timber. 
 And to increase fish, make ponds with water, 
 Stock bushes, weed weeds which destroy herb- 
 age, 
 And all barren ground bring to tillage. 
 And amend the highways that be there about, 
 
 [BM.v. 
 And do many other good deeds, no doubt, 
 For the profit of his heirs that shall be. 
 And for the common wealth of his country. 
 Which things surely he would never intend 
 If the land should not to his heir descend. 
 Plough. By thy reason no other thing is 
 
 meant 
 But a good deed upon an evil intent ; 
 When men for love or pride do such good deeds 
 The devil therefor shall quit them their 
 
 meeds. 
 Knight. Whether God or the devil quit 
 
 them therefor 
 Is now to our purpose never the more, 
 For their minds and intents no man can tell. 
 But touching inheritance, this I wot well. 
 Much good Cometh thereof and daily doth 
 
 grow. 
 Plough. Nay, much ill cometh thereof, I 
 
 shall prove how. 
 For these men that be of great possessions 
 Unto their blood have such affections. 
 If any land like them that lieth nigh them 
 Of their poor neighbours, they will destroy 
 
 them. 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 455 
 
 Or by extort means they will them compel 
 The land for hall the money worth to sell. 
 And when they take money they will alway 
 Ever borrow and never willing- to pay ; 
 And when they shall die ye see the experience, 
 Few of them have remorse of conscience 
 To make any manner of restitution 
 Of any land so wrongfully gotten. 
 
 Knight. Thou hast spoke sore against 
 gentlemen ; 
 But what say est thou of merchants, then? 
 
 Plough. Many be good and worshipful also, 
 And many charitable deeds they do, 
 Build churches, and amend the highways, 
 Make almshouses and help many decays ; 
 But some be covetous and full falsely 
 Get their goods by deceit and usury, 
 And when they have a thousand pounds in their 
 
 coffers 
 They will rather suffer their neighbours 
 To starve for hunger and cold and to die 
 Or they will give to help them a penny ; 
 And yet moreover when any of them be 
 Promoted to rule or authority. 
 They disdain all learning, law, and reason, 
 And judge all by will and affection. 
 
 Mer. Thou art but a railer to speak so sore 
 
 [B.iii.t. 
 
 Against gentlemen and merchants evermore. 
 Be not ploughmen and others that drive the 
 
 cart, 
 And such rusticall fellows as thou art, 
 False shrews, and live as viciously also 
 As gentlemen of lands and merchants do? 
 Knight. Yes, these villain carters, almost 
 
 each one 
 
45^ Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 Have neither conscience nor devotion, 
 
 For bribe and steal and everything- they v;^ill 
 
 If they may secretly come thereuntil ; 
 
 And as for prayer and divine service, 
 
 They love them in no manner wise, 
 
 Nor never wolde labour nor work do 
 
 If need of living- drove them not thereto. 
 
 Plough. Yet gentlemen and the rich mer- 
 chants that be 
 Use much more vice and iniquity. 
 
 Mer. Why thinkest thou all merchants and 
 gentlemen nought? [thought; 
 
 Plough. Nay, I say not so ; that is not my 
 I am not yet so foolish or so mad, 
 For I know many g-ood, though some be bad; 
 Yet some will suffer his debts unpaid to be. 
 And die and jeopard his soul rather than he 
 Will any of his lands minish and impair 
 That should after his death come to his heir ; 
 And some of them so proud be of their blood, 
 And use small virtue and do little g'ood. 
 But give all their minds and their study 
 To oppress the poor people by tyranny ; 
 And some of them think this for a surety 
 Is the most honour to them that can be. 
 To be able for to do extortion 
 And to maintain it without. 
 
 Knight. By Gog-'s sweet body, thou art a 
 stark knave. 
 Noblemen and gentlemen thus to deprave. 
 Plough. What, thou proud whoreson fool, 
 whom dost thou knave? 
 I trow thou wouldest a good blow or two have 
 With a good whipstock, to teach thee courtesy. 
 Knight. Avaunt, beggarly knave, I thee 
 defy! 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 457 
 
 Plough. What ! will thou wage battle by 
 and by now ? 
 That shall I prove straig-ht, I make God avow. 
 Et hie verberat eos. 
 Mer. Keep the peace, masters ! hold your 
 hands, for shame ! 
 To make this business ye be greatly to blame; 
 Ye will disturb all this whole company. 
 
 Plough. Nay, marry, it is a cause to make 
 them merry ; [B.iii.v. 
 
 To walk such a proud fool is but sport and 
 game. 
 Knight. By cock's body, were not for worldly 
 shame [blood. 
 
 I should cut thy flesh, or else see thy heart's 
 Mer. Sir, hold your tongue ; your words be 
 nothing good ; 
 We lose here, with this lewd altercation, 
 Much good pastime and recreation. 
 
 Plough. Why, what better pastime here 
 canst thou have 
 Than to hear one to call another knave. 
 And see such a proud fool walked v/ith a whip? 
 Mer. But I love it not ; therefore of fellow- 
 ship 
 Leave this brabbling and with good argument 
 Try the matter that is most convenient. 
 
 Plough. Nay, I will try it howsoever he will ; 
 Be it with words or deeds, I will answer him 
 
 still ; 
 For by God, if he will not be content 
 To be concluded by good argument, 
 I will conclude him one way or that I go, 
 Or I shall prove it on his pate, that shall I do. 
 Knight. Thou speakest like a clerk that hath 
 little wit ; 
 
458 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 When a case is put if he cannot soil it 
 By no manner reason that he can lay, 
 Then will he answer him this wise and say, 
 " Beware what ye say, sir; now I advise you; 
 For it is treason or heresy to speak now,'* 
 To the intent to rebuke him openly 
 Before the unlearned people that stand thereby ; 
 And if he can no colour of such thing find, 
 Then will he vex and chafe in his mind, 
 And cast out some lewd words of quarrelling' 
 To turn the whole matter to chiding and fight- 
 ing ; 
 And so dost thou now, like one that were mad. 
 Plough. Nay, I would thou knewest, thou 
 foolish lad, 
 I am neither mad nor drunken yet ; 
 For my opinion, I have well proved it 
 By substantial reason and argument 
 That inheritance is not convenient, 
 And showed better reasons than thou canst do. 
 Knight. Nay, thy reasons may soon be an- 
 swered unto ; 
 For God defend that estates of inheritance 
 Should be destroyed, for by that good ordin- 
 ance 
 Gentlemen of lands undoubtedly 
 Bring up their children full honourably; 
 Some put to the school to learn cunning. 
 To instruct the people in virtuous living ; 
 
 [B.iv.r. 
 Some made to be active in martial deeds, 
 Able to defend the land when need is ; 
 And the rustical people that have no land 
 Such things be not able to take in hand. 
 Wherefore if we should destroy inheritance 
 We should destroy all good rule and ordinance 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 459 
 
 Plough. Bu,t such men as have great rents 
 
 and lands, 
 And no estate but term of their lives, 
 And everything thereon will nourish and save 
 For the great zeal and love that they only have 
 To the common wealth of their country; 
 And for God's sake, lo ! these people be they 
 That be worthy to have possessions. 
 And such people of virtuous conditions. 
 And no other, should be chosen governors, 
 And they should have lands to maintain their 
 
 honours. 
 Term of their lives as long as they take pain, 
 For the common wealth this is good reason 
 
 plain. 
 So that no man ought to have any land 
 But such as be apt and have charge in hand 
 For the common wealth, as princes and rulers, 
 Bishops, curates, preachers, and teachers, 
 Judges, ministers, and other officers 
 That of the commonwealth be executors, 
 And valiant men of the chivalry 
 That be bound to defend the people daily. 
 Such men as be apt to all such things 
 Should have lands to maintain their livings. 
 So inheritance is not beseeming 
 To let them have lands that can do no such 
 
 thing ; 
 Nor I think it not reasonable neither 
 One man to live by labour of another, 
 For each man is born to labour truly, 
 As a bird is born to fly naturally. 
 Nor a man ought not to have such liberty 
 To leave lands to his child whereby that he 
 Shall lust for to live in sloth and gluttony, 
 Compelled to do nought but live voluptuously. 
 
460 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 Mer. There is always good remedy for that, 
 That is, to compel them to do somewhat. 
 So that each man having- inheritance 
 Have some authority and governance. 
 Wherein he should take pain and business, 
 To constrain him to eschew idleness. 
 
 [B.iv.v. 
 Plough. Then this great mischief should 
 follow of it, 
 Ofttimes they should rule that have little wit. 
 Or disposed to be proud and covetous. 
 Or to live after their lusts voluptuous ; 
 Which if such men had authority 
 Many things no doubt misordered should be. 
 Where justice should be, there would be 
 
 tyranny ; 
 Where peace should be, war, debate, and envy. 
 So there is no good reason that I can see 
 To prove that any inheritance should be. 
 
 Knight. Yes, that shall I prove by good au- 
 thority, [see 
 For read in the Bible, and thou shall therein 
 God said to Abraham, " Tihi dabo 
 Terram hanc et seniine tuo/* 
 Which is as much as to say, to expound It 
 
 true, 
 I shall give this land to thee and thine issue. 
 Here is a good proof that it was God's will 
 That Abraham and his blood should continue 
 
 still 
 As possessioners, and have the governance 
 Of that land as their proper inheritance. 
 
 Plough. Thou answerest me now even like 
 a fool, 
 As some of these fond clerks that go to school ; 
 When one putteth to them a subtle question 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 461 
 
 Of philosophy to be proved by reason, 
 
 When they have all their wits, and reason spend, 
 
 And cannot tell how their part to defend, 
 
 Then they will allege some authority 
 
 Of the laws or else of divinity, 
 
 Which in no wise men may deny. 
 
 And yet ye know well that of philosophy 
 
 The principles oft contrariant be 
 
 Unto the very g-round of divinity ; 
 
 For the philosophers agree hereunto 
 
 Quod mundus fuit semper ah eterno, 
 
 And divines Quod in principio omnium 
 
 Creavit Deiis terram et coelum. 
 
 But thou didst promise openly even now 
 
 Only by natural reason to prove how 
 
 That inheritance ought for to be had. 
 
 Mer. By Gog's body, sirs, I hold you both 
 mad ! 
 Ye be like some women that I know well. 
 When they would any matter unto a man tell. 
 They will tell twenty tales by the way. 
 Nothing to purpose to the matter that they 
 
 {C.i.r. 
 Did first intend to tell and declare; 
 And in like manner now both ye do fare. 
 For ye dispute now whether inheritance 
 Be a reasonable thing or a good ordinance, 
 Which is a matter nothing pertaining 
 To the question moved at the beginning; 
 For the question was which of us all three 
 Could prove himself most gentleman to be. 
 Knight. As touching that we have all spoke 
 and said 
 Each man for his part as much as can be laid. 
 Plough. Nay, I have yet reasons left where- 
 by I can 
 
462 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 Prove myself of us all most gentleman, 
 That neither of you both can void by reason. 
 Mer. If thou have ought else to say, now 
 
 speak on. 
 Plough. Then to you both ; answer me this 
 short clause, — 
 Is not gentle conditions the most principal 
 
 cause 
 To make one to be a gentleman? 
 
 Knight. Peradventure it may be so ; what 
 
 then? 
 Plough. Peradventure, quotha? 
 Nay, I shall prove that by examples many one ; 
 For music maketh one a musician. 
 Grammar to be a good grammarian, 
 And also geometry a good geometrician, 
 And churlish conditions a churl for to be, 
 And so of every other state and degree ; 
 And where gentle conditions be, doubtless 
 In any person there is gentleness. 
 Then as virtue maketh a good man. 
 So gentle conditions a gentleman. 
 
 Mer. All those points I think must needs 
 granted be ; 
 What arguest more thereof forth let us see. 
 Plough. How sayest then to pride, wrath, 
 
 and envy? 
 Knight. They be nought and evil, I think 
 
 verily. 
 Plough. What is meekness, patience, and 
 
 charity? 
 Knight. Every one a gentle and good pro- 
 perty. 
 Plough. What is covetise and liberality? 
 Knight. The first good, the other nought — 
 for surety. 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 463 
 
 Plough. What is gluttony, sloth, and 
 
 lechery? 
 Knight. They be nought all; who can that 
 
 deny ? 
 Plough. What abstinence, good business, 
 
 and chastity? 
 Knight. Virtuous and gentle properties 
 
 they be. 
 Plough. Since ye have granted this, I shall 
 prove plain 
 I am a gentleman ; so is none of you twain. 
 First, for pride your raiment showeth what 
 ye be; 
 
 [C.i.v. 
 For ye will never be content except that ye 
 Have the finest cloth and silk for to wear 
 Of orient colours, and all your gear 
 So costly, your houses gilt gloriously. 
 As though ye would therein yourselves deify. 
 Ye covet evermore goods, lands, and rent; 
 Whatsoever ye get, yet never content; 
 Wrathful, ye be moved to anger anon, 
 And envious, disdaining every man. 
 And as for me, I am content alway 
 With a poor cottage and simple array ; 
 I disdain no man, and yet patiently 
 Can suffer to be called knave, and not angry. 
 Sometime I call him knave again in haste, 
 And when I have said, my anger is past. 
 Ye have your beds so pleasant and soft. 
 Wherein ye ease yourselves too long and too 
 
 oft. 
 Which maketh your bodies so tender to be 
 That ye cannot endure labour like me. 
 With no manner of coarse food ye will be 
 fed, 
 
464 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 But with plcc.sant wines and most whitest 
 
 bread, 
 With flesh and fish most dehcate and fat, 
 All fruits and spices tliat can be gat ; 
 And when ye have had such pleasant refections, 
 To assuage your carnal insurrections, 
 Whatsoever she be, wife, widow, or maid, 
 If she come in the way, she shall be essayed. 
 Mer. Thou liest, slanderous churl, for I 
 
 think of troth 
 Thou usest such vice more than we both. 
 Plough. Nay, by Cock's body, I use no such 
 
 Hfe, 
 For I am content with black Maud, my wife; 
 Trow ye that I care for these nice proud [prinns], 
 These painted popagays that hold up their 
 
 chins. 
 And look so smoterly as who say they would 
 Have every man woo them that doth them be- 
 hold? 
 Tut, man ! for all such venereal work 
 As good is the foul as the fair in the dark. 
 Knight. Thou sayest true ; draff is good 
 
 enough for swine. 
 Plough. Yet thou answerest to no reason 
 
 of mine. 
 Knight. Thy reasons all right well aiio^.'"^r 
 
 I can. 
 For I say it becometh a noble man 
 To have rich apparel and clothing, 
 And goodly houses of costly building, 
 And that each man, according to his degree, 
 
 [C.ii.r. 
 Be known from other and what they be. 
 For if such costly things were not made, 
 Work for poor people could never be had. 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 465 
 
 And many folks then should fail to idleness, 
 Which is the mother of vice and wretchedness. 
 
 PlougJi. Yea, but I delight no such vanities 
 worldly, 
 I dcliL^ ht neither in sloth nor gluttony ; 
 1 dig" and delve ; I labour for my living. 
 Never idle, but somewhat ever doing- ; 
 Daily I run and go bare, sweat and swink; 
 I eat brown bread and drink small drink, 
 Content with coarse meat, whatsoever it be. 
 So it quench the hunger, it sufficeth me. 
 These points I use, which I have rehearsed 
 
 now. 
 Be not these gentle conditions, I pray you? 
 
 Mer. If thou use them, need compelleth thee 
 
 thereto, [wise do. 
 
 For if thou couldest, hardly thou would other- 
 
 Plough. What I would do then ye cannot 
 tell. 
 It is not to purpose, but this I wot well ; 
 Since that I use my life in such good manner, 
 With such gentle conditions expressed here, 
 More than ye both do still continuing ; 
 And since that gentle conditions is the thing- 
 To make a gentleman the cause principal. 
 Wherein I use my life most of us all. 
 Who can by any reason deny, then. 
 But that I am of us all most gentleman? 
 
 Knight. In faith, if thou be g-entleman there- 
 for, 
 Thou art a gentleman ag^ainst thy will, full sure. 
 
 Mer. Since I see he standeth in his own con- 
 ceit so well, 
 That opinion we shall never expel 
 From him by no argument or reason ; 
 Therefore now for a little season 
 
 HEY. III. H H 
 
466 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 Let us depart from him ; I hold it best ; 
 Then we shall have with him some rest. 
 
 Knight. I agree thereto, for Caton sayeth 
 this, — 
 Contra verhosas noli contendere verbis ; 
 Contend nor arg-ue never in no matter 
 With him that is full of words and clatter. 
 Mer. Therefore a season let us both depart. 
 Knight. I am agreed thereto with all mine 
 
 heart. 
 
 Plough. Why, sirs, then will ye depart and 
 
 begone? [season, 
 
 Mer. Yea, that we will ; farewell for a 
 
 For to tarry here longer we see no great cause. 
 
 \Et exeunt. 
 
 {C.ii.v. 
 Plough. Then fare ye well, as wise as two 
 daws, [twain 
 
 And I pray God send you such grace both 
 To be stark cuckolds or ye come again. 
 Now, masters [the ploughman addresses him- 
 self to the audience], they be both gone 
 away. 
 Therefore one word ; now hark what I say. 
 We see well now by plain experience, 
 When a man is set in a wilful credence 
 All to fortify his own opinion, 
 If God himself then would with him reason, 
 In effect it shall no more avail 
 Than with a whip to drive a snail. 
 Therefore no remedy is that I can see 
 For evil men that be in authority. 
 But let them alone till God will send 
 A time till our governors may intend 
 Of all enormities the reformation, 
 And bring in their hands the rod of correction, 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 467 
 
 And the reforming of injuries themselves see, 
 And will say precisely, Thus it shall be. 
 For exhortations, teaching', and preaching, 
 Jesting and railing, they mend no thing, 
 For the amendment of the world is not in me, 
 Nor all the great arguments that we three 
 Have made since v/e reasoned here together 
 Do not prevail the weight of a feather 
 For the helping of anything that is amiss. 
 We cannot help it then, since it so is. 
 I will let the world wag, and home I will go, 
 And drive the plough as I was wont to do, 
 And pray God send us peace. I will no far mell ; 
 Therefore, masters all, now fare ye well. 
 Hie Miles et Mereator iteruni entrant. 
 
 Knight. Now, by my troth, I am glad that 
 he is gone, 
 
 Mer. And so am I, by sweet St. John. 
 I heard not a churl this seven year 
 Show such curst reasons as he hath done here 
 For the maintenance of his opinion. 
 Yet he is deceived for all his reason ; 
 For it is necessary that rulers be, 
 To have possessions to maintain their degree. 
 And those few to drive the multitude all 
 Of the other people to labour to fall ; 
 For if the rulers drove them not thereto, 
 The people would be idle and nothing do. 
 
 {C.iii.r. 
 
 \Knight.\ And most reason is that govern- 
 ance 
 Should come to such rulers by inheritance, 
 P.ather than to have them choose by election, 
 Ofttimes by dread, meed, and affection 
 Men of evil conscience that great tyrants be ; 
 Read old chronicles, the proof ye shall see, 
 
 H H 2 
 
468 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 And thoug-h they have great wit and learning, 
 Yet so proud they be thereof they fear nothing, 
 Neither God nor man, but evermore still 
 Without counsel or advice follow their own 
 
 will. 
 But they that by inheritance rulers be, 
 Thoug"h they have no g-reat learning, yet we see 
 Yet maketh them more fearful and better con- 
 tent 
 To follow wise men's counsel and advisement; 
 And since that it hath been so long continued 
 Inheritors to have rule and so long used. 
 And that they have ruled by as discretion 
 As the other that have been chosen by election, 
 If that order of rule by succession of blood 
 Should be destroyed, it should do hurt and no 
 good. [debar; 
 
 Mer. That reason is so great no man can 
 Nevertheless that churlish knave, that carter. 
 After his fond opinion thinketh thus 
 Himself more gentleman than us. 
 
 Knight. And therein he lieth, for by experi- 
 ence we see 
 That gentle conditions most commonly be 
 In them that be of noble blood born [before 
 For take twenty carters, which never were 
 Acquainted, let them be together; [manner; 
 Take twenty strange gentlemen in like 
 These churlish carters, I dare well say, 
 Will not agree together scant one day 
 Without chiding, quarrelling, or fighting ; 
 Each one will steal from other, and be picking, 
 And strive which of them at the scot shall pay 
 least, [best. 
 
 And endeavour them who can play the knave 
 But these gentlemen, I warrant you, will study 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 469 
 
 Who can show to other most courtesy, 
 And of their gentleness will prefer to pay 
 For the other, and show what pleasures they 
 
 may. 
 So touching- gentleness I say surely 
 Men of great birth use it most commonly. 
 Mer. There can be no truer saying nor 
 sentence, 
 And the cause thereof we see by experience ; 
 
 [C.iii.v. 
 For these poor wretches that have nothing, 
 Must be niggards, churlish, and sparing. 
 But gentlemen be taught to be liberal, 
 And so they may be, for they have the where- 
 withal. 
 Knight. And as touching nobleness, that 
 argument [dent 
 
 Which the plotighman made late proveth evi- 
 That gentlemen born to land must needs be 
 For suf^ciency of most nobility. 
 For beside God's gifts of grace and of nature, 
 As wit and bodily strength, yet they be sure 
 Of other riches, as of land and rent, 
 To avoid need, so they be more suflficient 
 Of themselves than other poor people doubtless, 
 Than if need to strange help cause wretched- 
 ness 
 And suffisance because wretchedness. 
 
 Mer. A better reason no man can devise; 
 And yet farther I think likewise 
 He that hath great abundance of riches 
 May use liberality and gentleness ; 
 And also it Is ever necessary 
 That some live In wealth and some in misery ; 
 And let churls babble and say what they will, 
 It hath been so ever and will be so still. 
 
470 Of Gentleness and Nobility 
 
 For it Is Almig-hty God's purveyance 
 Wise men of fools to have the governance ; 
 And they that rule well I beseech Jesu, 
 Send them g-ood life and long to continue. 
 
 Amen. 
 
 THE PHILOSOPHER. 
 
 Ye sovereigns all discreet and excellent, 
 Before whom this dialogue showed hath been, 
 Touching three points by way of argument. 
 First, what is gentleness and what nobility. 
 And who should be chose to high authority. 
 These questions they be so high and subtle 
 Few dare presume to define them well. 
 
 [C.iv.r. 
 
 Yet I think now, under your corrections. 
 The thing that maketh a gentleman to be 
 Is but virtue and gentle conditions, 
 Which as well in poor men ofttimes we see 
 As in men of great birth or high degree ; 
 And also vicious and churlish conditions 
 May be in men born to great possessions. 
 
 And further, as touching nobility, 
 
 Yet standeth much part I think doubtless 
 In sufficiency reason doth agree ; 
 But that suffisance making nobleness 
 Must needs be annexed unto goodness ; 
 For suffisance is not the cause principal 
 That God is noble, but his goodness 
 withal. 
 
 So virtue is ever the thing principal 
 
 That gentleness and nobleness doth ensue ; 
 Then these head rulers and governors all 
 Should come thereto because of their virtue, 
 
Of Gentleness and Nobility 471 
 
 And in authority they ought not continue, 
 Except they be good men, discreet and wise, 
 And have a love and zeal unto justice. 
 
 Wherefore, sovereigns, all that here present be, 
 Now mark well these reasons here brought in 
 Both against men of high and of low degree, 
 For this intent only, to rebuke sin ; 
 For the best way that is for one to begin. 
 To convert the people by exhortation 
 Is to persuade them by natural reason. 
 
 For when that a man by his own reason 
 Judgeth himself for to offend, 
 That grudgeth his conscience and giveth 
 
 compunction 
 Into his heart to cause him amend, 
 But such blind beasts that will not intend 
 To hear no good counsel nor reason 
 Ought by the law to have sharp correction. 
 
 But then if the laws be not sufficient, 
 
 Which have been made and ordained before. 
 To give therefor condign punishment, 
 The princes and governors be bound ever- 
 more 
 To cause new laws to be made therefor, 
 And to put such men in authority 
 That good men just and indifferent be. 
 
 But because that men of nature evermore 
 Be frail and following sensuality, 
 
 [C.iv.v. 
 It is impossible in a manner therefore 
 For any governors that be in authority 
 At all times just and indifferent to be, 
 [Ejxcept they be bridled and thereto com- 
 pelled 
 By some strait laws for them devised. 
 
 As thus, that no man such room occupy 
 
472 Of Gentleness and Nob'Uty / 
 
 But certain years and then to be removed, 
 Yet that while bound to attend dilig-ently, 
 And if he offend and surely proved, 
 Without any favour that he be punished ; 
 For the punishment of a judge or officer 
 Doth more g-ood than of thousand other. 
 
 And until that such orders be devised 
 Substantially, and put in execution. 
 Look never to see the world amended. 
 Nor of the g^reat mischiefs the reformation ; 
 But they that be bound to see the things 
 
 done 
 I pray God of his g^race to put in their 
 
 mindys 
 To reform shortly such thing-s amiss. 
 
 And thoug-h that I myself now percase 
 liius mine opinion have published, 
 Or any of my fellows here in this place 
 In any point here have us abused, 
 We beseech you to hold us excused ; 
 
 And so the author hereof requireth you all, 
 
 And thus I commit you to God eternal. 
 
 AMEN. 
 
 John Rastell me fieri fecit 
 Cum privilegfio regali. 
 
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