But if they begin desired of no man
Then shewe they all and more then they can
And neuer leaue they till men of them be wery,
So in their conceyt their cunning they set by."—Eclogue II.
Pithy sayings are numerous. Comparing citizens with countrymen, the countryman says:—
"Fortune to them is like a mother dere
As a stepmother she doth to us appeare."
Of money:
"Coyne more than cunning exalteth every man."
Of clothing: