University of Virginia Library

T'was a merry world, in the old time.

Blind-Zeale , Dul-ignoraunce, and Wilful-braine,
Met all togeather, and did much complayne
Of times exchanges, to a bad age growne,
From that which they in former dayes had knowne,
Before King Harry vnto Bolloigne went,
What a great House-rome for a little rent:
And no such cut-throat Fines impos'd on any,
How many new laid-Eggs were sould a penny,
And Butter at no higher price the pound:
Cheese passing cheape, exceeding good and sound:
All Cattell at a small and easie rate,
Graine, euery thing in plentyfull estate.
And (quoth (Blind. Zeale) all this did come to passe
When Monkes and Fryers liu'd in time of Masse.
I, sayd Dul-ignoraunce, tis true indeed,
Mens Children went not then to write and read
As euery weaneling now a dayes must do,
And yet they kept them in their dutie too,
To make a Legge, put off their Hatt, or so:
And taught Saints Picturs, in the Church to know.
Quoth Wilfull-braine, tis right; and for my part,
I hate this Bookishnesse with all my hart:
If Parents were but of my minde, deere friends,
Schoolemaisters might goe picke their fingers ends.
A youth stood by, and sayd, a word I pray,
Mee thinkes you three, in Iudgment goe astary:
Is not Instruction a most blessed thing,
That doth all knowledge of Gods seruice bring?
Who can know God, but by his will reuealed?
Or vnderstand when doctrine is concealed?
The Plenty that you talke of long a goe,
Is sencelesse proofe for learnings ouerthow:
For those that are the farthest off from grace:
As Infidles, that God nor Christ embrace,
Haue all thinges Cheape, and in aboundaunce free:
Fruit, Cattell, Spice Wine, Oyle, and yet wee see,
Their state most fearfull, for this worldly blessing,
Is not assurance of the Heau'ens possessing.
Worlds plentie, is not argument for trueth:
And therefore Maisters, though I am a youth:
And haue not knowne King Harries dayes, you name,
Yet thus much speake I, for King Iames, his fame,
There is a plenty at this present day,
In those three kingdomes where his sword doth sway:
Is call'd the plentie of Gods sacred word,
The Christian world no better can affoord:
Therfore Dul-ignoraunce, and you Blind-zeale,
That with your foode for belly only deale,
Thoug you are old enough straung thinges to tell,
You are not wise enough, so Fooles farewell.