[7.]
Chap. 7.
As true as thy faith,
This riddle thus saith.
The praise of husbandrie.
I seeme but a [drudge], yet I passe any King
To such as can vse me, great wealth I do bring.
Since Adam first liued, I neuer did die,
When [Noe] was shipman, there also was I.
The earth to susteine me, the sea for my fish:[E21]
Be readie to [pleasure] me, as I would wish.[1]
What hath any life, but I helpe to preserue,
What wight without me, but is ready to sterue.
In woodland, in Champion, Citie, or towne
If long I be absent, what falleth not downe?
If long I be present, what goodnes can want?
Though things at my comming were neuer so scant.
So many as looue me, and vse me aright,
With treasure and pleasure, I richly acquite.
Great kings I doe succour, else wrong it would go,
The King of al kings hath appointed it so.
[1] The earth is my storehouse, the sea my fishpond,
What good is in either, by me it is found. 1577.