University of Virginia Library

Death and the Cobler:

Or, A Dialogue between the Meager Duke and Will Green, the Cordwainer at St. James's.

The Cobler star'd hard at his Garter and Star,
Quoth he, since your Highness condescendeth so far,
For I am not us'd to see Dukes at my Door,
Tho your Wife and your Daughter have call'd here before,
I promise my Vote if you'll tell me the Case,
Wherein a poor Mouse could so anger your Grace.
You must know I had taken some Gold on account
Of my Favours, or so, as Courtiers are wont;
And this Rogue 'mong the rest did make such a pother,
In bawling for Justice from one House to t'other,

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They fairly at last put my Friend in the Pound:
That's hard! Nay, what's worse, they made me refund.
But you had it again? Not a Groat by my troth;
Indeed nay, your Grace has cause to be wroth.
But yet, an't shall please you, I wish you prevail:
The Vagabonds scorn your roast Beef and your Ale.
But sure they remember what things have been done
For this Nation by me, my Wife, and my Son.
You know, I suppose, I marry'd the King?
No indeed, tho your Chaplain talks much of the thing:
But my Lord, shall I tell you my Mind very plain,
And they say you love Truth; you tap Ale in vain,
For the Squire will out-poll us, and peach you again.