Prosopopoia And L3 Prosopopoia: or Mother Hubberds Tale. IT It was the month, in which the righteous Maide, That for disdaine of sinfull worlds vpbraide upbraide , Fled back to heauen heaven , whence she was first cõceiued cõceived conceiued conceived , Into her siluer silver bowre the Sunne receiued received ; And the hot Syrian Dog on him awayting, After the chafed Lyons cruell bayting, Corrupted had th’ayre with his noysome breath, And powr’d on th’earth plague, pestilence, and death. Emongst the rest a wicked maladie Raign’d emongst men, that manie did to die, Depriu’d Depriv’d of sense and ordinarie reason; That it to Leaches seemed strange and geason. My fortune was mongst manie others moe, To be partaker of their common woe; And my weake bodie set on fire with griefe, Was rob’d of rest, and naturall reliefe. In this ill plight, there came to visite mee Some friends, who sorie my sad case to see, Began to comfort me in chearfull wise, And meanes of gladsome solace to deuise devise . But seeing kindly sleep refuse to doe His office, and my feeble eyes forgoe, They sought my troubled sense how to deceaue deceave With talke, that might vnquiet unquiet fancies reaue reave ; And sitting all in seates about me round, With pleasant tales (fit for that idle stound) They cast in course to waste the wearie howres: Some tolde of Ladies, and their Paramoures; Some of braue brave Knights, and their renowned Squires; Some of the Faeries and their strange attires; Mother Hubberds Tale. And And some of Giaunts hard to be beleeued beleeved , That the delight thereof me much releeued releeved . Amongst the rest a good old woman was, Hight Mother Hubberd, who did farre surpas The rest in honest mirth, that seem’d her well: She when her turne was come her tale to tell, Tolde of a strange aduenture adventure , that betided Betwixt the Foxe and th’Ape by him misguided; The which for that my sense it greatly pleased, All were my spirite heauie heavie and diseased, Ile write in termes, as she the same did say, So well as I her words remember may. No Muses aide me needes heretoo to call; Base is the style, and matter meane withall. ¶Whilome (said she) before the world was ciuill civill , The Foxe and th’Ape disliking of their euill evill And hard estate, determined to seeke Their fortunes farre abroad, lyeke with his lyeke: For both were craftie and vnhappie unhappie witted; Two fellowes might no where be better fitted. The Foxe, that first this cause of griefe did finde, Gan first thus plaine his case with words vnkinde unkinde . Neighbour Ape, and my Goship eke beside, (Both two sure bands in friendship to be tide,) tide), To whom may I more trustely complaine The euill evill plight, that doth me sore constraine, And hope thereof to finde due remedie? Heare then my paine and inward agonie. Thus manie yeares I now haue have spent and worne, In meane regard, and basest fortunes scorne, Dooing my Countrey seruice service as I might, No lesse I dare saie than the prowdest wight; Mother Hubberds Tale. Surely And still I hoped to be vp up aduaunced advaunced , For my good parts; but still it hath mischaunced. Now therefore that no lenger hope I see, But froward fortune still to follow mee, And losels lifted vp up on high, where I did looke, I meane to turne the next leafe of the booke. Yet ere that anie way I doo betake, I meane my Gossip priuie privie first to make. Ah my deare Gossip, (answer’d then the Ape,) Ape), Deeply doo your sad words my wits awhape, Both for because your griefe doth great appeare, And eke because my selfe am touched neare: For I likewise haue have wasted much good time, Still wayting to preferment vp up to clime, Whilest others alwayes haue have before me stept, And from my beard the fat away haue have swept; That now vnto unto despaire I gin to growe And meane for better winde about to throwe. Therefore to me, my trustie friend, aread Thy councell: two is better than one head. Certes (said he) I meane me to disguize In some straunge habit, after vncouth uncouth wize, Or like a Pilgrime, or a Lymiter, Or like a Gipsen, or a Iuggeler Juggeler , And so to wander to the worlds ende, To seeke my fortune, where I may it mend: For worse than that I haue have , I cannot meete. Wide is the world I wote, and euerie everie streete Is full of fortunes, and aduentures adventures straunge, Continuallie subiect subject vnto unto chaunge. Say my faire brother now, if this deuice device Doth like you, or may you to like entice, Mother Hubberds Tale. Will Surely (said th’Ape) it likes me wondrous well; And would ye not poore fellowship expell, My selfe would offer you t’accompanie In this aduentures adventures chauncefull ieopardie jeopardie . For to wexe olde at home in idlenesse, Is disaduentrous disadventrous , and quite fortunelesse: Abroad where change is, good may gotten bee. The Foxe was glad, and quickly did agree: So both resolu’d resolv’d , the morrow next ensuing, So soone as day appeard to peoples vewing, On their intended iourney journey to proceede; And ouer over night, whatso theretoo did neede, Each did prepare, in readines to bee. The morrow next, so soone as one might see Light out of heauens heavens windowes forth to looke, Both their habiliments vnto unto them tooke, And put themselues themselves (a Gods name) on their way. Whenas the Ape beginning well to wey This hard aduenture adventure , thus began t’aduise t’advise ; Now read Sir Reynold, as ye be right wise, What course ye weene is best for vs us to take, That for our selues selves we may a liuing living make. Whether shall we professe some trade or skill? Or shall we varie our deuice device at will, Euen Even as new occasion appeares? Or shall we tie our selues selves for certaine yeares To anie seruice service , or to anie place? For it behoues behoves ere that into the race We enter, to resolue resolve first herevpon hereupon . Now surely brother (said the Foxe anon) Ye haue have this matter motioned in season: For euerie everie thing that is begun with reason Mother Hubberds Tale. But M Will come by readie meanes vnto unto his end; But things miscounselled must needs miswend. Thus therefore I aduize advize vpon upon the case, That not to anie certaine trade or place, Nor anie man we should our selues selves applie; For why should he that is at libertie Make himselfe bond? sith then we are free borne, Let vs us all seruile servile base subiection subjection scorne; And as we bee sonnes of the world so wide, Let vs us our fathers heritage diuide divide , And chalenge to our selues selves our portions dew Of all the patrimonie, which a few Now hold in hugger mugger in their hand, And all the rest doo rob of good and land. For now a few haue have all and all haue have nought, Yet all be brethren ylike dearly bought: There is no right in this partition, Ne was it so by institution Ordained first, ne by the law of Nature, But that she gaue gave like blessing to each creture As well of worldly liuelode livelode as of life, That there might be no difference nor strife, Nor ought cald mine or thine: thrice happie then Was the condition of mortall men. That was the golden age of Saturne old, But this might better be the world of gold: For without golde now nothing wilbe got. Therefore (if please you) this shalbe our plot, We will not be of anie occupation, Let such vile vassalls borne to base vocation Drudge in the world, and for their liuing living droyle Which haue have no wit to liue live withouten toyle. Mother Hubberds Tale. And But we will walke about the world at pleasure Like two free men, and make our ease our a treasure. Free men some beggers call, but they be free, And they which call them so more beggers bee: For they doo swinke and sweate to feed the other, Who liue live like Lords of that which they doo gather, And yet doo neuer never thanke them for the same, But as their due by Nature doo it clame. Such will we fashion both our selues selves to bee, Lords of the world, and so will wander free Where so vs us listeth, vncontrol’d uncontrol’d of anie. anie Hard is our hap, if we (emongst so manie) Light not on some that may our state amend; Sildome but some good commeth ere the end. Well seemd the Ape to like this ordinaunce: Yet well considering of the circumstaunce, As pausing in great doubt, doubt awhile he staid, And afterwards with graue grave aduizement advizement said: I cannot, cannot my lief brother, brother like but well The purpose of the complot which ye tell: For well I wot (compar’d to all the rest Of each degree) that Beggers life is best: And they that thinke themselues themselves the best of all, Oft-times to begging are content to fall. But this I wot withall that we shall ronne Into great daunger like to bee vndonne undonne . Thus wildly to wander in the worlds eye, Without pasport or good warrantye warrantie , For feare least we like rogues should be reputed, And for eare marked beasts abroad be bruted: Therefore I read, that we our counsells call, How to preuent prevent this mischiefe ere it fall, Mother Hubberds Tale. Long M2 And how we may with most securitie, Beg amongst those that beggers doo defie. Right well deere Gossip ye aduized advized haue have , (Said then the Foxe) but I this doubt will saue save : For ere we farther passe, I will deuise devise A pasport for vs us both in fittest wize, And by the names of Souldiers vs us protect; That now is thought a ciuile civile begging sect. Be you the Souldier, for you likest are For manly semblance, and small skill in warre: I will but wayte on you, and as occasion Falls out, my selfe fit for the same will fashion. The Pasport ended, both they forward went, The Ape clad Souldierlike, fit for th’intent, In a blew iacket jacket with a crosse of redd And manie slits, as if that he had shedd Much blood throgh many wounds therein receaued receaved , Which had the vse use of his right arme bereaued bereaved ; Vpon Upon his head an old Scotch cap he wore, With a plume feather all to peeces tore: His breeches were made after the new cut, Al Portugese, loose like an emptie gut; And his hose broken high aboue above the heeling, And his shooes beaten out with traueling traveling . But neither sword nor dagger he did beare, Seemes that no foes reuengement revengement he did feare; In stead of them a handsome bat he held, On which he leaned, as one farre in elde. Shame light on him, that through so false illusion, Doth turne the name of Souldiers to abusion, And that, which is the noblest mysterie, Brings to reproach and common infamie. Mother Hubberds Tale. Brings Long they thus trauailed travailed , yet neuer never met Aduenture Adventure , which might them a working set: Yet manie waies they sought, and manie tryed; Yet for their purposes none fit espyed. At last they chaunst to meete vpon upon the way A simple husbandman in garments gray; Yet though his vesture were but meane and bace, A good yeoman he was of honest place, And more for thrift did care than for gay clothing: Gay without good, is good hearts greatest loathing. The Foxe him spying, bad the Ape him dight To play his part, for loe he was in sight, That (if he er’d not) should them entertaine, And yeeld them timely profite for their paine. Eftsoones the Ape himselfe gan vp up to reare, And on his shoulders high his bat to beare, As if good seruice service he were fit to doo; But little thrift for him he did it too: And stoutly forward he his steps did straine, That like a handsome swaine it him became: When as they nigh approached, that good man Seeing them wander loosly, first began T’enquire of custome, what and whence they were? To whom the Ape, I am a Souldiere, That late in warres haue have spent my deerest blood, And in long seruice service lost both limbs and good, And now constrain’d that trade to ouergiue overgive , I driuen driven am to seeke some meanes to liue live : Which might it you in pitie please t’afford. I would be readie both in deed and word, To doo you faithfull seruice service all my dayes. This yron world (that same he weeping sayes) Mother Hubberds Tale. Gladly M3 Bring downe the stowtest hearts to lowest state: For miserie doth brauest bravest mindes abate, And make them seeke for that they wont to scorne, Of fortune and of hope at once forlorne. The honest man, that heard him thus complaine, Was grieu’d griev’d , as he had felt part of his paine; And well disposd’ him some reliefe to showe, Askt if in husbandrie he ought did knowe, To plough, to plant, to reap, to rake, to sowe, To hedge, to ditch, to thrash, to thetch, to mowe; Or to what labour els he was prepar’d? For husbands life is labourous and hard. Whenas the Ape him hard so much to talke Of labour that did from his liking balke, He would haue have slipt the coller handsomly, And to him said; good Sir, full glad am I, To take what paines may anie liuing living wight: But my late maymed limbs lack wonted might To doo their kindly seruices services , as needeth: Scarce this right hand the mouth with diet feedeth, So that it may no painfull worke endure, Ne to strong labour can it selfe enure. But if that anie other place you haue have , Which askes small paines, but thriftines to saue save , Or care to ouerlooke overlooke , or trust to gather, Ye may me trust as your owne ghostly father. With that the husbandman gan him auize avize That it for him were fittest exercise Cattell to keep, or grounds to ouersee oversee ; And asked him, if he could willing bee To keep his sheep, or to attend his swyne, Or watch his mares, or take his charge of kyne? Mother Hubberds Tale. For Gladly (said he) what euer ever such like paine Ye put on me, I will the same sustaine: But gladliest I of your fleecie sheepe (Might it you please) would take on me the keep. For ere that vnto unto armes I me betooke, Vnto Unto my fathers sheepe I vsde usde to looke, That yet the skill thereof I haue have not loste: Thereto right well this Curdog by my coste (Meaning the Foxe) will serue serve , my sheepe to gather, And driue drive to follow after their Belwether. The Husbandman was meanly well content, Triall to make of his endeuourment endevourment , And home him leading, lent to him the charge Of all his flocke, with libertie full large, Giuing Giving accompt of th’annuall increace Both of their lambes, and of their woolley fleece. Thus is this Ape become a shepheard ſwaineswaine, ſwaineswaine And the false Foxe his dog. dog (God giue give them paine) For ere the yeare haue have halfe his course out-run, And doo returne from whence he first begun, They shall him make an ill accompt of thrift. Now whenas Time flying with winges wings swift, Expired had the terme, that these two iauels javels Should render vp up a reckning of their trauels travels Vnto Unto their master, which it of them sought, Exceedingly they troubled were in thought, Ne wist what answere vnto unto him to frame, Ne how to scape great punishment, or shame, For their false treason and vile theeuerie theeverie . For not a lambe of all their flockes supply Had they to shew: but euer ever as they bred, They slue them, and vpon upon their fleshes fed: Mother Hubberds Tale. Much For that disguised Dog lou’d lov’d blood to spill, And drew the wicked Shepheard to his will. So twixt them both they not a lambkin left, And when lambes fail’d, the old sheepes liues lives they reft; That how t’acquite themselues themselves vnto unto their Lord, They were in doubt, and flatly set abord. The Foxe then counsel’d th’Ape, for to require Respite till morrow, t’answere his desire: For times delay new hope of helpe still breeds. The goodman granted, doubting nought their deeds, And bad, next day that all should readie be. But they more subtill meaning had than he: For the next morrowes meed they closely ment, For feare of afterclaps for to preuent prevent . And that same euening evening , when all shrowded were In careles sleep, they without care or feare, Cruelly fell vpon upon their flock in folde, And of them slew at pleasure what they wolde: Of which whenas they feasted had their fill, For a full complement of all their ill, They stole away, and tooke their hastie flight, Carried in clowdes of all-concealing night. So was the husbandman left to his losse, And they vnto unto their fortunes change to tosse. After which sort they wandered long while, Abusing manie through their cloaked guile; That at the last they gan to be descryed Of euerie everie one, and all their sleights espyed. So as their begging now them failed quyte; For none would giue give , but all men would them wyte: Yet would they take no paines to get their liuing living , But seeke some other way to gaine by giuing giving , Mother Hubberds Tale. Ne Much like to begging but much better named; For manie beg, which are thereof ashamed. And now the Foxe had gotten him a gowne, And th’Ape a cassocke sidelong hanging downe; For they their occupation meant to change, And now in other state abroad to range: For since their souldiers pas no better spedd, They forg’d another, as for Clerkes booke-redd. Who passing foorth, as their aduentures adventures fell, Through manie haps, which needs not here to tell; At length chaunst with a formall Priest to meete, Whom they in ciuill civill manner first did greete, And after askt an almes for Gods deare loue love . The man straight way his choler vp up did moue move , And with reproachfull tearmes gan them reuile revile , For following that trade so base and vile; And askt what license, or what Pas they had? Ah (said the Ape as sighing wondrous sad) Its an hard case, when men of good deseruing deserving Must either driuen driven be perforce to steruing sterving , Or asked for their pas by euerie everie squib, That list at will them to reuile revile or snib: And yet (God wote) small oddes I often see Twixt them that aske, and them that asked bee. Natheles because you shall not vs us misdeeme, But that we are as honest as we seeme, Yee shall our pasport at your pleasure see, And then ye will (I hope) well mooued mooved bee. Which when the Priest beheld, he vew’d it nere, As if therein some text he studying were, But little els (God wote) could thereof skill: For read he could not euidence evidence , nor will, Mother Hubberds Tale. It N Ne tell a written word, ne write a letter, Ne make one title worse, ne make one better: Of such deep learning little had he neede, Ne yet of Latine, ne of Greeke, that breede Doubts mongst Diuines Divines , and difference of texts, From whence arise diuersitie diversitie of sects, And hatefull heresies, of God abhor’d: But this good Sir did follow the plaine word, Ne medled with their controuersies controversies vaine, All his care was, his seruice service well to saine, And to read Homelies vpon upon holidayes: When that was done, he might attend his playes; An easie life, and fit high God to please. He hauing having ouerlookt overlookt their pas at ease, Gan at the length them to rebuke againe, That no good trade of life did entertaine, But lost their time in wandring loose abroad, Seeing the world, in which they bootles boad, Had wayes enough for all therein to liue live ; Such grace did God vnto unto his creatures giue give . Said then the Foxe; who hath the world not tride. From the right way full eath may wander wide. We are but Nouices Novices , new come abroad, We haue have not yet the tract of anie troad, Nor on vs us taken anie state of life, But readie are of anie to make preife. Therefore might please you, which the world haue have (proued (proved , Vs Us to aduise advise , which forth but lately moued moved , Of some good course, that we might vndertake undertake ; Ye shall for euer ever vs us your bondmen make. The Priest gan wexe halfe proud to be so praide, And thereby willing to affoord them aide; Mother Hubberds Tale. For It seemes (said he) right well that ye be Clerks, Both by your wittie words, and by your werks. Is not that name enough to make a liuing living To him that hath a whit of Natures giuing giving ? How manie honest men see ye arize Daylie thereby, and grow to goodly prize? To Deanes, to Archdeacons, to Commissaries, To Lords, to Principalls, to Prebendaries; All iolly jolly Prelates, worthie rule to beare, Who euer ever them enuie envie : yet spite bites neare. Why should ye doubt then, but that ye likewise Might vnto unto some of those in time arise? In the meane time to liue live in good estate, Louing Loving that loue love , and hating those that hate; Being some honest Curate, or some Vicker Content with little in condition sicker. Ah but (said th’Ape) the charge is wondrous great, To feed mens soules, and hath an heauie heavie threat. To feede mens soules (quoth he) is not in man: For they must feed themselues themselves , doo what we can. We are but charg’d to lay the meate before: Eate they that list, we need to doo no more. But God it is that feedes them with his grace, The bread of life powr’d downe from heauenly heavenly place. Therefore said he, that with the budding rod Did rule the Iewes Jewes , All shalbe taught of God. That same hath Iesus Jesus Christ now to him raught, By whom the flock is rightly fed, and taught: He is the Shepheard, and the Priest is hee; We but his shepheard swaines ordain’d to bee. Therefore herewith doo not your selfe dismay; Ne is the paines so great, but beare ye may; Mother Hubberds Tale. By N2 For not so great as it was wont of yore, It’s now a dayes, ne halfe so streight and sore: They whilome vsed used duly euerie everie day Their seruice service and their holie things to say, At morne and euen even , besides their Anthemes sweete, Their penie Masses, and their Complynes meete, Their Dirges, their Trentals, and their shrifts, Their memories, their singings, and their gifts. Now all those needlesse works are laid away; Now once a weeke vpon upon the Sabbath day, It is enough to doo our small deuotion devotion , And then to follow any merrie motion. Ne are we tyde to fast, but when we list, Ne to weare garments base of wollen twist, But with the finest silkes vs us to aray, That before God we may appeare more gay, Resembling Aarons glorie in his place: For farre vnfit unfit it is, that person bace Should with vile cloaths approach Gods maiestie majestie , Whom no vncleannes uncleannes may approachen nie: Or that all men, which anie master serue serve , Good garments for their seruice service should deserue deserve; But he that serues serves the Lord of hoasts most high, And that in highest place, t’approach him nigh, And all the peoples prayers to present Before his throne, as on ambassage sent Both too and fro, should not deserue deserve to weare A garment better, than of wooll or heare. Beside we may haue have lying by our sides Our louely lovely Lasses, or bright shining Brides: We be not tyde to wilfull chastitie, But haue have the Gospell of free libertie. Mother Hubberds Tale. Or By that he ended had his ghostly sermon, The Foxe was well induc’d to be a Parson; And of the Priest eftsoones gan to enquire, How to a Benefice he might aspire. Marie there (said the Priest) is arte indeed. Much good deep learning one thereout may reed, For that the ground-worke is, and end of all, How to obtaine a Beneficiall. First therefore, when ye haue have in handsome wise Your selfe attyred, as you can deuise devise , Then to some Noble man your selfe applye, Or other great one in the worldes eye, That hath a zealous disposition To God, and so to his religion: There must thou fashion eke a godly zeale, Such as no carpers may contrayre reueale reveale : For each thing fained, ought more warie bee. There thou must walke in sober grauitee gravitee , And seeme as Saintlike as Saint Radegund: Fast much, pray oft, looke lowly on the ground, And vnto unto euerie everie one doo curtesie meeke: These lookes (nought saying) doo a benefice seeke, And be thou sure one not to lacke or long. But if thee list vnto unto the Court to throng, And there to hunt after the hoped pray, Then must thou thee dispose another way: For there thou needs must learne, to laugh, to lie, To face, to forge, to scoffe, to companie, To crouche, to please, to be a beetle stock Of thy great Masters Mafters will, to scorne, or mock: So maist thou chaunce mock out a Benefice, Vnlesse Unlesse thou canst one coniure conjure by deuice device , Mother Hubberds Tale. Better N3 Or cast a figure for a Bishoprick: And if one could, it were but a schoole trick. These be the wayes, by which without reward Liuings Livings in Court be gotten, though full hard. For nothing there is done without a fee: The Courtier needes must recompenced bee With a Beneuolence Benevolence , or haue have in gage The Primitias of your Parsonage: Scarse can a Bishoprick forpas them by, But that it must be gelt in priuitie privitie . Doo not thou therefore seeke a liuing living there, But of more priuate private persons seeke elswhere, Whereas thou maist compound a better penie, Ne let thy learning question’d be of anie. For some good Gentleman that hath the right Vnto Unto his Church for to present a wight, Will cope with thee in reasonable wise; That if the liuing living yerely doo arise To fortie pound, that then his yongest sonne Shall twentie haue have , and twentie thou hast wonne: Thou hast it wonne, for it is of franke gift, And he will care for all the rest to shift; Both that the Bishop may admit of thee, And that therein thou maist maintained bee. This is the way for one that is vnlern’d unlern’d Liuing Living to get, and not to be discern’d. But they that are great Clerkes, haue have nearer wayes, For learning sake to liuing living them to raise: Yet manie eke of them (God wote) are driuen driven , T’accept a Benefice in peeces riuen riven . How saist thou (friend) haue have I not well discourst Vpon Upon this Cõmon Common place (though plaine, not wourst)? Mother Hubberds Tale. So Better a short tale, than a bad long shriuing shriving . Needes anie more to learne to get a liuing living ? Now sure and by my hallidome (quoth he) Ye a great master are in your degree: Great thankes I yeeld you for your discipline, And doo not doubt, but duly to encline My wits theretoo, as ye shall shortly heare. The Priest him wisht good speed, and well to fare. So parted they, as eithers way them led. But th’Ape and Foxe ere long so well them sped, Through the Priests holesome counsell lately tought, And throgh their own faire handling wisely wroght, That they a Benefice twixt them obtained; And craftie Reynold was a Priest ordained; And th’Ape his Parish Clarke procur’d to bee. Then made they reuell revell route and goodly glee. But ere long time had passed, they so ill Did order their affaires, that th’euill th’evill will Of all their Parishners they had constraind; Who to the Ordinarie of them complain’d, How fowlie they their offices abusd’, And them of crimes and heresies accusd’; That Pursiuants Pursivants he often for them sent: But they neglected his commaundement. So long persisted obstinate and bolde, Till at the length he published to holde A Visitation, and them cyted thether: Then was high time their wits about to geather; What did they then, but made a composition With their next neighbor Priest for light condition, To whom their liuing living they resigned quight For a few pence, and ran away by night. Mother Hubberds Tale. From So passing through the Countrey in disguize, They fled farre off, where none might them surprize, And after that long straied here and there, Through euerie everie field and forrest farre and nere; Yet neuer never found occasion for their tourne, But almost steru’d sterv’d , did much lament and mourne. At last they chaunst to meete vpon upon the way The Mule, all deckt in goodly rich aray, With bells and bosses, that full lowdly rung, And costly trappings, that to ground downe hung. Lowly they him saluted in meeke wise, But he through pride and fatnes gan despise Their meanesse; scarce vouchsafte them to requite. Whereat the Foxe deep groning in his sprite, Said, Ah sir Mule, now blessed be the day, That I see you so goodly and so gay In your attyres, and eke your silken hyde Fil’d with round flesh, that euerie everie bone doth hide. Seemes that in fruitfull pastures ye doo liue live , Or fortune doth you secret fauour favour giue give . Foolish Foxe (said the Mule) thy wretched need Praiseth the thing that doth thy sorrow breed. For well I weene, thou canst not but enuie envie My wealth, compar’d to thine owne miserie, That art so leane and meagre waxen late, That scarse thy legs vphold uphold thy feeble gate. Ay me (said then the Foxe) whom euill evill hap Vnworthy Unworthy in such wretchednes doth wrap, And makes the scorne of other beasts to bee: But read (faire Sir, of grace) from whence come yee? Or what of tidings you abroad doo heare? Newes may perhaps some good vnweeting unweeting beare. Mother Hubberds Tale. But From royall Court I lately came (said he) Where all the brauerie braverie that eye may see, And all the happinesse that heart desire, Is to be found; he nothing can admire, That hath not seene that heauens heavens portracture: But tidings there is none I you assure, Saue Save that which common is, and knowne to all, That Courtiers as the tide doo rise and fall. But tell vs us (said the Ape) we doo you pray, Who now in Court doth beare the greatest sway. That if such fortune doo to vs us befall, We may seeke fauour favour of the best of all. Marie (said he) the highest now in grace, Be the wilde beasts, that swiftest are in chase; For in their speedie course and nimble flight The Lyon now doth take the most delight: But chieflie, ioyes joyes on foote them to beholde, Enchaste with chaine and circulet of golde: So wilde a beast so tame ytaught to bee, And buxome to his bands is ioy joy to see. So well his golden Circlet him beseemeth: But his late chayne his Liege vnmeete unmeete esteemeth; For so braue brave beasts she loueth loveth best to see, In the wilde forrest raunging fresh and free. Therefore if fortune thee in Court to liue live , In case thou euer ever there wilt hope to thriue thrive , To some of these thou must thy selfe apply: Els as a thistle-downe in th’ayre doth flie, So vainly shalt thou too and fro be tost, And loose thy labour and thy fruitles cost. And yet full few, which follow them I see, For vertues bare regard aduaunced advaunced bee, Mother Hubberds Tale. Won- O But either for some gainfull benefit, Or that they may for their owne turnes be fit. Nath’les perhaps ye things may handle soe, That ye may better thriue thrive than thousands moe. But (said the Ape) how shall we first come in, That after we may fauour favour seeke to win? How els (said he) but with a good bold face, And with big words, and with a stately pace, That men may thinke of you in generall, That to be in you, which is not all: For not by that which is, the world now deemeth, (As it was wont) but by that same that seemeth. Ne do I doubt, but that ye well can fashion Your selues selves theretoo, according to occasion: So fare ye well, good Courtiers may ye bee; So proudlie neighing from them parted hee. Then gan this craftie couple to deuize devize , How for the Court themselues themselves they might aguize: For thither they themselues themselves meant to addresse, In hope to finde there happier successe, So well they shifted, that the Ape anon Himselfe had cloathed like a Gentleman, And the slie Foxe, as like to be his groome, That to the Court in seemly sort they come. Where the fond Ape himselfe vprearing uprearing hy Vpon Upon his tiptoes, stalketh stately by, As if he were some great Magnifico, And boldlie doth amongst the boldest go. And his man Reynold with fine counterfesaunce Supports his credite and his countenaunce. Then gan the Courtiers gaze on euerie everie side, And stare on him, with big lookes basen wide, Mother Hubberds Tale. Yet Wondring what mister wight he was, and whence: For he was clad in strange accoustrements, Fashion’d with queint deuises devises neuer never seene In Court before, yet there all fashions beene: Yet he them in newfanglenesse did pas: But his behauiour behaviour altogether was Alla Turchesca, much the more admyr’d, And his lookes loftie, as if he aspyr’d To dignitie, and sdeign’d the low degree; That all which did such strangenesse in him see, By secrete meanes gan of his state enquire, And priuily privily his seruant servant thereto hire: Who throughly arm’d against such couerture coverture , Reported vnto unto all, that he was sure A noble Gentleman of high regard, Which through the world had with long trauel travel far’d, And seene the manners of all beasts on ground; Now here arriu’d arriv’d , to see if like he found. Thus did the Ape at first him credit gaine, Which afterwards he wisely did maintaine With gallant showe, and daylie more augment Through his fine feates and Courtly complement; For he could play, and daunce, and vaute, and spring, And all that els pertaines to reueling reveling , Onely through kindly aptnes of his ioynts joynts . Besides he could doo manie other poynts, The which in Court him serued served to good stead: For he mongst Ladies could their fortunes read Out of their hands, and merie leasings tell, And iuggle juggle finely, that became him well: But he so light was at legier demaine, That what he toucht, came not to light againe; Mother Hubberds Tale. And O2 Yet would he laugh it out, and proudly looke, And tell them, that they greatly him mistooke. So would he scoffe them out with mockerie, For he therein had great felicitie; And with sharp quips ioy’d joy’d others to deface, Thinking that their disgracing did him grace: So whilst that other like vaine wits he pleased, And made to laugh, his heart was greatly eased. But the right gentle minde would bite his lip, To heare the Iauell Javell so good men to nip: For though the vulgar yeeld an open eare. And common Courtiers loue love to gybe and fleare At euerie everie thing, which they heare spoken ill, And the best speaches with ill meaning spill; Yet the braue brave Courtier, in whose beauteous thought Regard of honour harbours more than ought, Doth loath such base condition, to backbite Anies good name for enuie envie or despite: He stands on tearmes of honourable minde, Ne will be carried with the common winde Of Courts inconstant mutabilitie, Ne after euerie everie tattling fable flie; But heares, and sees the follies of the rest, And thereof gathers for himselfe the best: He will not creepe, nor crouche with fained face, But walkes vpright upright with comely stedfast pace, And vnto unto all doth yeeld due curtesie; But not with kissed hand belowe the knee, As that same Apish crue is wont to doo: For he disdaines himselfe t’embase theretoo. He hates fowle leasings, and vile flatterie, Two filthie blots in noble Gentrie; Mother Hubberds Tale. Of And lothefull idlenes he doth detest, The canker worme of euerie everie gentle brest; The which to banish with faire exercise Of knightly feates, he daylie doth deuise devise : Now menaging the mouthes of stubborne steedes, Now practising the proofe of warlike deedes, Now his bright armes assaying, now his speare, Now the nigh aymed ring away to beare; At other times he casts to sew the chace Of swift wilde beasts, or runne on foote a race, T’enlarge his breath (large breath in armes most need-(full) Or els by wrestling to wex strong and heedfull, Or his stiffe armes to stretch with Eughen bowe, And manly legs, still passing too and fro, Without a gowned beast him fast beside; A vaine ensample of the Persian pride, Who after he had wonne th’Assyrian foe, Did euer ever after scorne on foote to goe. Thus when this Courtly Gentleman with toyle Himselfe hath wearied, he doth recoyle Vnto Unto his rest, and there with sweete delight Of Musicks skill reuiues revives his toyled spright, Or els with Loues Loves , and Ladies gentle sports, The ioy joy of youth, himselfe he recomforts: Or lastly, when the bodie list to pause, His minde vnto unto the Muses he withdrawes; Sweete Ladie Muses, Ladies of delight, Delights of life, and ornaments of light: With whom he close confers with wise discourse, Of Natures workes, of heauens heavens continuall course, Of forreine lands, of people different, Of kingdomes change, of diuers divers gouernment government , Mother Hubberds Tale. His O3 Of dreadfull battailes of renowmed Knights; With which he kindleth his ambitious sprights To like desire and praise of noble fame, The onely vpshot upshot whereto he doth ayme: For all his minde on honour fixed is, To which he leuels levels all his purposis, And in his Princes seruice service spends his dayes, Not so much for to gaine, or for to raise Himselfe to high degree, as for his grace, And in his liking to winne worthie place; Through due deserts and comely carriage, In whatso please employ his personage, That may be matter meete to gaine him praise; For he is fit to vse use in all assayes, Whether for Armes and warlike amenaunce, Or else for wise and ciuill civill gouernaunce governaunce . For he is practiz’d well in policie, And thereto doth his Courting most applie: To learne the enterdeale of Princes strange, To marke th’intent of Counsells, and the change Of states, and eke of priuate private men somewhile, Supplanted by fine falshood and faire guile; Of all the which he gathereth, what is fit T’enrich the storehouse of his powerfull wit, Which through wise speaches, and graue grave conference He daylie eekes, and brings to excellence. Such is the rightfull Courtier in his kinde: But vnto unto such the Ape lent not his minde; Such were for him no fit companions, Such would descrie his lewd conditions: But the yong lustie gallants he did chose To follow, meete to whom he might disclose Mother Hubberds Tale. That His witlesse pleasance, and ill pleasing vaine. A thousand wayes he them could entertaine, With all the thriftles games, that may be found With mumming and with masking all around, With dice, with cards, with balliards farre vnfit unfit , With shuttelcocks. misseeming manlie wit, With courtizans, and costly riotize, Whereof still somewhat to his share did rize: Ne, them to pleasure, would he sometimes scorne A Pandares coate (so basely was he borne); Thereto he could fine louing loving verses frame, And play the Poet oft. But ah, for shame Let not sweete Poets praise, whose onely pride Is vertue to aduaunce advaunce , and vice deride, Be with the worke of losels wit defamed, Ne let such verses Poetrie be named: Yet he the name on him would rashly take, Maugre the sacred Muses, and it make A seruant servant to the vile affection Of such, as he depended most vpon upon , And with the sugrie sweete thereof allure Chast Ladies eares to fantasies impure. To such delights the noble wits he led Which him relieu’d reliev’d , and their vaine humours fed With fruitles follies, and vnsound unsound delights. But if perhaps into their noble sprights Desire of honor, or braue brave thought of armes Did euer ever creepe, then with his wicked charmes And strong conceipts he would it driue drive away, Ne suffer it to house there halfe a day. And whenso loue love of letters did inspire Their gentle wits, and kindly wise desire, Mother Hubberds Tale. Now That chieflie doth each noble minde adorne, Then he would scoffe at learning, and eke scorne The Sectaries thereof, as people base And simple men, which neuer never came in place Of worlds affaires, but in darke corners mewd, Muttred of matters, as their bookes them shewd, Ne other knowledge euer ever did attaine, But with their gownes their grauitie gravitie maintaine. From them he would his impudent lewde speach Against Gods holie Ministers oft reach, And mocke Diuines Divines and their profession: What else then did he by progression, But mocke high God himselfe, whom they professe? But what car’d he for God, or godlinesse? All his care was himselfe how to aduaunce advaunce , And to vphold uphold his courtly countenaunce By all the cunning meanes he could deuise devise ; Were it by honest wayes, or otherwise, He made small choyce: yet sure his honestie Got him small gaines, but shameles flatterie, And filthie brocage, and vnseemly unseemly shifts, And borowe base, and some good Ladies gifts: But the best helpe, which chiefly him sustain’d, Was his man Raynolds purchase which he gain’d. For he was school’d by kinde in all the skill Of close conueyance conveyance , and each practise ill Of coosinage and cleanly knauerie knaverie , Which oft maintain’d his masters brauerie braverie . Besides he vsde usde another slipprie slight, In taking on himselfe in common sight, False personages fit for euerie everie sted, With which he thousands cleanly coosined: Mother Hubberds Tale. Full Now like a Merchant, Merchants to deceaue deceave , With whom his credite he did often leaue leave In gage, for his gay Masters hopelesse dett: Now like a Lawyer, when he land would lett, Or sell fee-simples in his Masters name, Which he had neuer never , nor ought like the same: Then would he be a Broker, and draw in Both wares and money, by exchange to win: Then would he seeme a Farmer, that would sell Bargaines of woods, which he did lately fell, Or corne, or cattle, or such other ware, Thereby to coosin men not well aware; Of all the which there came a secret fee To th’Ape, that he his countenaunce might bee. Besides all this, he vsd’ usd’ oft to beguile Poore suters, that in Court did haunt some while: For he would learne their busines secretly, And then informe his Master hastely, That he by meanes might cast them to preuent prevent , And beg the sute, the which the other ment. Or otherwise false Reynold would abuse The simple Suter, and wish him to chuse His Master, being one of great regard In Court, to compas anie sute not hard, In case his paines were recompenst with reason: So would he worke the silly man by treason To buy his Masters friuolous frivolous good will, That had not power to doo him good or ill. So pitifull a thing is Suters state. Most miserable man, whom wicked fate Hath brought to Court, to sue for had ywist, That few haue have found, and manie one hath mist; Mother Hubberds Tale. To P Full little knowest thou that hast not tride, What hell it is, in suing long to bide: To loose good dayes, that might be better spent; To wast long nights in pensiue pensive discontent; To speed to day, to be put back to morrow; To feed on hope, to pine with feare and sorrow; To haue have thy Princes grace, yet want her Peeres; To haue have thy asking, yet waite manie yeeres; To fret thy soule with crosses and with cares; To eate thy heart through comfortlesse dispaires; To fawne, to crowche, to waite, to ride, to ronne, To spend, to giue give , to want, to be vndonne undonne . Vnhappie Unhappie wight, borne to desastrous end, That doth his life in so long tendance spend. Who euer ever leaues leaves sweete home, where meane estate In safe assurance, without strife or hate, Findes all things needfull for contentment meeke; And will to Court for shadowes vaine to seeke, Or hope to gaine, himselfe will a daw trie: That curse God send vnto unto mine enemie. For none but such as this bold Ape vnblest unblest , Can euer ever thriue thrive in that vnluckie unluckie quest; Or such as hath a Reynold to his man, That by his shifts his Master furnish can. But yet this Foxe could not so closely hide His craftie feates, but that they were descride At length, by such as sate in iustice justice seate, Who for the same him fowlie did entreate; And hauing having worthily him punished, Out of the Court for euer ever banished. And now the Ape wanting his huckster man, That wont prouide provide his necessaries, gan Mother Hubberds Tale. For To growe into great lacke, ne could vpholde upholde His countenaunce in those his garments olde; Ne new ones could he easily prouide provide , Though all men him vncased uncased gan deride, Like as a Puppit placed in a play, Whose part once past all men bid take away: So that he driuen driven was to great distresse, And shortly brought to hopelesse wretchednesse. Then closely as he might he cast to leaue leave The Court, not asking any passe or leaue leave ; But ran away in his rent rags by night, Ne euer ever stayd in place, ne spake to wight, Till that the Foxe his copesmate he had found, To whome complayning his vnhappy unhappy stound, At last againe with him in trauell travell ioynd joynd , And with him far’d some better chaunce to fynde. So in the world long time they wandered, And mickle want and hardnesse suffered; That them repented much so foolishly To come so farre to seeke for misery, And leaue leave the sweetnes of contented home, Though eating hipps, and drinking watry fome. Thus as they them complayned too and fro, Whilst through the forest rechlesse they did goe, Lo where they spide, how in a gloomy glade, The Lyon sleeping lay in secret shade, His Crowne and Scepter lying him beside, And hauing having doft for heate his dreadfull hide: Which when they sawe, the Ape was sore afrayde, And would haue have fled with terror all dismayde. But him the Foxe with hardy words did stay, And bad him put all cowardize away: Mother Hubberds Tale. And P2 For now was time (if euer ever they would hope) To ayme their counsels to the fairest scope, And them for euer ever highly to aduaunce advaunce , In case the good which their owne happie chaunce Them freely offred, they would wisely take. Scarse could the Ape yet speake, so did he quake, Yet as he could, he askt how good might growe, Where nought but dread & and death do seeme in show. Now (sayd he) whiles the Lyon sleepeth sound, May we his Crowne and Mace take from the ground, And eke his skinne the terror of the wood, Wherewith we may our selues selves (if we thinke good) Make Kings of Beasts, and Lords of forests all, Subiect Subject vnto unto that powre imperiall. Ah but (sayd the Ape) who is so bold a wretch, That dare his hardy hand to those outstretch: When as he knowes his meede, if he be spide, To be a thousand deathes, and shame beside? Fond Ape (sayd then the Foxe) into whose brest Neuer Never crept thought of honor, nor braue brave gest, Who will not venture life a King to be, And rather rule and raigne in soueraign soveraign see, Than dwell in dust inglorious and bace, Where none shall name the number of his place? One ioyous joyous houre in blisfull happines, I chose before a life of wretchednes. Be therefore counselled herein by me, And shake off this vile harted cowardree. If he awake, yet is not death the next, For we may coulor it with some pretext Of this, or that, that may excuse the cryme: Else we may flye; thou to a tree mayst clyme, Mother Hubberds Tale. That And I creepe vnder under ground; both from his reach: Therefore be rul’d to doo as I doo teach. The Ape, that earst did nought but chill and quake, Now gan some courage vnto unto him to take, And was content to attempt that enterprise, Tickled with glorie and rash couetise covetise . But first gan question, whither should assay Those royall ornaments to steale away? Marie that shall your selfe (quoth he theretoo) For ye be fine and nimble it to doo; Of all the beasts which in the forrests bee, Is not a fitter for this turne than yee: Therefore, mine owne deare brother take good hart, And euer ever thinke a Kingdome is your part. Loath was the Ape, though praised, to aduenter adventer , Yet faintly gan into his worke to enter, Afraid of euerie everie leafe, that stir’d him by, And euerie everie stick, that vnderneath underneath did ly; Vpon Upon his tiptoes nicely he vp up went, For making noyse, and still his eare he lent To euerie everie sound, that vnder under heauen heaven blew, Now wẽt went , now stept, now crept, now backward drew, That it good sport had been him to haue have eyde: Yet at the last (so well he him applyde,) applyde), Through his fine handling, and cleanly play, He all those royall signes had stolne away, And with the Foxes helpe them borne aside, Into a secret corner vnespide unespide . Whether whenas they came, they fell at words, Whether of them should be the Lord of Lords: For th’Ape was stryfull, and ambicious; And the Foxe guilefull, and most couetous covetous , Mother Hubberds Tale. And P3 That neither pleased was, to haue have the rayne Twixt them diuided divided into euen even twaine, But either (algates) would be Lords alone: For Loue Love and Lordship bide no paragone. I am most worthie (said the Ape) sith I For it did put my life in ieopardie jeopardie : Thereto I am in person, and in stature Most like a man, the Lord of euerie everie creature; So that it seemeth I was made to raigne, And borne to be a Kingly soueraigne soveraigne . Nay (said the Foxe) Sir Ape you are astray: For though to steale the Diademe away Were the worke of your nimble hand, yet I Did first deuise devise the plot by pollicie; So that it wholly springeth from my wit: For which also I claime my selfe more fit Than you, to rule: for gouernment government of state Will without wisedome soone be ruinate. And where ye claime your selfe for outward shape Most like a man, Man is not like an Ape In his chiefe parts, that is, in wit and spirite; But I therein most like to him doo merite For my slie wyles and subtill craftinesse, The title of the Kingdome to possesse. Nath’les (my brother) since we passed are Vnto Unto this point, we will appease our iarre jarre , And I with reason meete will rest content, That ye shall haue have both crowne and gouernment government , Vpon Upon condition, that ye ruled bee In all affaires, and counselled by mee; And that ye let none other euer ever drawe Your minde from me, but keepe this as a lawe: Mother Hubberds Tale. He And herevpon hereupon an oath vnto unto me plight. The Ape was glad to end the strife so light, And thereto swore: for who would not oft sweare, And oft vnsweare unsweare a Diademe to beare? Then freely vp up those royall spoyles he tooke, Yet at the Lyons skin he inly quooke; But it dissembled, and vpon upon his head The Crowne, and on his backe the skin he did, And the false Foxe him helped to array. Then when he was all dight he tooke his way Into the forest, that he might be seene Of the wilde beasts in his new glory sheene. There the two first, whome he encountred, were The Sheepe and th’Asse, who striken both with feare At sight of him, gan fast away to flye, But vnto unto them the Foxe alowd did cry, And in the Kings name bad them both to stay, Vpon Upon the payne that thereof follow may. Hardly naythles were they restrayned so, Till that the Foxe forth toward them did goe, And there disswaded them from needlesse feare, For that the King did fauour favour to them beare; And therefore dreadles bad them come to Corte: For no wild beasts should do them any torte There or abroad, ne would his maiestye majestye Vse Use them but well, with gracious clemencye, As whome he knew to him both fast and true; So he perswaded them, with homage due Themselues Themselves to humble to the Ape prostrate, Who gently to them bowing in his gate, Receyued Receyved them with chearefull entertayne. Thenceforth proceeding with his princely trayne, Mother Hubberds Tale. Of He shortly met the Tygre, and the Bore, Which with the simple Camell raged sore In bitter words, seeking to take occasion, Vpon Upon his fleshly corpse to make inuasion invasion : But soone as they this mock-King did espy, Their troublous strife they stinted by and by, Thinking indeed that it the Lyon was: He then to proue prove , whether his powre would pas As currant, sent the Foxe to them streight way, Commaunding them their cause of strife bewray; And if that wrong on eyther side there were, That he should warne the wronger to appeare The morrow next at Court, it to defend; In the meane time vpon upon the King t’attend. The subtile Foxe so well his message sayd, That the proud beasts him readily obayd: Whereby the Ape in wondrous stomack woxe, Strongly encorag’d by the crafty Foxe; That King indeed himselfe he shortly thought, And all the Beasts him feared as they ought: And followed vnto unto his palaice hye, Where taking Couge, each one by and by Departed to his home in dreadfull awe, Full of the feared sight, which late they sawe. The Ape thus seized of the Regall throne, Eftsones by counsell of the Foxe alone, Gan to prouide provide for all things in assurance, That so his rule might lenger haue have endurance. First to his Gate he pointed a strong gard, That none might enter but with issue hard: Then for the safegard of his personage, He did appoint a warlike equipage Mother Hubberds Tale. He Of forreine beasts, not in the forest bred, But part by land, and part by water fed; For tyrannie is with strange ayde supported. Then vnto unto him all monstrous beasts resorted Bred of two kindes, as Griffons, Minotaures, Crocodiles, Dragons, Beauers Beavers , and Centaures: With those himselfe he strengthned mightelie, That feare he neede no force of enemie. Then gan he rule and tyrannize at will, Like as the Foxe did guide his graceles skill, And all wylde beasts made vassals of his pleasures, And with their spoyles enlarg’d his priuate private treasures. No care of iustice justice , nor no rule of reason, No temperance, nor no regard of season Did thenceforth euer ever enter in his minde, But crueltie, the signe of currish kinde, And sdeignfull pride, and wilfull arrogaunce; Such followes those whom fortune doth aduaunce advaunce . But the false Foxe most kindly plaid his part: For whatsoeuer whatsoever mother wit, or arte Could worke, he put in proofe: no practise slie, No counterpoint of cunning policie, No reach, no breach, that might him profit bring, But he the same did to his purpose wring. Nought suffered he the Ape to giue give or graunt, But through his hand must passe the Fiaunt. All offices, all leases by him lept, And of them all whatso he likte, he kept. Iustice Justice he solde iniustice injustice for to buy, And for to purchase for his progeny. Ill might it prosper, that ill gotten was, But so he got it, little did he pas. Mother Hubberds Tale. But Q He fed his cubs with fat of all the soyle, And with the sweete of others sweating toyle, He crammed them with crumbs of Benefices, And fild their mouthes with meeds of malefices, He cloathed them with all colours saue save white, And loded them with lordships and with might, So much as they were able well to beare, That with the weight their backs nigh broken were; He chaffred Chayres in which Churchmen were set, And breach of lawes to priuie privie ferme did let; No statute so established might bee, Nor ordinaunce so needfull, but that hee Would violate, though not with violence, Yet vnder under colour of the confidence The which the Ape reposd’ in him alone, And reckned him the kingdomes corner stone. And euer ever when he ought would bring to pas, His long experience the platforme was: And when he ought not pleasing would put by, The cloke was care of thrift, and husbandry, For to encrease the common treasures store; But his owne treasure he encreased more And lifted vp up his loftie towres thereby, That they began to threat the neighbour sky; The whiles the Princes pallaces fell fast To ruine: (for what thing can euer ever last?) last)? And whilest the other Peeres, for pouertie povertie Were forst their auncient houses to let lie, And their olde Castles to the ground to fall, Which their forefathers famous ouer over all Had founded for the Kingdomes ornament, And for their memories long moniment. Mother Hubberds Tale. He But he no count made of Nobilitie, Nor the wilde beasts whom armes did glorifie, The Realmes chiefe strength & and girlõd girlond of the crowne. All these through fained crimes he thrust adowne, Or made them dwell in darknes of disgrace: For none, but whom he list might come in place. Of men of armes he had but small regard, But kept them lowe, and streigned verie hard. For men of learning little he esteemed; His wisedome he aboue above their learning deemed. As for the rascall Commons least he cared; For not so common was his bountie shared; Let God (said he) if please, care for the manie, I for my selfe must care before els anie: So did he good to none, to manie ill, So did he all the kingdome rob and pill, Yet none durst speake, ne none durst of him plaine; So great he was in grace, and rich through gaine. Ne would he anie let to haue have accesse Vnto Unto the Prince, but by his owne addresse: For all that els did come, were sure to faile, Yet would he further none but for auaile availe . For on a time the Sheepe, to whom of yore The Foxe had promised of friendship store, What time the Ape the kingdome first did gaine, Came to the Court, her case there to complaine, How that the Wolfe her mortall enemie Had sithence slaine her Lambe most cruellie; And therefore crau’d crav’d to come vnto unto the King, To let him knowe the order of the thing. Soft Gooddie Sheepe (then said the Foxe) not soe: Vnto Unto the King so rash ye may not goe, Mother Hubberds Tale. And Q2 He is with greater matter busied, Than a Lambe, or the Lambes owne mothers hed. Ne certes may I take it well in part, That ye my cousin Wolfe so fowly thwart, And seeke with slaunder his good name to blot: For there was cause, els doo it he would not. Therefore surcease good Dame, and hence depart. So went the Sheepe away with heauie heavie hart. So manie moe, so euerie everie one was vsed used , That to giue give largely to the boxe refused. Now when high Ioue Jove , in whose almightie hand The care of Kings, and power of Empires stand, Sitting one day within his turret hye, From whence he vewes with his blacklidded eye, Whatso the heauen heaven in his wide vawte containes, And all that in the deepest earth remaines, And troubled kingdome of wilde beasts behelde, Whom not their kindly Souereigne Sovereigne did welde, But an vsurping usurping Ape with guile suborn’d, Had all subuerst subverst , he sdeignfully it scorn’d In his great heart, and hardly did refraine, But that with thunder bolts he had him slaine, And driuen driven downe to hell, his dewest meed: But him auizing, he that dreadfull deed Forbore, and rather chose with scornfull shame Him to auenge avenge , and blot his brutish name Vnto Unto the world, that neuer never after anie Should of his race be voyd of infamie: And his false counsellor, the cause of all, To damne to death, or dole perpetuall, From whence he neuer never should be quit, nor stal’d. Forthwith he Mercurie vnto unto him cal’d, Mother Hubberds Tale. Tho And bad him flie with neuer never resting speed Vnto Unto the forrest, where wilde beasts doo breed, And there enquiring priuily privily , to learne, What did of late chaunce to the Lyon stearne, That he rul’d not the Empire, as he ought; And whence were all those plaints vnto unto him brought Of wrongs and spoyles, by saluage salvage beasts committed; Which done, he bad the Lyon be remitted Into his seate, and those same treachours vile Be punished for their presumptuous guile. The Sonne of Maia soone as he receiu’d receiv’d That word, streight with his azure wings he cleau’d cleav’d The liquid clowdes, and lucid firmament; Ne staid, till that he came with steep descent Vnto Unto the place, where his prescript did showe. There stouping like an arrowe from a bowe, He soft arriued arrived on the grassie plaine, And fairly paced forth with easie paine, Till that vnto unto the Pallace nigh he came. Then gan he to himselfe new shape to frame, And that faire face, and that Ambrosiall hew, Which wonts to decke the Gods immortall crew, And beautefie the shinie firmament, He dost, vnfit unfit for that rude rabblement. So standing by the gates in strange disguize, He gan enquire of some in secret wize, Both of the King, and of his gouernment government , And of the Foxe, and his false blandishment: And euermore evermore he heard each one complaine Of foule abuses both in realme and raine. Which yet to proue prove more true, he meant to see, And an ey-witnes of each thing to bee. Mother Hubberds Tale. Besides Q3 Tho on his head his dreadfull hat he dight, Which maketh him inuisible invisible in sight, And mocketh th’eyes of all the lookers on, Making them thinke it but a vision. Through power of that, he runnes through enemies (swerds; Through power of that, he passeth through the herds Of rauenous ravenous wilde beasts, and doth beguile Their greedie mouthes of the expected spoyle; Through power of that, his cunning theeueries theeveries He wonts to worke, that none the same espies; And through the power of that, he putteth on, What shape he list in apparition. That on his head he wore, and in his hand He tooke Caduceus his snakie wand, With which the damned ghosts he gouerneth governeth , And furies rules, and Tartare tempereth. With that he causeth sleep to seize the eyes, And feare the harts of all his enemyes; And when him list, an vniuersall universall night Throughout the world he makes on euerie everie wight; As when his Syre with Alcumena lay. Thus dight, into the Court he tooke his way, Both through the gard, which neuer never him descride, And through the watchmen, who him neuer never spide: Thenceforth he past into each secrete part, Whereas he saw, that sorely grieu’d griev’d his hart; Each place abounding with fowle iniuries injuries , And fild with treasure rackt with robberies: Each place defilde with blood of guiltles beasts, Which had been slaine, to serue serve the Apes beheasts; Gluttonie, malice, pride, and couetize covetize , And lawlesnes raigning with riotize; Mother Hubberds Tale. With Besides the infinite extortions, Done through the Foxes great oppressions, That the complaints thereof could not be tolde. Which when he did with lothfull eyes beholde, He would no more endure, but came his way, And cast to seeke the Lion, where he may, That he might worke the auengement avengement for this shame, On those two caytiues caytives , which had bred him blame. And seeking all the forrest busily, At last he found, where sleeping he did ly: The wicked weed, which there the Foxe did lay, From vnderneath underneath his head he tooke away, And then him waking, forced vp up to rize. The Lion looking vp up gan him auize avize , As one late in a traunce, what had of long Become of him: for fantasie is strong. Arise (said Mercurie) thou sluggish beast, That here liest senseles, like the corpse deceast, The whilste thy kingdome from thy head is rent, And thy throne royall with dishonour blent: Arise, and doo thy selfe redeeme from shame, And be aueng’d aveng’d on those that breed thy blame. Thereat enraged, soone he gan vpstart upstart , Grinding his teeth, and grating his great hart, And rouzing vp up himselfe, for his rough hide He gan to reach; but no where it espide. Therewith he gan full terribly to rore, And chafte at that indignitie right sore. But when his Crowne and scepter both he wanted, Lord how he fum’d, and sweld, and rag’d, and panted; And threatned death, & and thousand deadly dolours To them that had purloyn’d his Princely honours. Mother Hubberds Tale. Yet With that in hast, disroabed as he was, He toward his owne Pallace forth did pas; And all the way he roared as he went, That all the forrest with astonishment Thereof did tremble, and the beasts therein Fled fast away from that so dreadfull din. At last he came vnto unto his mansion, Where all the gates he found fast lockt anon, And manie warders round about them stood: With that he roar’d alowd, as he were wood, That all the Pallace quaked at the stound, As if it quite were riuen riven from the ground, And all within were dead and hartles left; And th’Ape himselfe, as one whose wits were reft, Fled here and there, and euerie everie corner sought, To hide himselfe from his owne feared thought. But the false Foxe when he the Lion heard, Fled closely forth, streightway of death afeard, And to the Lion came, full lowly creeping, With fained face, and watrie eyne halfe weeping, T’excuse his former treason and abusion. And turning all vnto unto the Apes confusion: Nath’les the royall Beast forbore beleeuing beleeving , But bad him stay at ease till further preeuing preeving . Then when he saw no entrance to him graunted, Roaring yet lowder that all harts it daunted, Vpon Upon those gates with force he fiercely flewe, And rending them in pieces, felly slewe Those warders strange, and all that els he met. But th’Ape still flying, he no where might get: From rowme to rowme, from beame to beame he fled All breathles, and for feare now almost ded: Mother Hubberds Tale. Yet him at last the Lyon spide, and caught, And forth with shame vnto unto his iudgement judgement brought. Then all the beasts he causd’ assembled bee, To heare their doome, and sad ensample see: The Foxe, first Author of that treacherie, He did vncase uncase , and then away let flie. But th’Apes long taile (which then he had) he quight Cut off, and both eares pared of their hight; Since which, all Apes but halfe their eares haue have left, And of their tailes are vtterlie utterlie bereft. So Mother Hubberd her discourse did end: Which pardon me, if I amisse haue have pend, For weake was my remembrance it to hold, And bad her tongue that it so bluntly tolde. FINIS.