22
What helpeth in store to haue neuer so much,
halfe lost by ill vsage, ill huswiues, and such:
So, twentie lode bushes, cut downe at a [clap],
such heede may be taken, shall stop but a gap.[E38]
Sixe noiances to thrift.
23
A [retcheles][6] seruant, a mistres that [scowles],
a rauening mastife, and hogs that eate fowles:
A [giddie braine] maister, and [stroyal] his knaue,
brings ruling to ruine, and thrift to hir graue.
Inough is a praise.
24
With some vpon Sundaies, their tables doe [reeke],
and halfe the weeke after, their dinners to [seeke]:[E39]
Not often exceeding, but alwaie inough,
is husbandlie fare, and the guise of the plough.
25
Ech daie to be feasted, what husbandrie wurse,
ech daie for to feast, is as ill for the purse:
Yet measurely feasting with neighbors among,
shal make thee beloued, and liue the more long.
Thrifts aduises.
26
Things husbandly handsom let workman contriue,
but build not for glorie, that thinkest to thriue:
Who [fondlie] in dooing consumeth his stock,
in the end for his follie doth get but a mock.
Spoilers to thrift.
27
Spend none but your owne, howsoeuer ye spend,
for [bribing][7] and [shifting], haue seldom good end:
In substance although ye haue neuer so much,
delight not in [parasites], harlots, and such.[8]