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 Marchauntes. |
 | One and Thyrtye Epigrammes |  |
Of Marchauntes.
If Marchauntes wold medlewyth marchaundice onely,
And leaue fermes to such men
as muste lyue thereby:
Then were they moste worthy
to be had in price,
As men that prouide vs
of all kyndes Marchaundice.
But syth they take fermes
to let them out agayne,
To such men as muste haue them
though it be to theyr payn:,
And to leauye greate fines
or to ouer the rent,
for the same intent:
We muste nedes cal them
membres vnprofitable,
As men that woulde make
all the Realme miserable.
Howe they leaue theyr trade
and lende oute theyr money,
To yonge Marchaunte men
for greate Usurie,
Whrereby some yonge men
are dreuen to leaue all:
And do into moste extreme
pouertie fall:
It greueth me to wryte,
but what remedy?
They muste heare theyr faute
syth they be so greedye.
And thus I saye to them
and trewe they shall it fynde,
The Lorde wyll haue all
theyr iuell doynges in mynde.
And at the laste daye
when they shall aryse:
before theyr owne eyes
Where iudgemente shall be geuen
as saynte Iames doeth wytnes
Wythoute all mercye
to suche as be merciles
| One and Thyrtye Epigrammes | |