Latine Songs :: :: University of Virginia Library

Good Gaffer stand a loofe
With your tinder-box hoof,
That strikes fire at each stroak
VVith a fume that choake
One sooner then the vapour of match.
Your stamps and your shrugs,
Your claps and your hugs,
Your salute with a stroak,
That would fell down an Oak,
VVith Zounds Rogue how dost,
And such clouted accost.
You may keep for the Clods and the Thatch,
You'r a Creature below us to bondage accurst,
When the beasts vnto Adam were subjected first.

II.

Titles are but a sign,
To that which is within
To let you Clounes know,
What duty you owe,
To their vertue and birth that do bear them,
Else would you gape wider
On the Horse then the Rider,

135

With admiration adore
Dick the Constable more.
VVhen with state he doth sit,
VVith Rug gown and no wit.
Then Robes or the nobles that wear them,
Atough back's the best Herauld you peasants can have,
And the heigth of your title a lusty stout Knave.
No clothes can controule,
A Gentlemans Soul
But still hee'l appear,
All glorious and Clear.
Through the Clouds of blew breeches and patching.
VVhile you though daub'd o're,
VVith that you adore,
Gold lace cannot hide
Or change your inside,
But that we may know
Though glittering go,
You've a Soule that is scarce worth the thatching.
A lord though in rags still looks like the Law,
VVrit in worme eaten bookes that strikes terrour and Awe.

IV.

VVe all are but dust
Yet differ we must.
For if you can say
Bacon broth and sowr whey

136

With which the Veins of you Bores swolne be,
Is the same or as good
As that generous Bloud,
Which flows from the Springs
Of Princes and Kings,
The way to be forgot,
Were to be Valiant and stout,
Since our deeds Live no longer then we,
Our Children the Gout and our Acres inherit,
And why not what's our own too, our Titles and Merit.

V.

Then in your thatch sit
And drink Ale as 'tis fit,
And if you aspire,
Be it but to drink higher,
Call for sack and let State things alone,
Or if you do look
Into a News Book,
Be it but to advise
How your Rents may arise,
And new Cesses and Rates,
To Genteelize your Estates,
And inable you by being undone,
So may you gain Honour while your no Cares afford
You leasure to tipple, and be as drunk's a Lord.