University of Virginia Library

Search this document 


Epig. 33.

[Laugh good my Maisters, if you can intend it]

Laugh good my Maisters, if you can intend it,
For yonder comes a Foole that will defend it:
Saw you a verier Asse in all your life,
That makes himselfe a pack-horse to his wife?
I would his nose where I could wish, were warme,
For carrying Pearle, so prettie vnder's arme.
Pearle his wiues dog, a pretty sweete-fac'd curre,
That barkes a nightes at the least fart doth sturre,
Is now not well, his cold is scarcely brooke,
Therefore good Hisband wrap him in thy cloake:
And sweet hart, preethee helpe me to my Maske,
Hold Pearle but tender, for he hath the laske.
Heere, take my Muffe: & do you heare good man?
Now giue me Pearle, and carry you my Fanne.
Alacke poore Pearle, the wretch is full of paine,
Hisband take Pearle, giue me my Fanne againe:
See how he quakes; fayth I am like to weepe:
Come to me Pearle; my Scarfe good his band keepe
To be with me I know my Puppie loues.
Why Pearle, I say: His band take vp my Gloues.
Thus goodman Idiot thinkes himselfe an Earle,
That he can please his wife, and carry Pearle:
But other iudge his state to be no higher,
Then a Dogges yeoman, or some pippin Squier.