50. The Drollery.
1
Like the rich jewels of a jeaks,
Or like a Mill-stone fri'd in steaks,
Or like the Elbow of a Bat,
Or like a Presbyterian Rat:
Just such is he that call'd my Mistress Madam,
Ten thousand years before the dayes of Adam.
2
Like a red herring drest in coats,
Or like a flea that feeds on oats,
Or like a louse that can speak French,
Or like a whorish honest wench:
Such is that mortal whose discretion can
Both rob and cheat, yet be an honest man.
3
Like Tadpoles that must ride in Coaches,
Or like the leaden wings of Loaches,
Or Humble-Bees in leathern jackets,
Or true mens hands in Harlots plackets:
Such is that goodly Squire, whose intent
Is to build Churches when his money's spent.
4
Just like a Beard that's lin'd with plush,
Or like a three-leg'd Holly-bush,
Or like the Vine that beareth Cider,
Or like the Cloak-bag of a Spider:
Just such is he that took a Gun, and shot
Quite through the shoulder of his Chamber-pot.
5
Like a Sirreverence lapt in Lawn,
Or like a sword that ne're was drawn,
Or furious Whiskin burnt to coals,
Or men that live without their souls:
Such Crœsus is, that would not line his breeches,
Nor get his wife with child, for fear on's riches.
6
Like one that sees though he be blind,
Or the fore-horse that comes behind,
Or like a free-born Bastard brat,
Or like I know not who nor what:
Just such is he that falling sick of sorrow,
Was buried yesterday, and di'd to morrow.
