University of Virginia Library


80

Of a Kyng and a Clowne.

A Clowne in forrest fostered vp,
the Citty came to see:
Then forrest Faune, or Satyre wood,
more homely rude was he.
Muche people all the streates about,
together thick did throng:
And nothing but the kyng doth come,
they cried the street along.
The seely rustick halfe amazd,
to heare so straunge a crie:
Muche muzd, and tarried there to see,
what should be ment therby.
At last vppon a sodaine comes,
the kyng with sumptuous train:
All braue bedeckt with glitteryng gold,
he gorgeous did remaine
On comely courser hoisted hie:
now euery where the croude
With strained throates God saue the kyng
they crie, and crie alowde.
The king, the king, O where is he,
the Clowne, began to crie:
(Quoth one) with finger pointed out
lo where he sitts on hye.
Tush that is not the kyng quoth he,
thou art deceued quight:

[80]

That seemeth but a man to mee,
in painted vesture dight.