University of Virginia Library


395

Song.

[Fools, they are the only nation]

Fools , they are the only nation
Worth mens envy, or admiration;
Free from care, or sorrow-taking,
Selves, and others merry-making:
All they speake, or doe, is sterling.
Your foole he is your great mans darling,
And your ladies sport, and pleasure;
Tongue, and bable are his treasure.
Eene his face begetteth laughter,
And hee speaks truth free from slaughter;
Hee's the grace of every feast,
And, sometimes the chiefest guest:
Hath his trencher, and his stoole,
When wit waits upon the foole.
O, who would not bee
Hee, hee, hee?