Appendix.

 

Greene’s Groats-worth of wit found at: http://www.uoregon.edu/~rbear/greene1.html

 

      G R E E N S,

      GROATS-VVORTH

      of Wit,

      bought with a

      million of Repentance.

 

      Describing the follie of youth, the falshoode of make-

      shift flatterers, the miserie of the negligent,

      and mischiefes of deceiuing

      Courtezans.

      Written before his death and published at his dyeing request.

      Fœlicem fuisse infaustum.

      [image]

      L O N D ON

      Imprinted for William Wright.

      1 5 9 2.

 

 

 

      The printer to the gentle readers.

       Haue published heere Gentlemen for your mirth and benefite Greenes

      groates worth of wit. VVith sundry of his pleasant discourses, ye haue

      beene before delighted: But now hath death giuen a period to his pen:

      onely this happened into my handes which I haue published for your

      pleasures: Accept it fauourably because it was his last birth and not

      least worth: In my poore opinion. But I will cease to praise that which is

      aboue my conceipt, and leaue it selfe to speake for it selfe: and so abide

      your learned censuring.

      Yours VV. VV.

 

 

 

      To the Gentlemen Readers.

      Entlemen. The Swan sings melodiously before death, that in all his life

      vseth but a iarring sound. Greene though able inough to write, yet

      deeplyer searched with sickenes than euer heeretofore, sendes you his

      Swanne like songe, for that he feares he shal ne[u]er againe carroll to

      you woonted loue layes, neuer againe discouer to you youths pleasures. How

      euer yet sickenesse, riot, Incontinence, haue at once shown their

      extremitie, yet if I recouer, you shall all see, more fresh sprigs, then

      euer sprang from me, directing you how to liue, yet not diswading ye from

      loue. This is the last I haue writ, and I feare me the last I shall

      writ[e]. And how euer I haue beene censured for some of my former bookes,

      yet Gentlemen I protest, they were as I had speciall information. But

      passing them, I commend this to your fauourable censures, and like an

      Embrion without shape, I feare me will be thrust into the world. If I liue

      to ende it, it shall be otherwise: if not, yet will I commend it to your

      courtesies, that you may as well be acquainted with my repentant death, as

      you haue lamented my careles course of life. But as Nemo ante obitum

      felix, so Acta Exitus probat: Beseeching therefore to be deemed heereof as

      I deserue, I leaue the worke to your likinges, and leaue you to your

      delightes.

 

 

 

      G R E E N E S.

      GROATES-VVORTH

      OF WIT.

      N an Iland bounded with the Ocean there was sometime a Cittie situated,

      made riche by Marchandize, and populous by long peace: the name is not

      mentioned in the Antiquarie, or els worne out by times Antiquitie, what it

      was greatly skilles not: but therein thus it happened. An old new made

      Gentleman herein dwelt, of no small credit, exceeding wealth, and large

      conscience: he had gathered from many to bestowe vpon one, for though he

      had two sonnes he estemed but one, that being as himselfe, brought vp to

      be golds bondman, was therefore held heire apparant of his ill gathered

      goods.

          The other was a Scholler, and maried to a proper Gentlewoman and

      therefore least regarded, for tis an old sayd saw: To learning & law,

      thers no greater foe than they that nothing know: yet was not the father

      altogether vnlettered, for he had good experience in a Nouerint, and by

      the vniuersall tearmes therein contained, had driuen many a yoong

      Gentleman to seeke vnknowen countries, wise he was, for he boare office in

      his parish and sate as formally in his foxfurd gowne, as if he had been a

      very vpright dealing Burges: he was religious to, neuer without a booke at

      his belt, and a bolt in his mouthe, readye to shoote through his sinfull

      neighbor.

          And Latin hee had some where learned, which though it were but little,

      yet was it profitable, for he had this Philosophie written in a ring, Tu

      tibi cura, which precept he curiously onserued, being in selfeloue so

      religious, as he held it no poynt of charitie to part with any thing, of

      which hee liuing might make vse.

          But as all mortall things are momenta[r]ie, and no certaintie can bee

      founde in this vncertaine world: so Gorinius, (for that shall be this

      Usurers name) after many a gowtie pang that had pincht his exterior

      partes, many a curse of the people that mou[n]ted into heuens presence,

      was at last with his last summons, by a deadly disese arrested,

      wher-against when hee had long contended, and was by Phisitions giuen

      ouer, hee cald his two sonnes before him: and willing to performe the olde

      prouerbe Qualis vita finis Ita, he thus prepard himselfe, and admonished

      them. My sonnes (for so your mother said ye were) and so I assure my selfe

      one of you is, and of the other I will make no doubt.

          You se the time is com, which I thought would neuer haue approched and

      we must now be seperated, I feare neuer to meete againe. This sixteene

      yeares daily haue I liude vexed with disease: and might I liue sixteen

      more, howe euer miserably, I should thinke it happye. But death is

      relentlesse, and will not be intreated witles: and knowes not what good my

      gold might do him: senseles & hath no pleasure in the delightful places I

      would offer him. In briefe, I thinke he hath with this foole my eldest

      sonne been brought vp in the vniuersitie, and therefore accounts that in

      riches is no vertue. But thou my son, (laying then his hand on the yongers

      head) haue thou another spirit: for without wealth, life is a death: what

      is gentry if welth be wanting, but bace seruile beggerie? Some comfort yet

      it is vnto me, to see how many Gallants sprunge of noble parents, haue

      croucht to Gorinius to haue sight of his gold: O gold, desired golde,

      admired golde! and haue lost their patrimonies to Gorinius, because they

      haue not returned by their day that adored creature! How many schollers

      haue written rimes in Gorinius praise, and receiued (after long capping

      and reuerence) a sixpeny reward in signe of my superficiall liberality.

      Breefly my yong Lucanio how I haue beene reuerenst thou seest, when

      honester men I confesse haue been set farre off: for to be rich is to bee

      any thing, wise, honest, worshipful, or what not. I tell thee my sonne:

      when I came first to this Citie my whole wardrop was onely a sute of white

      sheepe skins, my wealth an olde groat, my wooning, the wide world. At this

      instant (o griefe to part with it) I haue in ready coine threescore

      thousand pound, in plate and Iewels xv. thousand; in Bondes and

      specialties as much, in land nine hundred pound by the yeere: all which,

      Lucanio I bequeath to thee, onely I reserue for Roberto thy well red

      brother an olde groat, (being ye stocke I first began with[)] wherewith I

      wish him to buy a groats-worth of wit: for he in my life hath reprooud my

      maner of life, and therefore at my death, shall not be contaminated with

      corrupt gaine. Heere by the way Gentlemen must I digresse to shewe the

      reason of Gorinius present speach: Roberto being come from the Academie,

      to visit his father, there was a great feast prouided: where for table

      talke, Roberto knowing his father and most of the company to be execrable

      vsurers, inuayed mightely against the abhorred vice, insomuche that hee

      vrged teares from diuers of their eyes, and compunction in some of their

      hearts. Dinner being past, he comes to his father, requesting him to take

      no offence at his liberall speech, seeing what he had vttered was truth.

      Angry sonne (said he) no by my honesty (and that is som what I may say to

      you) but vse it still, and if thou canst perswade any of my neighbours

      from lending vppon vsurie I should haue the more customers: to which when

      Roberto would haue replyde hee shut himselfe into his studdy, and fell to

      tell ouer his mony.

          This was Robertos offence: now returne, we to sicke Gorinius, who

      after he had thus vnequally distributed his goods and possessions, began

      to ask his sonnes how they liked his bequestes: either seemed agreed, and

      Roberto vrged him with nothing more than repentance of his [sin: Loke] to

      thine owne said he, fond boy, & come my Lucanio, let me giue thee good

      counsell before my death: as for you sir, your bookes are your

      counsellors, and therefore to them I bequeathe you. Ah Lucanio, my onely

      comfort, because I hope thou wilt as thy father be a gatherer, let me

      blesse thee before I dye. Multiply in welth my sonne by anie meanes thou

      maist, onely flye Alchymie, for therein are more deceites than her

      beggerlye Artistes haue words; and yet are the wretches more talkatiue

      then women. But my meaning is, thou shouldest not stand on conscience in

      causes of profite, but heape treasure vpon treasure, for the time of

      neede: yet seeme to be deuout, els shalt thou be held vyle: frequent holy

      exercises graue companie, and aboue al vse the conuersation of yoong

      Gentlemen, who are so wedded to prodigalitie, that once in a quarter

      necissitie knocks at their chamber doores: profer them kindnesse to

      relieue their wants, but be sure of good assurance: giue faire wordes till

      dayes of paiment come, & then vse my course, spare none: what though they

      tell of conscience (as a number will talke) looke but into the dealings of

      the world, and thou shalt see it is but idle words. Seest thou not many

      perish in the streetes, and fall to theft for neede: whom small succor

      would releeue, then where is conscience, and why art thou bound to vse it

      more than other men? Seest thou not daily forgeries periuries,

      oppressions, rackinges of the poore, raisinges of rents, inhauncing of

      duties euen by them that should be al conscience, if they ment as they

      speake: but Lucanio if thou reade well this booke (and with that hee

      reacht him Machaiuels workes at large) thou shalt se, what tis to be

      foole-holy as to make scruple of conscience where profit presents it

selfe.

          Besides, thou hast an instance by the threed-bare brother heere, who

      willing to do no wrong, hath lost his childes right: for who woulde wish

      any thing to him, that knowes not how to vse it.

          So much Lucanio for conscience: & yet I know not whats the reason, but

      some-what stinges mee inwardly when I speake of it. I, father, said

      Roberto, it is the worme of conscience, that vrges you at the last houre

      to remember your life, that eternall life may follow your repentance. Out

      foole (sayd this miserable father[),] I feele it now, it was onely a

      stitch. I will forwarde with my exhortation to Lucanio. As I said my

      sonne, make spoyle of yoong Gallants, by insiuating thy selfe amongst

      them, & be not mooued to think their Auncestors were famous, but consider

      thine were obscure, and that thy father was the first Gentleman of the

      name: Lucanio, thou are yet a Bachelor, and soe keepe thee till thou meete

      with one that is thy equall, I meane in wealth: regarde not beautie, it is

      but a bayte to entice thine neighbors eye: and the most faire are commonly

      most fond, vse not too many familiars, for few prooue frendes, and as

      easie it is to weigh the wind, as to diue into the thoughts of worldlye

      glosers. I tell thee Lucanio, I haue seene foure- scoore winters besides

      the od seuen, yet saw I neuer him, that I esteemed as my friend but gold,

      that desired creature, whom I haue so deerely loued, and found so firme a

      frind, as nothing to me hauing it hath beene wanting. No man but may

      thinke deerly of a true friend, & so do I of it laying it vnder sure

      locks, and lodging my heart there-with.

          But now (Ah my Lucanio) now must I leaue it, and to thee I leaue with

      this lessen, loue none but thy selfe, if thou wilt liue esteemd. So

      turning him to his studdy, where his chiefe treasure lay, he loud cryde

      out in the wise mans woords, O mors quam amara, O death how bitter is thy

      memorie to him that hath al pleasures in this life, & so with two or three

      lamentable grones hee left his life: and to make short worke, was by

      Lucanio his sonne interd, as the custome is with some solemnitie: But

      leauing him that hath left the world to him yt censureth of euery worldly

      man, passe wee to his sonnes: and se how his long laid vp store is by

      Lucanio lookyd into. The youth was of condition simple, shamfast, &

      flexible to any counsaile, which Roberto perceiuing, and pondering howe

      little was lefte to him, grew into an inward contempt of his fathers

      vnequall legacie, and determinate resolution to worke Lucanio al possible

      inurie: herevpon thus conuerting the sweetnes of his studdye to the sharpe

      thirst of reuenge, he (as Enuie is seldome idle) sought out fit companions

      to effect his vnbrotherly resolution. Neither in such a case is ill

      company farre to seeke, for ye Sea hath scarce so [many] ioperdies, as

      populous Citties haue deceiuing Syrens, whose eies are Adamants, whose

      words are witchcrafts, whose doores lead downe to death. With one of these

      female serpents Roberto consorts, and they conclude what euer they

      compassed equally to share to their contentes. This match made, Lucanio

      was by his brother brought to the bush, where he had scarce pruned his

      wings but hee was fast limd, and Roberto had what he expected. But that

      wee may keepe forme, you shall heare howe it fortuned.

          Lucanio being on a time verie pensiue, his brother brake with him in

      these tearmes. I wonder Lucanio why you are disconsolate, that want not

      any thinge in the worlde that may worke your content. If wealth may

      delight a man, you are with that suffic[i]ently furnisht: if credit may

      procure any comfort, your word I knowe well, is as well accepted as any

      mans obligation: in this Citie, are faire buildings and pleasant gardens,

      and cause of solace: of them I am assured you haue your choyse. Consider

      brother you are yoong, then plod not altogether in meditating on our

      fathers precepts: which howsoeuer they sauored of profit, were most

      vnsauerly to one of your yeeres applied. You must not thinke but certaine

      Marchants of this Citie expect your company, sundry Gentlemen desire your

      familiarity, and by co[n]uersing with such, you will be accounted a

      Gentleman: otherwise a pesant, if ye liue thus obscurely. Besides which I

      had almost forgot, and then had all the rest beene nothing, you are a man

      by nature furnished with all exquisite proportion, worthy the loue of any

      courtly lady, be she neuer so amorous: you haue wealth to maintaine her,

      of women not little longed for: wordes to court her you shall not want,

      for my selfe will be your secretarie. Brieflie, why stande I to

      distinguish abilitie in perticularities, when in one word it may be said

      which no man can gainsay, Lucanio lacketh nothing to delight a wife, nor

      any thing but a wife to delight him? My yoong maister beeing thus clawd,

      and puft vp with his owne praise, made no longer delay, but hauing on his

      holidaie hose hee trickt himselfe vp, and like a fellowe that meant good

      sooth, hee clapt his brother on the shoulder and said. Faith brother

      Roberto, and ye say the worde lets go seeke a wife while tis hoat, both of

      vs together, Ile pay well, and I dare tourne you loose to say as well as

      any of them all, well Ile doo my best said Roberto and since ye are so

      forwarde lets goe nowe and try your good fortune.

          With this foorth they walke, and Roberto went directly toward the

      house where Lamilia (for so wee call the Curtizan) kept her hospitall,

      which was in the suburbes of the Citie, pleasantly seated, and made more

      delectable by a pleasaunt garden wherein it was scituate. No soner come

      they within ken, but Mistris Lamilia like a cunning angler made readye her

      change of baytes that shee might effect Lucanios bane: and to begin she

      discouered from her window her beauteous enticing face, and taking a lute

      in her hand that shee might the rather allure, shee sung this sonnet with

      a delicious voyce,

      Lamilias song.

          Fie fie on blind fancie,

          It hinder youths ioy:

          Faire virgins learne by me,

          To count loue a toy.

 

        When Loue learned first the A B C of delight,

        And knew no figures, nor conceited phrase:

        He simplie gaue to due desert her right,

        He led not louers in darke winding wayes:

            He plainly wild to loue, or flatly answerd no,

            But now who lists to proue, shall find it nothing so,

          Fie fie then on fancie,

          It hinders youths ioy,

          Faire virgins learne by me,

          To count loue a toy.

 

        For since he learnd to vse the Poets pen,

        He learnd likewise with smoothing words to faine,

        Witching chast eares with trothles tungs of men,

        And wronged faith with falshood and disdaine.

            He giues a promise now, anon he sweareth no,

            Who listeth for to proue shall find his changings so:

          Fie fie then on fancie,

          It hinders youthes ioy,

          Faire virgins learne by me,

          To count loue a toy.

 

          While this painted sepulcher was shadowing her corrupting guilt,

      Hiena-like alluring to destruction, Roberto and Lucanio vnder her windowe

      kept euen pace with euery stop of her instrument, but especially my yoong

      Ruffler, (that before time like a bird in a cage, had beene prentise for

      three liues or one and twentie yeeres at lest to extreame Auarice his

      deceased father). O twas a world to see how he sometime simperd it,

      striuing to set a countenance on his new turnd face, that it might seeme

      of wainscot proofe, to behold her face without blushing: anone he would

      stroke his bow-bent-leg, as if he ment to shoote loue arrows from his

      shins: then wypt his chin (for his beard was not yet growen) with a gold

      wrought handkercher, whence of purpose he let fall a handfull of Angels.

      This golden shower was no sooner raind, but Lamila ceast her song, and

      Roberto (assuring himselfe the foole was caught) came to Lucanio (that

      stood now as one that had stard Medusa in the face) and awaked him from

      his amazement with these words: What in a traunce brother? whence springs

      these dumps? are yee amazd at this obiect? or long ye to become loues

      subiect? Is there not difference betweene this delectable life, and the

      imprisonment you haue all your life hitherto indured? If the sight and

      hearing of this harmonious beautie work in you effects of wonder, what

      will the possession of so diuine an essence, wherein beautie & Art dwell

      in their perfect excellence. Brother said Lucanio lets vse fewe words, and

      she be no more then a woman, I trust youle helpe me to win her? and if you

      doe, well, I say no more, but I am yours till death vs depart, and what is

      mine shal be yours, world without end Amen.

          Roberto smiling at his simplenes, helpte him to gather vppe his dropt

      golde, and without anye more circumstance, led him to Lamilias house: for

      of such places it may be said as of hell.

      Noctes atque dies patet atri iannua ditis.

          So their doores are euer open to entice youth to distruction. They

      were no sooner entred but Lamilia her selfe like a second Helen, court

      like begins to salute Roberto, yet did her wandring eie glance often at

      Lucanio: the effect of her intertainment consisted in these tearmes, that

      to her simple house Signor Roberto was welcome, & his brother the better

      welcome for his sake: albeit his good report confirmde by his present

      demeaner were of it selfe enough to giue him deserued entertainement in

      any place how honourable soeuer: mutuall thankes returnd, they lead this

      prodigall child into a parlor garnished with goodly portratures of amiable

      personages: nere which an excellent consert of musike began at their

      entraunce to play. Lamilia seeing Licanio shamefast, tooke him by the

      hand, and tenderly wringing him vsed these words: Beleeue me Gentleman, I

      am very sorie that our rude entertainment is such, as no way may worke

      your content, for this I haue noted since your first entering that your

      countenance hath beene heauie, and the face being the glasse of the hart,

      assures me the same is not quiet: would ye wish any thing heere that might

      content you, say but the word, and assure ye of present diligence to

      effect your full delight. Lucanio being so farre in loue, as he perswaded

      himselfe without her grant hee could not liue, had a good meaninge to

      vtter his minde but wanting fit wordes, hee stoode like a trewant that

      lackt a prompter, or a plaier that being out of his part at his first

      entrance, is faine to haue the booke to speake what he should performe.

      Which Roberto perceiuing, replied thus in his behalfe: Madame the Sunnes

      brightnesse daisleth the beholders eies, the maiestie of Gods, amazeth

      humane men, Tullie Prince of Orators once fainted though his cause were

      good, and hee that tamed monsters stoode amated at Beauties ornaments:

      Then blame not this yoong man though hee replied not, for he is blinded

      with the beautie of your sunne darkening eies, made mute with the

      celestiall organe of your voyce, and feare of that rich ambush of amber

      colored darts, whose pointes are leueld against his hart. Well Signor

      Roberto said shee, how euer you interpret their shape leuell, be sure they

      are not bent to doo him hurt, and but that modestie blindes vs poore

      maydens from vttering the inward sorrow of our mindes, perchance the cause

      of greefe is ours how euer men do colour, for as I am a virgin I protest,

      (and therewithall shee tainted her cheekes with a vermillion blush) I

      neuer saw Gentleman in my life in my eie so gratious as is Lucanio onely

      this is my greefe, that either I am dispised for that he scornes to speak,

      or els (which is my greater sorrow) I feare he cannot speake. Not speake

      Gentlewoman quoth Lucanio? that were a iest indeed, yea I thanke God I am

      sounde of wind and lym, only my hart is not as it was wont, but and you be

      as good as your word that will soone be well, and so crauing ye of more

      acquaintance, in token of my plaine meaning receiue this diamond, which my

      old father loud deerely: and with that deliuered her a ringe wherein was a

      pointed diamonds of wonderfull worth. Which she accepting with a lowe

      conge, returnd him a silke Riband for a fauour tyed with a true loues

      knot, which he fastened vnder a faire Iewel on his Beuer felt.

          After this Diomedis & Glauci permutatio, my yong master waxed crancke,

      and the musike continuing, was very forward in dauncing, to shew his

      cunning: and so desiring them to play on a horne-pipe, laid on the

      pauement lustely with his leaden heeles, coruetting like a steede of

      Signor Roccoes teaching, and wanted nothing but bels, to bee a hobbyhorse

      in a morrice. Yet was he soothed in his folly, and what euer he did,

      Lamilia counted excellent: her praise made him proude, insomuch that if he

      had not beene intreated, hee would rather haue died in his daunce, then

      left off to shew his mistris delight. At last reasonably perswaded, seeing

      the table furnished, he was content to cease, and settle him to his

      victuals, on which (hauing before labored) he fed lustily, especially of a

      Woodcocke pie, wherewith Lamilia his caruer, plentifully plied him. Full

      dishes hauing furnisht empty stomackes, and Lucanio thereby got leisure to

      talke, falles to discourse of his wealth, his landes, his bondes, his

      ability, and how himselfe with all he had, was at madame Lamilias

      disposing: desiring her afore his brother to tell him simply what shee

      meant. Lamilia replied: My sweet Lucanio, how I esteeme of thee mine eies

      does witnes, that like handmaides, haue attended thy beautious face, euer

      since I firste beheld thee: yet seeing loue that lasteth gathereth by

      degrees his liking: let this for that suffice, if I finde thee firme,

      Lamilia wilbe faithful: if fleeting, she must of necessity be infortunate:

      that hauing neuer seene any whome shee could affect, she shoulde be of him

      iniuriously forsaken. Nay said Lucanio, I dare say my brother here will

      giue his woord for that[.] I accept your own said Lamlia: for with me your

      credit is better than your brothers. Roberto brake off their amorous

      prattle with this speech. sith either of you are of other so fond at the

      first sight, I doubt not but time will make your loue more firme. Yet

      madame Lamilia although my brother and you be thus forward, some crosse

      chaunce may come: for Multa cadunt inter calicem supremaq; labe. And for a

      warning to teach you both wit, Ile tell you an old wiues tale.

          Before ye goe on with your tale (qd mistres Lamilia) let me giue ye a

      caueat by the way, which shall be figured in a fable.

 

 

      Lamilias Fable.

          The Foxe on a time came to visit the Gray, partly for kindered cheefly

      for craft, and finding the hole emptie of all other company, sauing onely

      one Badger enquiring the cause of his solitarinesse: hee described the

      sodaine death of his dam and sire with the rest of his consortes. The Foxe

      made a Friday face, counterfeiting sorrow: but concludinge that deaths

      stroke was vneuitable perswaded him to seeke som fit mate wherwith to

      match. The badger soone agreed, so forth they went, and in their way met

      with a wa[n]ton ewe stragling from the fold: the Foxe bad the Badger play

      the tall stripling, and strout on his tiptoes: for (qd he) this ewe is

      lady of al these lawnds and her brother cheefe belweather of sundry

      flockes. To be short by the Foxes persuasion there would be a perpetuall

      league, betweene her harmelesse kindred and al other deuouring beastes,

      for that the Badger was to them all allied: seduced she yeelded: and the

      Foxe conducted them to the Bagers habitation. Wher drawing her aside vnder

      color of exhortation, puld out her throat to satisfie his greedy thirst.

      Here I shoulde note, a yonge whelpe that viewed their walke, infourmed the

      shepheardes of what hapned. They followed, and trained the Foxe and Badger

      to the hole: the Foxe afore had craftely conuaid himselfe away: the

      shepheards found the Badger rauing for the ewes murther: his lame[n]tation

      being helde for counterfet, was by the shepherds dog werried. The Foxe

      escaped: the Ewe was spoiled: and euer since, betweene the Badgers and the

      dogs hath continued a mortall enmitie: And now be aduised Roberto (qd

      she), goe forward with your tale, seek not by sly insinuation to turne our

      mirth to sorrow. Go to Lamilia (qd hee), you feare what I meane not, but

      howe euer yee take it, Ile forward with my tale.

 

 

      Robertoes Tale.

         

      N the North partes there dwelt an olde Squier, that had a young daughter

      his heire; who had (as I know Madame Lamilia you haue had) many youthfull

      Gentlemen that long time sued to obtaine her loue. But she knowing her own

      perfections (as women are by nature proud) would not to any of them

      vouchsafe fauour: insomuch that they perceiuing her relentlesse, shewed

      themselues not altogether witlesse, but left her to her fortune, when they

      found her frowardnes. At last it fortuned among other strangers, a Farmers

      sonne visited her Fathers house: on whom at the first sight she was

      enamored, he likewise on her. Tokens of loue past betweene them, either

      acquainted others parentes of their choise, and they kindly gaue their

      consent. Short tale to make, married they were, and great solemnitie was

      at the wedding feast. A yong Gentleman, that had beene long a suiter to

      her, vexing that the Sonne of a Farmer should be so prefered, cast in his

      minde by what meanes (to marre their merriment) hee might steale away the

      Bride. Hereupon he confers with an old Beldam, called Mother Gunby,

      dwelling thereby, whose counsell hauing taken, he fell to his practise,

      and proceeded thus. In the after noone, when dauncers were verie busie, he

      takes the Bride by the hande, and after a turne or two, tels her in her

      eare, he had a secret to impart vnto her, appointing her in any wise in

      the euening to find a time to confer with him: she promist she would, and

      so they parted. Then goes hee to the Bridegroome, & with protestations of

      entire affect, protests that the great sorrow hee takes at that which hee

      must vtter, whereon depended his especial credit, if it were known the

      matter by him should be discouered. After the Bridegrooms promise of

      secrecie, the gentleman tels him, that a frend of his receiued that

      morning from the Bride a Letter, wherein shee willed him with some

      sixteene horse to awaite her comming at a Parke side, for that she

      detested him in her heart as a base countrey hynde, with whom her father

      compeld her to marry. The Bridegroome almost out of his wits, began to

      bite his lip. Nay, sayth the Gentleman, if you will by me bee aduised, you

      shall salue her credit, win her by kindnes, and yet preuent her wanton

      complot. As how said the Bridegroome? Mary thus saide the Gentleman: In

      the euening (for till the guests be gone she intends not to gad) get you

      on horsebacke, and seeme to be of the companie that attends her comming: I

      am appoynted to bring her from the house to the Parke, and from thence

      fetch a winding compasse of a mile about, but to turne vnto old Mother

      Gunbyes house, where her Louer my friend abydes: when she alights, I will

      conduct her to a chamber farre from his lodging; but when the lights are

      out, and shee expects her adulterous copesmate, your selfe (as reason is)

      shall proue her bedfellow, where priuately you may reprooue her, and in

      the morning earely returne home without trouble. As for the Gentleman my

      friend, I will excuse her absence to him, by saying, she mockt me with her

      Mayde in steade of her selfe, whome when I knew at her alighting, I

      disdained to bring her vnto his presence. The Bridegroome gaue his hand

      [it] should be so.

          Now by the way you must vnderstand, this Mother Gunby had a daughter,

      who all that day sate heauily at home with a willow garland, for that the

      Bridegoome (if hee had dealt faithfully) should haue wedded before any

      other. But men (Lamilia) are vnconstant, mony now a dayes makes the match,

      or else the match is marde.

          But to the matter: the Bridegroome and the Gentleman thus agreed[: h]e

      tooke his time, confered with the Bride, perswaded her that her husband

      (notwithstanding his faire shew at the marriage) had sworne to his old

      sweete heart, their neighbour Gunbyes daughter, to bee that night her

      bedfellow: and if she would bring her Father, his Father, and other

      friendes to the house at midnight, they should finde it so.

          At this the young Gentlewoman inwardly vext to be by a peasant so

      abusde, promist if she saw likelyhood of his slipping away, that then she

      would doo according as he directed.

          All this thus sorting, the old womans daughter was trickly attyrde

      ready to furnish this pageant, for her old mother prouided all things

      necessarie.

          Well, Supper past, dauncing ended, and the guests would home, and the

      Bridegroome pretending to bring some friend of his home, got his horse,

      and to the Parke side he rode, and staide with the horsemen that attended

      the Gentleman.

          Anone came Marian like mistris Bride, and mounted behind the

      Gentleman, away they post, fetch their compasse, & at last alight at an

      olde wiues house, where sodenly she is conuayd to her chamber, & the

      bridegroome sent to keep her company, where he had scarse deuisd how to

      begin his exhortation: but the Father of his Bryde knockt at the chamber

      doore. At which being somewhat amazed, yet thinking to turne it to a

      ieast, sith his Wife (as he thought) was in bed with him, hee opened the

      doore, saying: Father, you are hartily welcome, I wonder how you found vs

      out heere; this deuise to remooue our selues, was with my wiues consent,

      that we might rest quietly without the Maides and Batchelors disturbing.

      But wheres your wife said the gentleman: why heere in bed saide he. I

      thought (quoth the other ) my daughter had beene your wife, for sure I am

      to day shee was giuen you in marriage. You are merrely disposed, said the

      Bridegroome, what thinke you I haue another wife: I thinke but as you

      speake quoth the Gentleman, for my daughter is below, and you say your

      wife is in the bed. Below (said he) you are a merry man, and with that

      casting on a night gowne, hee went downe, where when he saw his wife, the

      Gentleman his Father, and a number of his friends assembled, he was so

      confounded, that how to behaue himselfe he knew not; onely he cryde out

      that he was deceiued. At this the olde woman arises, and making her selfe

      ignoraunt of all the whole matter, inquires the cause of that sodayne

      tumult. When she was tolde the new Bridegroome was founde in bed with her

      daughter, she exclaimed against so great an iniurie. Marian was called in

      quorum: she iustified, it was by his allurement: he being condemned by al

      their consents, was iudged vnworthy to haue the Gentlewoman vnto his Wife,

      and compeld (for escaping of punishment) to marrie Marian: and the young

      Gentleman (for his care in discouering the Farmers sonnes lewdnes) was

      recompenst with the Gentlewomans euer during loue.

          Quoth Lamilia, and what of this: Nay nothing saide Roberto, but that I

      haue told you the effects of sodaine loue: yet the best is, my brother is

      a maidenly Batchler; and for youe selfe, you haue not beene troubled with

      many suiters. The fewer the better, said Lucanio. But brother, I con you

      little thanke for this tale: hereafter I pray you vse other table talke.

      Lets then end talk, quoth Laimilia, and you (signior Lucanio) and I will

      go to the Chesse. To Chesse, said he, what meane you by that: It is a

      game, said she, that the first daunger is but a checke, the worst, the

      giuing of a mate. Wel, said Roberto, that game yee haue beene at alreadie

      then, for you checkt him first with your beauty, & gaue him your selfe for

      mate to him by your bounty. Thats wel taken brother, said Lucanio, so haue

      we past our game at Chesse. Wil ye play at Tables then, said she: I

      cannot, quoth he, for I can goe no further with my game, if I be once

      taken. Will ye play then at cards. I said he, if it bee at one and

      thirtie. That fooles game, said she: Wele all to hazard, said Roberto, and

      brother you shall make one for an houre or two: content quoth he. So to

      dice they went, and fortune so fauored Lucanio, that while they continued

      square play, hee was no looser. Anone coosonage came about, and his Angels

      being double winged, flew cleane from before him. Lamilia being the

      winner, preparde a banquet; which finished, Roberto aduised his brother to

      departe home, and to furnish himselfe with more Crownes, least hee were

      outcrackt with new commers.

          Lucanio loath to be outcountenanst, followed his aduise, desiring to

      attend his retur[n]e, which he before had determined vnrequested: For as

      soone as his brothers backe was turned, Roberto begins to recken with

      Lamilia, to bee a sharer as well in the mony deceitfully wonne, as in the

      Diamond so wilfully giuen. But she, secundum mores meretricis, iested thus

      with the scholler. Why Roberto, are you so well read, and yet shewe your

      selfe so shallow witted, to deeme women so weake of conceit, that they see

      not into mens demerites. Suppose (to make you my stale to catch the

      woodcocke your brother) that my tongue ouer-running myne intent, I spake

      of liberall rewarde; but what I promised, theres the point; at least what

      I part with I will be well aduised. It may be you wil thus reason: Had not

      Roberto traind Lucanio vnto Lamilias lure, Lucanio had not now beene

      Lamilias pray: therfore sith by Roberto she possesseth the prize, Roberto

      merites an equall part. Monstrous absurd if so you reason; as wel you may

      reason thus: Lamilias dog hath kild her a deere, therefore his Mistris

      must make him a pastie. No poore pennilesse Poet, thou art beguilde in

      mee, and yet I wonder how thou couldst, thou hast beene so often beguilde.

      But it fareth with licentious men, as with the chased Bore in the streame,

      who being greatly refresht with swimming, neuer feeleth a[n]ie smart

      vntill hee perish recurelesly wounded with his owne weapons. Reasonlesse

      Roberto, that hauing but a brokers place, asked a lenders reward. Faithles

      Roberto, that hast attempted to betray thy brother, irreligiously forsaken

      thy Wife, deseruedly beene in thy fathers eie an abiect: thinkst thou

      Lamilia so loose, to consort with one so lewd. No hypocrite, the sweete

      Gentleman thy brother, I will till death loue, & thee while I liue, loath.

      This share Lamilai giues thee, other getst thou none.

          As Roberto would haue replide, Lucanio approcht: to whom Lamilia

      discourst the whole deceipt of his brother, & neuer rested intimating

      malitious arguments, till Lucanio vtterly refusde Roberto for his brother,

      & for euer forbad him his house. And when he wold haue yeelded reasons,

      and formed excuse, Lucanios impatience (vrged by her importunate malice)

      forbad all reasoning with them that was reasonlesse, and so giuing him

      Jacke Drums intertainment, shut him out of doores: whom we will follow, &

      leaue Lucanio to the mercie of Lamilia. Roberto in an extreme extasie rent

      his haire, curst his destenie, blamd his trechery, but most of all

      exclaimd against Lamilia: and in her against all enticing Curtizans, in

      these tearms.

            What meant the Poets in inuectiue verse,

            To sing Medeas shame, and Scillas pride,

            Calipsoes charmes, by which so many dyde?

            Onely for this their vices they rehearse,

            That curious wits which in this world conuerse,

            May shun the dangers and enticing shoes,

            of such false Syrens, those home-breeding foes,

            That from their eies their venim do disperse.

            So soone kils not the Basiliske with sight,

            The Vipers tooth is not so venemous,

            The Adders tung not halfe so dangerous,

            As they that beare the shadow of delight,

        Who chaine blinde youths in tramels of their haire,

        Till wast bring woe, and sorrow hast despaire.

      With this he laide his head on his hand, and leant his elbow on the ground

      sighing out sadly,

 

      Heu patior telis vunera facta meis.

 

          On the other side of the hedge sate one that heard his sorrow, who

      getting ouer, came towards him, and brake off his passion. When hee

      approached, hee saluted Roberto in this sort.

          Gentleman, quoth hee (for so you seeme), I haue by chaunce heard you

      discourse some part of your greefe; which appeareth to be more than you

      will discouer, or I can conceipt. But if you vouchsafe such simple comfort

      as my abilitie may yeeld, assure your selfe, that I wil endeuour to doe

      the best, that either may procure you profit, or bring you pleasure: the

      rather, for that I suppose you are a scholler, and pittie it is men of

      learning should liue in lacke.

          Roberto wondring to heare such good wordes, for that this iron age

      affoordes few that esteeme of vertue; returned him thankfull gratulations,

      and (vrgde by necessitie) vttered his present griefe, beseeching his

      aduise how he might be imployed. Why, easily quoth hee, and greatly to

      your benefite: for men of my profession gette by schollers their whole

      liuing. What is your profession, sayd Roberto? Truly, sir, saide he, I am

      a player. A player, quoth Roberto, I tooke you rather for a Gentleman of

      great liuing, for if by outward habit men should be censured, I tell you

      you would be taken for a substantiall man. So am I where I dwell (quoth

      the player) reputed able at my proper cost to build a Windmill. What

      though the world once went hard with me, when I was faine to carry my

      playing Fardle a footebacke; Tempora mutantur, I know you know the meaning

      of it better than I, but I thus conster it; its otherwise now; for my very

      share in playing apparell will not be sold for two hundred pounds. Truly

      (said Roberto) tis straunge, that you should so prosper in that vayne

      practise, for that it seemes to mee your voice is nothing gratious. Nay

      then, saide the Player, I mislike your iudgement: why, I am as famous for

      Delphrigus, & the King of Fairies, as euer was any of my time. The twelue

      labors of Hercules haue I terribly thundred on the Stage, and plaid three

      Scenes of the Deuill in the Highway to heauen. Haue ye so (saide Roberto?)

      then I pray you pardon me. Nay more (quoth the Player) I can serue to make

      a pretie speech, for I was a countrey Author, passing at a Morall, for

      twas I that pende the Morall of mans witte, the Dialogue of Diues, and for

      seuen yeers space was absolute Interpreter to the puppets. But now my

      Almanacke is out of date:

        The people make no estimation,

        Of Morrals teaching education.

 

          Was not this prettie for a plaine rime extempore? if ye will ye shall

      haue more. Nay its enough, said Roberto, but how meane you to vse mee? Why

      sir, in making Playes, said the other, for which you shall be well paid,

      if you will take the paines.

          Roberto perceiuing no remedie, thought best to respect of his present

      necessitie, to trie his wit, & went with him willingly: who lodgd him at

      the Townes end in a house of retayle, where what happened our Poet, you

      shall after heare. There, by conuersing with bad company, he grew A malo

      in peius, falling from one vice to an other: and so hauing found a vaine

      to finger crowns, he grew cranker than Lucanio, who by this time began to

      droope, being thus dealt with by Lami[l]ia. Shee hauing bewitched him with

      hir enticing wiles, caused him to consume in lesse than two yeeres that

      infinite treasure gathered by his father with so many a poore ma[n]s

      curse. His lands sold, his iewels pawnd, his money wasted, he was casseerd

      by Lamilia, that had coosened him of all. Then walkt he like one of Duke

      Humfreys Squires, in a thread-bare cloake, his hose drawne out with his

      heeles, his shooes vnseamed, least his feete should sweate with heat: now

      (as witlesse as hee was) hee remembred his Fathers words, his vnkindnes to

      his brother, his carelesnes of himselfe. In this sorrow hee sate downe on

      pennilesse bench; where when Opus and Vsus told him by the chimes in his

      stomacke it was time to fall vnto meate, he was faine with the Camelion to

      feed vpon the aire, & make patience his best repast.

          While he was at this feast, Lamilia came flaunting by, garnished with

      the iewels whereof she beguiled him, which sight serued to close his

      stomacke after his cold cheare. Roberto hearing of his brothers beggery,

      albeit he had little remorse of his miserable state, yet did he seeke him

      out, to vse him as a propertie, whereby Lucanio was somewhat prouided for.

      But being of simple nature, hee serued but for a blocke to whet Robertoes

      wit on; which the poore foole perceiuing, he forsooke all other hopes of

      life, and fell to be a notorious Pandar, in which detested course hee

      continued till death. But Roberto, now famozed for an

      Arch-plaimaking-poet, his purse like the sea sometime sweld; anon like the

      same sea fell to a low ebbe; yet seldom he wanted, his labors were so well

      esteemed. Marry this rule he kept, what euer he fingerd afore hand was the

      certaine meanes to vnbinde a bargaine, and being asked why he so slightly

      dealt with them that did him good? It becomes me, saith hee, to be

      contrarie to the worlde, for commonly when vulgar men receiue earnest,

      they doe performe, when I am paid any thing afore-hand I breake my

      promise. He had shift of lodgings, where in euery place his Hostesse writ

      vp the wofull remembrance of him, his launderesse, and his boy; for they

      were euer in his houshold, beside retainers in sundry other places. His

      companie were lightly the lewdest person in the land, apt for pilferie,

      periurie, forgerie, or any villany. Of these hee knew the casts to cog at

      Cards, coosin at Dice: by these he learnd the legerdemaines of nips,

      foystes, connicatchers, crosbyters, lifts, high Lawyers, and all the

      rabble of that vncleane generation of vipers: and pithily could he paint

      out their whole courses of craft: So cunning he was in all craftes, as

      nothing rested in him almost but craftines. How often the Gentlewoman his

      Wife labored vainely to recall him, is lamentable to note: but as one

      giuen ouer to all lewdnes, he communicated her sorrowfull lines among his

      loose truls, that iested at her bootelesse laments. If he could any way

      get credite on scores, he would then brag his creditors carried stones,

      comparing euerie round circle to a groning O, procured by a painfull

      burden. The shamefull ende of sundry his consorts, deseruedly punished for

      their amisse, wrought no compunction in his heart: of which one, brother

      to a Brothell he kept, was trust vnder a tree as round as a Ball.

          To some of his swearing companions thus it happened: A crue of them

      sitting in a Tauerne carowsing, it fortuned an honest Gentleman and his

      friend, to enter their roome: some of them being acquainted with him, in

      their domineering drunken vaine would haue no nay, but downe hee must

      needes sitte with them; beeing placed, no remedie there was, but he must

      needes keep euen compasse with their vnseemely carowsing. Which he

      refusing, they fell from high words to sound strokes, so that with much

      adoe the Gentleman saued his owne, and shifted from their company. Being

      gone one of these tiplers forsooth lackt a gold Ring, the other sware they

      see the Gentleman take it from his hande. Upon this the Gentleman was

      indited before Iudge: these honest men are deposde: whose wisedome

      weighing the time of the braule, gaue light to the Iury, what power

      wine-washing poyson had, they according vnto conscience found the

      Gentleman not guiltie, and God released by that verdict the innocent.

          With his accusers thus it fared: one of them for murther was worthily

      executed: the other neuer since prospered: the third, sitting not long

      after vpon a lustie horse, the beast sodenly dyde vnder him: God amend the

      man.

          Roberto euery day acquainted with these examples, was notwithstanding

      nothing bettered, but rather hardened in wickednesse. At last was that

      place iustified, God warneth men by dreams and visions in the night, and

      by knowne examples in the day, but if hee returne not, hee comes vppon him

      with iudgement that shall bee felt. For now when the number of deceites

      caused Roberto bee hatefull almost to all men, his immeasurable drinking

      had made him the perfect Image of the dropsie, and the loathsome scourge

      of Lust tyrannized in his bones: lying in extreame pouerty, and hauing

      nothing to pay but chalke, which now his Host accepted not for currant,

      this miserable man lay comfortlesly languishing, hauing but one groat left

      (the iust proportion of his Fathers Legacie) which looking on, he cryd: O

      now it is too late, too late to buy witte with thee: and therefore will I

      see if I can sell to carelesse youth what I negligently forgot to buy.

          Heere (Gentlemen) breake I off Robertoes speach; whose life in most

      parts agreeing with mine, found one selfe punishment as I haue doone.

      Heereafter suppose me the saide Roberto, and I will goe on with that hee

      promised: Greene will send you now his groats-worth of wit, that neuer

      shewed a mites-worth in his life: & though no man now bee by to doe mee

      good: yet ere I die I will by my repentaunce indeuour to doo all men good.

        Deceiuing world, that with alluring toyes,

        Hast made my life the subiect of thy scorne:

        And scornest now to lend thy fading ioyes,

        To length[en] my life, whom friends haue left forlorne.

        How well are they that die ere they be borne,

            And neuer see thy sleights, which few men shun,

            Till vnawares they helplesse are vndone.

        Oft haue I sung of Loue, and of his fire,

        But now I finde that Poet was aduizde;

        Which made full feasts increasers of desire,

        And prooues weake loue was with the poore despizde.

        For when the life with foode is not suffizde,

            What thought of loue, what motion of delight;

            VVhat pleasance can proceed from such a wight?

        VVitnesse my want, the murderer of my wit;

        My rauisht sence of woonted furie reft;

        VVants such conceit, as should in Poems sit,

        Set downe the sorrow wherein I am left:

        But therefore haue high heauens their gifts bereft:

            Because so long they lent them me to vse,

            And I so long their bountie did abuse.

        O that a yeare were graunted me to liue,

        And for that yeare my former wits restorde:

        VVhat rules of life, what counsell would I giue?

        How should my sinne with sorrow be deplorde?

        But I must die of euery man abhorde.

            Time loosely spent will not againe be woonne,

            My time is loosely spent, and I vndone.

 

          O horrenda fames, how terrible are thy assaults? But Vermis

      consientiæ, more wou[n]ding are thy stings. Ah Gentlemen, that liue to

      read my broken and confused lines, looke not I should (as I was wont)

      delight you with vaine fantasies, but gather my follies altogether, and as

      yee would deale with so many parricides, cast them into the fire: call

      them Telegones, for now they kil their Father, and euery lewd line in them

      written, is a deep piercing wound to my heart; euery idle hour spent by

      any in reading them, brings a million of sorrowes to my soule. O that the

      teares of a miserable man (for neuer any man was yet more miserable) might

      wash their memorie out with my death; and that those works with mee

      together might bee interd. But sith they cannot, let this my last worke

      witnes against them with mee, how I detest them. Blacke is the remembrance

      of my blacke works, blacker than night, blacker than death, blacker than

      hell.

          Learne wit by my repentance (Gentlemen) and let these fewe rules

      following be regarded in your liues.

          1. First in all your actions set God before your eies; for the feare

      of the Lord is the beginning of wisedome: let his word be a lanterne to

      your feete, and a light vnto your paths, then shall you stand as firme

      rocks, and not be mocked.

          2. Beware of looking backe, for God will not bee mocked; of him that

      hath receiued much, much shal be demaunded.

          3. If thou be single, and canst abstaine, turne thy eies from vanitie;

      for there is a kinde of women bearing the faces of Angels, but the hearts

      of Deuils, able to intrap the elect if it were possible.

          4. If thou be married, forsake not the wife of thy youth to follow

      straunge flesh; for whoremongers and adulterers the Lord will iudge. The

      doore of a harlot leadeth downe to death, and in her lips there dwels

      destruction; her face is decked with odors, but shee bringeth a man to a

      morsell of bread and nakednes: of which myselfe am instance.

          5. If thou be left rich, remember those that want, & so deale, that by

      thy wilfulnes thy selfe want not: Let not Tauerners and Victuallers be thy

      Executors; for they will bring thee to a dishonorable graue.

          6. Oppresse no man, for the crie of the wronged ascendeth to the eares

      of the Lord; neyther delight to encrease by Usurie, least thou loose thy

      habitation in the euerlasting Tabernacle.

          Beware of building thy house to thy neighbours hurt; for the stones

      will crie to the timber, We were laide together in bloud: and those that

      so erect houses, calling them by their names, shall lie in the graue lyke

      sheepe, and death shall gnaw vpon their soules.

          8. If thou be poore, be also patient, and striue not to grow rich by

      indirect meanes; for goods so gotten shall vanish away like smoke.

          9. If thou be a Father, maister, or teacher, ioyne good example with

      good counsaile; else little auaile precepts, where life is different.

          10. If thou be a Sonne or Seruant, despise not reproofe; for though

      correction be bitter at the first, it bringeth pleasure in the end.

          Had I regarded the first of these rules, or beene obedient to the

      last: I had not now, at my last ende, beene left thus desolate. But now,

      though to my selfe I giue Consilium post facta; yet to others they may

      serue for timely precepts. And therefore (while life giues leaue) I will

      send warning to my olde consorts, which haue liued as loosely as my selfe,

      albeit weakenesse will scarce suffer me to write, yet to my fellowe

      Schollers about this Cittie, will I direct these few insuing lines.

      To those Gentlemen his Quondam acquaintance,

      that spend their wits in making Plaies, R. G.

      wisheth a better exercise, and wisedome

      to preuent his extremities.

 

 

          IF wofull experience may moue you (Gentlemen) to beware, or vnheard of

      wretchednes intreate you to take heed; I doubt not but you will looke

      backe with sorrow on your time past, and indeuour with repentance to spend

      that which is to come. Wonder not (for with thee wil I first begin), thou

      famous gracer of Tragedians, that Greene, who hath said with thee (like

      the foole in his heart) There is no God, should now giue glorie vnto his

      greatnes: for penetrating is his power, his hand lies heauie vpon me, he

      hath spoken vnto mee with a voice of thunder, and I haue felt he is a God

      that can punish enimies. Why should thy excellent wit, his gift, bee so

      blinded, that thou shouldst giue no glory to the giuer? Is it pestilent

      Machiuilian pollicy that thou hast studied? O peeuish follie! What are his

      rules but meere confused mockeries, able to extirpate in small time the

      generation of mankind. For if Sic volo, sic iubeo, hold in those that are

      able to commaund: and if it be lawfull Fas & nefas to do any thing that is

      beneficiall, onely Tyrants should possesse the earth, and they striuing to

      exceed in tyrannie, should each to other bee a slaughter man; till the

      mightiest outliuing all, one stroke were left for Death, that in one age

      man's life should end. The brother of this Diabolicall Atheisme is dead,

      and in his life had neuer the felicitie he aemed at: but as he began in

      craft, liued in feare, and ended in despaire. Quàm inscrutabilia sunt Dei

      iudicia? This murderer of many brethren, had his conscience seared like

      Caine: this betrayer of him that gaue his life for him, inherited the

      portion of Iudas: this Apostata perished as ill as Iulian: and wilt thou

      my friend be his Disciple? Looke vnto me, by him perswaded to that

      libertie, and thou shalt find it an infernall bondage. I knowe the least

      of my demerits merit this miserable death, but wilfull striuing against

      knowne truth, exceedeth al the terrors of my soule. Defer not (with me)

      till this last point of extremitie; for little knowst thou how in the end

      thou shalt be visited.

          With thee I ioyne yong Iuuenall, that byting Satyrist, that lastlie

      with mee together writ a Comedie. Sweete boy, might I aduise thee, be

      aduisde, and get not many enemies by bitter wordes: inueigh against vaine

      men, for thou canst do it, no man better, no man so wel: thou hast a

      libertie to reprooue all, and none more; for one being spoken to, all are

      offended, none being blamed no man is iniured. Stop shallow water still

      running, it will rage, or tread on a worme and it will turne: then blame

      not Schollers vexed with sharpe lines, if they reproue thy too much

      libertie of reproofe.

          And thou no lesse deseruing than the other two, in some things rarer,

      in nothing inferiour; driuen (as my selfe) to extreme shifts, a little

      haue I to say to thee: and were it not an idolatrous oth, I would sweare

      by sweet S. George, thou art vnworthy better hap, sith thou dependest on

      so meane a stay. Base minded men all three of you, if by my miserie ye be

      not warned: for vnto none of you (like me) sought those burres to cleaue:

      those Puppets (I meane) that speake from our mouths, those Anticks

      garnisht in our colours. Is it not strange that I, to whom they al haue

      beene beholding: is it not like that you, to whome they all haue beene

      beholding, shall (were yee in that case that I am now) bee both at once of

      them forsaken? Yes, trust them not: for there is an vpstart Crow,

      beautified with our feathers, that with his Tygers hart wrapt in a Players

      hyde, supposes he is as well able to bombast out a blanke verse as the

      best of you: and being an absolute Iohannes fac totum, is in his owne

      conceit the onely Shake-scene in a countrey. O that I might intreate your

      rare wits to be imploied in more profitable courses: & let those Apes

      imitate your past excellence, and neuer more acquaint them with your

      admired inuentions. I know the best husband of you all will neuer proue an

      Usurer, and the kindest of them all will neuer seeke you a kind nurse: yet

      whilest you may, seeke you better Maisters; for it is pittie men of such

      rare wits, should be subiect to the pleasure of such rude groomes.

          In this I might insert two more, that both haue writ against these

      buckram Gentlemen: but let their owne works serue to witnesse against

      their owne wickednesse, if they perseuere to mainteine any more such

      peasants. For other new-commers, I leaue them to the mercie of these

      painted monsters, who (I doubt not) will driue the best minded to despise

      them: for the rest, it skils not though they make a ieast at them.

          But now returne I againe to you three, knowing my miserie is to you no

      news: and let me hartily intreate you to bee warned by my harms. Delight

      not (as I haue done) in irreligious oathes; for from the blasphermers

      house, a curse shall not depart. Despise drunkennes, which wasteth the

      wit, and maketh men all equall vnto beasts. Flie lust, as the deathsman of

      the soule, and defile not the Temple of the holy Ghost. Abhorre those

      Epicures, whose loose life hath made religion lothsome to your eares: and

      when they sooth you wit htearmes of Mastership, remember Robert Greene,

      whome they haue often so flattered, perishes now for want of comfort.

      Remember Gentlemen, your liues are like so many lighted Tapers, that are

      with care deliuered to all of you to maintaine: these with wind-puft wrath

      may be extinguisht, which drunkennes put out, which negligence let fall:

      for mans time is not of it selfe to short, but it is more shortned by

      sinne. The fire of my light is now at the last snuffe, and the want of

      wherwith to sustaine it, there is no substance left for life to feede on.

      Trust not then (I beseech yee) to such weake staies: for they are as

      changeable in minde, as in many attyres. Well, my hand is tired, and I am

      forst to leaue where I would begin; for a whole booke cannot contain their

      wrongs, which I am forst to knit vp in some few lines of words.

      Desirous that you should liue,

      though himselfe be dying,

      Robert Greene.

 

          Now to all men I bid farewel in like sort, with this conceited Fable

      of that olde Comedian Aesope.

 

          AN Ant and a Grashopper walking together on a Greene, the one

      carelesly skipping, the other carefully prying what winters prouision was

      scattered in the way: the Grashopper scorning (as wantons will) this

      needelesse thrift (as he tearmed it) reprooued him thus:

        The greedie miser thirsteth still for gaine;

        His thrift is theft, his weale works others woe:

        That foole is fond which will in caues remaine,

        VVhen mongst faire sweets he may at pleasure goe.

 

          To this the Ant perceiuing the Grashoppers meaning, quickly repliyde:

        The thriftie husband spares what vnthrift spends,

        His thrift no theft, for dangers to prouide:

        Trust to thy selfe, small hope in vvant yeeld friendes,

        A caue is better than the deserts wide.

 

          In short time these two parted, the one to his pleasure, the other to

      his labour. Anon Haruest grewe on, and reft from the Grashopper his

      woonted moysture. Then weakly skipt hee to the medowes brinks: where till

      fell winter he abode. But storms continually powring, hee went for succour

      to the Ant his olde acquaintance, to whom he had scarce discouered his

      estate, but the waspish little worme made this reply.

        Pack hence (quoth he) thou idle lazie worme,

        My house doth harbour no vnthriftie mates:

        Thou scornedst to toile, & now thou feelst the storme,

        And starust for foode while I am fed with cates.

            Vse no intreats, I will relentlesse rest,

            For toyling labour hates an idle guest.

          The Grashopper, foodlesse, helplesse, and strengthles, got into the

      next brooke, and in the yeelding sand digde himselfe a pit: by which hee

      likewise ingrau'de this Epitaph.

        When Springs greene prime arrayd me with delight,

        And euery power with youthfull vigor fild,

        Gaue strength to worke what euer fancie wild:

        I neuer feard the force of winters spight.

        Whhen first I saw the sunne the day begin,

        And dry the Mornings teares from hearbs and grasse;

        I little thought his chearefull light would passe,

        Till vgly night with darknes enterd in.

            And then day lost I mournd, spring past I wayld,

            But neither teares for this or that auailde.

        Then too too late I praisd the Emmets paine,

        That sought in spring a harbour gainst the heate:

        And in the haruest gathered winters meat,

        Preuenting famine, frosts, and stormy raine.

        My wretched end may warne Greene springing youth,

        To vse delights as toyes that will deceiue,

        And scorne the world before the world them leaue:

        For all worlds trust, is ruine without ruth.

            Then blest are they that like the toyling Ant,

            Prouide in time gainst winters wofull want.

 

          With this the Grashopper yeelding to the weathers extremit[y], died

      comfortles without remedy. Like him my selfe: like me, shall al that trust

      to friends or times inconstancie. Now faint of my last infirmity,

      beseeching them that shal burie my bodie, to publish this last farewell

      written with my wretched hand.

      Fælicem fuisse infaustum.

 

      A letter written to his wife, found with

      this booke after his death.

          THe remembrance of the many wrongs offred thee, and thy vnreproued

      virtues, adde greater sorrow to my miserable state, than I can vtter or

      thou conceiue. Neither is it lessended by consideration of thy absence,

      (though shame would hardly let me beholde thy face) but exceedingly

      aggrauated, for that I cannot (as I ought) to thy owne selfe reconcile my

      selfe, that thou mightest witnesse my inward woe at this instant, that

      haue made thee a wofull wife for so long a time. But equall heauen hath

      denied that comfort, giuing at my last neede like succour as I haue sought

      all my life: being in this extremitie as voide of helpe, as thou hast

      beene of hope. Reason would, that after so long wast, I should not send

      thee a child to bring thee greater charge: but consider he is the fruit of

      thy wombe, in whose face regarde not the Fathers faultes so much, as thy

      owne perfections. He is yet Greene, and may grow straight, if he be

      carefully tended: otherwise, apt enough (I feare me) to follow his Fathers

      folly. That I haue offended thee highly I knowe; that thou canst forget my

      iniuries I hardly beleeue: yet perswade I my selfe, if thou saw my

      wretched estate thou couldst not but lament it: nay, certainly I know thou

      wouldst. All my wrongs muster themselues before me, euery euill at once

      plagues mee. For my contempt of God, I am contemned of men: for my

      swearing and forswearing, no man will beleeue me: for my gluttony, I

      suffer hunger: for my drunkennes, thirst: for my adultery, vlverous sores.

      Thus God hath cast me downe, that I might be humbled: and punished me for

      example of other sinners: and altogether he suffers me in this world to

      perish without succor, yet trust I in the world to come to find mercie, by

      the merites of my Sauiour to whom I commend this, and commit my soule.

      Thy repentant husband for his dis-

      loyaltie, Robert Greene.

      Fælicem fuisse infaustum.

 

 

      F I N I S.