Appendix to Epigrams:
(FROM THE HARLEIAN MSS. 1836.)
1. In Superbiam. Epi. 4.
I tooke the wall, one thrust me rudely by,
And tould me the King's way did open lye.
I thankt him yt he did me so much grace,
to take the worse, leave me the better place;
For if by th'owners wee esteeme of things,
the wall's the subjects, but the way's the King's.
2. Epi. 5.
[I that the Winter's daughter am]
NIX IX CORNIX
SNOW 9 A CROW.
NIX:.
I that the Winter's daughter am
whilst thus my letters stand,
Am whiter then the plumbe of swan
or any ladye's hand;
IX:.
Take but away my letter first,
and then I doe encline
That stood before for milke white snowe
to be the figure nine.
And if that further you desire
by change to doe som trickes,
As blacke as any bird I am.
CORNIX: by adding COR to NIX.
3. Epi. 6.
[Health is a jewell true, which when we buy]
Health is a jewell true, which when we buy
Physitians value it accordingly.
4. In Amorosum. Epi. 7.
A wife you wisht me (sir) rich, faire and young
with French, Italian, and the Spanish tongue:
I must confesse yor kindnesse verie much
but yet in truth, Sir, I deserve none such.
for when I wed—as yet I meane to tarry—
A woman of one language i'le but marry,
and with that little portion of her store,
expect such plenty, I would wish no more.
5. Epi. 9.
[Westminster is a mill that grinds all causes]
Westminster is a mill that grinds all causes,
but grinde his cause for mee there, he yt list:
For by demures and errours, stayes and clauses,
the tole is oft made greater then the grist.
6. Epi. 10.
[He that doth aske St. James they [?] say, shall speed]
He that doth aske St. James they [?] say, shall speed:
O yt Kinge James would answere to my need.
