Democritus, or Doctor Merry-man his Medicines against Melancholy humors. Written by S. R. [i.e. by Samuel Rowlands] |
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[Two Beggers did encounter on the way] |
 | Democritus, or Doctor Merry-man his Medicines |  |
[Two Beggers did encounter on the way]
Two Beggers did encounter on the way,That had not seene each other many a day:
Nor met together at the hedge (Rogues hall)
As perfect lowzy, as they both could crawle.
Each had a hat, and Night-cap for the cold,
And Cloakes with patches, full as they might hold;
Great Satchell scrips, that shut with leather flaps,
And each a Dogge to eate his Maysters scraps.
Theyr shooes were Hob-naile proofe, soundly bepegg'd,
Wrap't well with clouts, to keepe them warmer legg'd:
Sayes one to to'ther, come, hange care, lets drinke,
Our trade is better then a number thinke:
For I, my wife, and Iacke, ply vp and downe
To make our ery day, worth halfe a Crowne.
Most townes in Flanders, I haue learn'd to name,
And am a poore distressed Souldier lame.
And sometimes I their charityes desire,
Like one hath lost all that he had by fire:
Lets go where we some watering place may haue.
Wher's the best Beere to giue a man content?
I haue a penny that was neuer spent.
And twenty slaues, I Gentlemen did name,
Before I could be mayster of the same:
To many an Asse I do the worship giue,
With Lord preserue your goodnesse while you liue:
Now Iesus prosper you by Sea and Land,
And blessē you Maister, all you take in hand.
God keepe your limbs, and Lord increase your store,
I eate no bread to day, (but dranke the more.)
For Christ his sake, make this same vp a penny,
Thus do I angle Siluer out of many;
I, when I haue it for my speaking faire,
If he were hang'd that gaue it, I neare care.
The other Begger laugh't, and did reply,
Roger, of that same humour right am I.
And vnto any knaue such words alow;
I will not want that till my tongue do frayle,
But preethee come, let vs go find this Ale.
I am as dry, as euer was March-dust,
And heres a groat I meane to spend it iust:
Well sayd old Tom (sayes tother) if thou do,
My groat shall go, and my Tobacco too.
Although a Beggers creadit be not great,
We will be Gentlemen in our conceit:
I thinke my selfe as good a man each way,
As he that goes in Veluet er'y day.
Weele spend a Crowne, and drinke carowses round,
Before some Churles are worth ten thousand pound:
Ther's nothing but a payre of stocks we feare,
Ile bring thee to a cup of tickling geare.
| Democritus, or Doctor Merry-man his Medicines | |