And now I breath, my lord, now have I time
To tell the cause, and to confesse the crime:
I was in black; a scholler straite they guest;
Indeed I colour’d for it at the least.
I spake them faire, desir’d to see the hall,
And gave them reasons for it, this was all;
By which I learne it is a maine offence,
So neere the clark of th’ check to utter sense:
Talk of your emblemes, maisters, and relate
How Æsope hath it, and how Alciate;