47
The eie of the maister enricheth the [hutch],
the eie of the mistresse auaileth as mutch.
Which eie, if it gouerne, with reason and skil,
hath seruant and seruice, at pleasure and wil.
48
Who seeketh reuengement of euerie wrong,
in quiet nor safetie continueth long.
So he that of wilfulnes trieth the law,
shall striue for a [coxcome], and thriue as a daw.[E53]
49
To hunters and haukers, take heede what ye saie,
milde answere with curtesie driues them awaie:
So, where a mans better wil open a gap,
resist not with rudenes, for feare of mishap.[E54]
50
A man in this world for a [churle] that is knowne,
shall [hardlie] in quiet keepe that is his owne:
Where lowlie and such as of curtesie smels,
finds fauor and friendship where euer he dwels.
51
Keepe truelie thy Saboth, the better to speed,
Keepe seruant from [gadding], but when it is need.
Keepe [fishdaie] and [fasting daie], as they doe fal:[E55]
what custome thou keepest, let others keepe al.
52[16]
Though some in their [tithing] be slack or too bold,
be thou vnto Godward not that waie too cold:
Euill conscience grudgeth, and yet we doe see
ill [tithers] ill thriuers most commonlie bee.
53
Paie weekelie thy workman, his houshold to feed,
paie quarterlie seruants, to buie as they need:
Giue garment to such as deserue and no mo,
least thou and thy wife without garment doe go.
54
Beware [raskabilia], slothfull to wurke,
[purloiners] and [filchers], that loueth to lurke.
Away with such lubbers, so loth to take paine,
that [roules] in expences, but neuer no gaine.
55
Good wife, and good children, are worthie to eate,
good seruant, good laborer, earneth their meate:
Good friend, and good neighbor, that [fellowlie] gest,
with [hartilie] welcome, should haue of the best.
56
[Depart] not with al that thou hast to thy childe,
much lesse vnto other, for being [beguilde]:
Least, if thou wouldst gladlie possesse it agen,
looke for to come by it thou wottest not when.