One and Thyrtye Epigrammes wherein are briefly touched so many Abuses, that maye and ought to be put away. Compiled and Imprinted by Robert Crowley |
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Of Flaterars |
 | One and Thyrtye Epigrammes |  |
Of Flaterars
A flatterynge frendeis worse then a foe
For a frende is betrusted
when the other is not so.
Of an open enimie
a man may be ware
when the flatteryng frend
wyl worcke men much care
For if Abner had knowne,
what was in Ioabs harte
I do not doubt but he would
haue out of his waye sterte
Or at the leaste he would not
haue admitted hym so ny
As to be embraced of hym
and on his dagger to dye
Wherefore I aduertise
al men to be ware
that bring men to care
As for open ennimies
trust them if ye wyll
I can not forbyd you
to admyt your owne yll.
Woulde god allmen woulde
such flatterars trye:
As hange at theyr elbowes
to get some what therby.
But (alas) noweadayes
men of honour do promote
Many a false flatterynge
and lewde harlot
Whych thynge may at the lengthe
be theyr owne decaye
For if the wynde turne
the flatterars wyll awaye
The swallowe in sommer
wyll in your house dwell,
But when wynter is commynge
she wyll saye farewell.
And when the short dayes
begyn to be colde ]
and be very bolde.
But when Summer returneth
and bushes wax grene:
then Robyn your man
wyll no more be sene.
So some of your flatteras
wyll in prosperitie,
be of your householde
and of your family.
And some other wyl
when nede doth them payne,
Sue to do you seruice
tyll they be welthy agayne.
| One and Thyrtye Epigrammes | |