1
Wash sheepe (for the better) where water doth run,
and let him go cleanly and drie in the sun.
Then share him and spare not, at two daies an end,
The sooner the better his [corps] will amend.[E330]
Beware of euill shéepe shearers.
2
Reward not thy sheepe (when ye take off his cote)
with [twitchis] and [patches], as brode as a grote.[E331]
Let not such vngentlenesse happen to thine,
least flie with hir gentils doo make it to pine.
Sheare lambes in Julie.
3
Let lambes go vnclipped, till June be halfe worne,
the better the fleeses will growe to be shorne.
The [Pie] will [discharge] thee for pulling the rest:[E332]
the lighter the sheepe is, then feedeth it best.
Mowing time.
4
If meadow be forward, be mowing of some;
but mowe as the makers may well [ouercome]:[E333]
Take heede to the weather, the wind and the skie,
if danger approcheth, then [cock] apace[E334] crie.
5
Plough earlie till ten a clock, then to thy hay,
in plowing and carting, so profit ye may.
By little and little, thus dooing ye win:
that plough shall not hinder when haruest comes in.[E335]
6
Prouide of thine owne to haue all things at hand,
least worke and the workman vnoccupide stand.
Loue seldome to borowe that thinkest to saue,
for he that once lendeth twise looketh to haue.[E336]
Trim well thy carts.