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Chrestoleros

Seuen bookes of Epigrames written by T. B. [i.e. Thomas Bastard]

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Epigr. 29.

Neuer so many masters any knew,
And so fewe gentlemen in such a crewe.
Neuer so many houses, so small spending.
Neuer such store of coyne: so little lending.
Neuer so many cosins: so fewe kynde.
Goodmorrowes plenty, good wils heard to finde.
Neuer so many clerkes, neere learning lesse.

70

Many religious, but least godlinesse.
Justice is banished, lawe breeds such strife,
And trueth: and why? for swearing is so rife.
Thus in her strength of causes vertue dieth,
But vice without a cause still multiplieth.