University of Virginia Library

An vnworthie Merchand. 25.

A cheater hee is, that with a full Purse,
Will with the Best to the Board, and the Burse:
Then soberly bargaine, and promise to pay,
Peremptorly keepe his houre, and his day.
So craftily thus in Credite hee creepes,
For once hee or twise his Covenants keepes.
But Pedlar-lyke yet how ev'r hee begins,
More with his Wit, than Honestie, wins.
Hee lifts what hee can, from Coap-men, and Strangers,
While Credit hee cracks, and Conscience indangers.
At greatest rate, hee buyes the worst of Wares,
But for the Payment, neyther counts nor cares.
Yet with faire words tho false, these Forraigne Goods,
As trustie Stuffe, at Home, on Friends, h'obtrudes.
His Measures double are, and wrong his Weights,
And seldome holds (suppose he sweare) his Heights.
Hee passes not for Pietie, if Poore;
And if hee bee Rich, none dow him endure.
Hee in the Streets derayd, aboue his State,
A-gadding goes, and vp and downe doth jet.
Olde Chavcers Cooke, hee likned is vnto,
That busie seemes, where there is nought to doe.
Hee is a cogging Knaue, and craftie aye,
Over-Roguing all, that over-reach hee may.
T'impone the Simple, such oft times are wittie,
Yet they dishonour, and they shame their Citie.
And with their Fashions faire, tho false, deface,
And are vnto all Merchands good disgrace.
Yet time decyphers these Deceivers all,
When they debosh, and play Bankrupt, with all.