4
To death we must stoupe, be we high, be we lowe,
but how and how sodenly, few be that knowe:
What carie we then, but a sheete to the graue,
to couer this [carkas], of all that we haue?
[27.]
¶ A description of housekeeping.
Chap. 25.
1
What then of this talent, while here we remaine,
to studie to yeeld it to God with a gaine?
And that shall we doo, if we doo it not hid,
but vse and bestow it, as Christ doth vs bid.
2
What good to get riches by breaking of sleepe,
but (hauing the same) a good house for to keepe?
Not onely to bring a good fame to thy doore,
but also the praier to win of the poore.
3
Of all other dooings house keeping is cheefe,
for daily it helpeth the poore with releefe;
The neighbour, the stranger, and all that haue neede,
which causeth thy dooings the better to speede.
4
Though harken[1] to this we should euer [among,][E137]
yet cheefly at Christmas, of all the yeare long.
Good cause of that vse may appeare by the name,
though [niggerly] niggards doo kick at the same.