[4.]
¶ An Introduction to the Booke of Husbandrie.[1]
Chap. 4.
1
Good husbandmen must [moile] & toile,
to laie to liue by laboured feeld:
Their wiues at home must keepe such [coile],[E18]
as their like actes may profit yeeld.
For well they knowe,
as shaft from bowe,
or chalke from snowe,
A good round rent their Lords they giue,
and must keepe touch in all their paie:
With [credit crackt] else for to liue,
or trust to legs and run awaie.
Ceres, Goddesse of husbandry.
2
Though fence well kept is one good point,
[1] This Introduction is not in the editions of 1573 or 1577.