66. On Apparel.
Adam
he sins, as soon as he preceives
This shame, he makes him breeches of fig-leavs
And afterwards he clothes with coats of skins
His nakedness, but could not hide his sins.
Thus man at first for need did clothes invent,
Which since are us'd for pomp and ornament;
Gorgious attire, and silken braverie,
Is but the badge of our desert to die;
What thief was ever of his Halter proud,
Although a silken one were him allow'd?
If so, methinks our proud fantastick Jacks,
Should blush to carry all upon their backs,
As of his learning Bias said, I bear
All mine with me, so they of what they wear,
Yet oft they stand, for all their lofty looks
Deeply recorded in their Mercers books:
Fair feathers now adays do make fair Fowls,
Bodies are better cloath'd alas! then Souls,
O if Christs righteous Robes my soul adorn,
No matter though my clothes were thred-bare worn.
Stu[illeg.]ssimus est, qui hominem ex vestibus estimat. Externa non commendant hominem.
Cic.
Quanto ornatior tanto nequitior.
Heu nunc splendidus vestitus discolor animus.
Marcel.