Coat of Arms of the printer, Richard Pynson.
Venerandissimo in Christo Patri ac Domino: domino Thome Cornisshe Tenenensis pontifici ac diocesis Badonensis Suffraganio vigilantissimo, sue paternitatis Capellanus humilimus Alexander Barclay suiipsius recommendacionem cum omni summissione, et reuerentia.
Tametsi crebris negocijs: varioque impedimentorum genere fatigatus paulo diutiùs quàm volueram a studio reuulsus eram. Attamen obseruandissime presul: Stultiferam classem (vt sum tue paternati pollicitus) iam tandem absolui et impressam ad te destinaui. Neque tamen certum laborem pro incerto premio (humano. s.) meis impossuissem humeris: nisi Seruianum illud dictum (longe anteaqam inceperam) admonuisset. Satius esse non incipere quàm inceptum minus perfectum relinquere. Completo tamen opere: nec quemquam magis dignum quàm tua sit paternitas existimaui cui id dedicarem: tum quia saluberrima tua prudentia, morum grauitas, vite sanctitas doctrineque assiduitas: errantes fatuos mumdanis ab illecebris ad virtutis tramites: difficiles licet: possint reducere: tum vero: quia sacros ad ordines per te sublimatus et promotus, multisque aliis tuis beneficiis ditatus non potui tibi meum obsequium non coartare. Opus igitur tue paternitati dedicaui: meorum primicias laborum qui in lucem eruperunt Atque vt tua consuluerit paternatis: autoris carmina cum meis vulgaribus rithmicis vná alternatim coniunixi: et quantum a vero carminum sensu errauerim, tue autoritatis iudicium erit. Fateor equidem multo plura adiecisse quam ademisse: partim ad vicia que hac nostra in regione abundantius pullulant mordacius carpenda: partimque ob Rithmi difficultatem. Adieci etiam quasdam Biblie aliorumque autorum concordancias in margine notatas quo singula magis lectoribus illucescant: Simul ad inuidorum caninos latratus pacandos: et rabida ora obstruenda: qui vbi quid facinorum: quo ipsi scatent: reprehensum audierint. continuo patulo gutture liuida euomunt dicta, scripta dilacerant. digna scombris ac thus carmina recensent: sed hi si pergant maledicere: vt stultiuagi comites classem insiliant. At tu venerande Presul Discipuli tui exiguum munusculum: hilari fronte accipito, Classemque nostram (si quid vagum, si quid erronium: si quid denique superfluum emineat: optimam in partem interpretando: ab inuidorum faucibus: tue autoritatis clipeo tucaris. Vale. Ex Impressoria officina Richardi Pynson. iij. Idus Decembris.
¶ This present Boke named the Shyp of folys of the worlde was translated in the College of saynt mary Otery in the counte of Deuonshyre: out of Laten, French, and Doche into Englysshe tonge by Alexander Barclay Preste: and at that tyme Chaplen in the sayde College. translated the yere of our Lorde god. M.ccccc.viii. Imprentyd in the Cyte of London in Fletestre at the signe of Saynt George. By Rycharde Pynson to hys Coste and charge: Ended the yere of our Sauiour. M. d. ix. The. xiiii. day of December.
¶ THE REGYSTER OR TABLE OF THIS PRESENT BOKE IN ENGLYSSHE.
¶Alexander Barclay excusynge the rudenes of his translacion, yefirst lefe Barclay yetranslatour to yefolys.
A prologe in prose shewynge to what intent this Boke was firste made, & who were the first Auctours of it.
Another Prologe: in Balade concernyng the same.
In what place this Boke was translate and to what purpose it was translatyd.
¶Here begynneth the Folys and firste of inprofytable bokys.
¶Of euyll Counsellours Juges & men of lawe.
Of couetyse and prodigalyte.
Of newe disgysynges in apparayle.
¶A lawde of the nobles and grauyte of Kynge Henry the eyght.
Of olde Folys encresynge foly with age.
Of negligent Fathers ayenst their Children.
Of taleberers: & mouers of debate.
Of nat folowers of good counsel.
Of vngoodly maners, and dysordred.
Of the hurtynge of frendshyp.
Of dispysers of holy scripture.
Of folys inprouydent.
Of disordred & venerious loue.
Of them that synne trustynge vpon the mercy of almyghty god.
Of folys ytbegyn great byldynge without sufficient prouysion.
Of glotons, and droncardes.
Of ryches vnprofytable.
Of folys that wyl serue two lordes both togyther.
Of superflue speche.
Of them that correct other, them self culpable in the same faut.
Of folys that fynde others good, nat restorynge the same to the owner.
¶The sermon or doctryne of wysdom.
Of Folys bostyng them in fortune.
Of the superflue curyosyte of men.
Of great borowers, & slacke payers.
Of vnprofitable vowers & peticions.
Of negligent stodyers.
Of them that folvsshly speke ayenst the workes of god.
Of lewde Juges of others dedes.
Of pluralytees of benefyces.
Of synners that prolonge from daye to day to amende theyr myslyuyng.
Of men that ar Jelous.
Of auoutry, and specially of suche as ar bawdes to theyr wyues.
Of suche as nedys wyll contynue in theyr foly nat withstandynge holsom erudicion.
An addicion of the secundaries of Otery saynt Mary, in Deuynshyre.
Of wrathfull folys.
Of the mutabylyte of fortune.
Of seke men inobedient.
Of to open councellers.
Of folys that can nat be ware by yemysfortune nor take example of others damage.
Of folys that force or care for the bacbytynge of lewde people.
Of mockers and fals accusers.
Of them that despyse euerlastynge blys for worldly thynges & transitory.
Of talkers and makers of noyse in the Chirche of god.
Of folys that put them self in wylful ieopardy and peryll.
Of the way of felycyte, and godnes and the payne to come to synners.
Of olde folys ytgyue example of vyce to youth negligent & vnexpert.
Of bodely lust or corporall voluptuosyte.
Of folys that can nat kepe secrete theyr owne counsell.
Of yonge folys that take olde wymen to theyr wyues nat for loue but for ryches.
Of enuyous Folys.
Of impacient folys disdaynynge to abyde and suffer correccion, for theyr profyte.
Of folysshe Fesicians vsynge theyr practyke without speculacyon.
Of the ende of worldly honour & power and of folys yttrust in them.
An addicion of Alexander barclay.
Of predestinacyon.
Of folys that aply other mennys besynes leuynge theyr owne vndone.
Of the vyce of ingratytude or vnkyndnes and folys that vse it.
Of Folys that stande to moche in theyr owne conceyte.
Of folys that delyte them in daunsynge.
Of nyght watchers.
Of the vanyte of beggers.
The ship of fools.
Go Boke: abasshe the thy rudenes to present.To men auaunced to worshyp, and honour.By byrthe or fortune: or to men eloquent.By thy submyssion excuse thy Translatour.But whan I remember the comon behauourOf men: I thynke thou ought to quake for fereOf tunges enuyous whose venym may the dereTremble, fere, and quake, thou ought I say agayne.For to the Redar thou shewest by euydenceThy selfe of Rethoryke pryuate and barayneIn speche superflue: and fruteles of sentence.Thou playnly blamest without al differenceBothe hye and lowe sparinge eche mannes name.Therfore no maruayle thoughe many do the blame.But if thou fortune to lye before a StateAs Kynge or Prince or Lordes great or smal.Or doctour diuyne or other GraduateBe this thy Excuse to content theyr mynde withalMy speche is rude my termes comon and ruralAnd I for rude peple moche more conuenient.Than for Estates, lerned men, or eloquent.But of this one poynt thou nedest not to fereThat any goode man: vertuous and Just.Wyth his yl speche shal the hurt or dere.But the defende. As I suppose and trust.But suche Unthriftes as sue theyr carnal lustWhome thou for vyce dost sharply rebuke and blameShal the dysprayse: emperisshinge thy name.
Go Boke: abasshe the thy rudenes to present.To men auaunced to worshyp, and honour.By byrthe or fortune: or to men eloquent.By thy submyssion excuse thy Translatour.But whan I remember the comon behauourOf men: I thynke thou ought to quake for fereOf tunges enuyous whose venym may the dere
Go Boke: abasshe the thy rudenes to present.
To men auaunced to worshyp, and honour.
By byrthe or fortune: or to men eloquent.
By thy submyssion excuse thy Translatour.
But whan I remember the comon behauour
Of men: I thynke thou ought to quake for fere
Of tunges enuyous whose venym may the dere
Tremble, fere, and quake, thou ought I say agayne.For to the Redar thou shewest by euydenceThy selfe of Rethoryke pryuate and barayneIn speche superflue: and fruteles of sentence.Thou playnly blamest without al differenceBothe hye and lowe sparinge eche mannes name.Therfore no maruayle thoughe many do the blame.
Tremble, fere, and quake, thou ought I say agayne.
For to the Redar thou shewest by euydence
Thy selfe of Rethoryke pryuate and barayne
In speche superflue: and fruteles of sentence.
Thou playnly blamest without al difference
Bothe hye and lowe sparinge eche mannes name.
Therfore no maruayle thoughe many do the blame.
But if thou fortune to lye before a StateAs Kynge or Prince or Lordes great or smal.Or doctour diuyne or other GraduateBe this thy Excuse to content theyr mynde withalMy speche is rude my termes comon and ruralAnd I for rude peple moche more conuenient.Than for Estates, lerned men, or eloquent.
But if thou fortune to lye before a State
As Kynge or Prince or Lordes great or smal.
Or doctour diuyne or other Graduate
Be this thy Excuse to content theyr mynde withal
My speche is rude my termes comon and rural
And I for rude peple moche more conuenient.
Than for Estates, lerned men, or eloquent.
But of this one poynt thou nedest not to fereThat any goode man: vertuous and Just.Wyth his yl speche shal the hurt or dere.But the defende. As I suppose and trust.But suche Unthriftes as sue theyr carnal lustWhome thou for vyce dost sharply rebuke and blameShal the dysprayse: emperisshinge thy name.
But of this one poynt thou nedest not to fere
That any goode man: vertuous and Just.
Wyth his yl speche shal the hurt or dere.
But the defende. As I suppose and trust.
But suche Unthriftes as sue theyr carnal lust
Whome thou for vyce dost sharply rebuke and blame
Shal the dysprayse: emperisshinge thy name.
But ye that shal rede this boke: I you exhorte.And you that ar herars therof also I prayWhere as ye knowe that ye be of this sorte:Amende your lyfe and expelle that vyce away.Slomber nat in syn. Amende you whyle ye may.And yf ye so do and ensue Vertue and grace.Wythin my Shyp ye get no rowme ne place.
But ye that shal rede this boke: I you exhorte.And you that ar herars therof also I prayWhere as ye knowe that ye be of this sorte:Amende your lyfe and expelle that vyce away.Slomber nat in syn. Amende you whyle ye may.And yf ye so do and ensue Vertue and grace.Wythin my Shyp ye get no rowme ne place.
But ye that shal rede this boke: I you exhorte.
And you that ar herars therof also I pray
Where as ye knowe that ye be of this sorte:
Amende your lyfe and expelle that vyce away.
Slomber nat in syn. Amende you whyle ye may.
And yf ye so do and ensue Vertue and grace.
Wythin my Shyp ye get no rowme ne place.
To Shyp galantes the se is at the ful.The wynde vs calleth our sayles ar displayed.Where may we best aryue? at Lyn or els at Hulle?To vs may no hauen in Englonde be denayd.Why tary we? the Ankers ar vp wayed.If any corde or Cabyl vs hurt, let outher hynder.Let slyp the ende, or els hewe it in sonder.Retourne your syght beholde vnto the shore.There is great nomber that fayne wold be aborde.They get no rowme our Shyp can holde no more.Haws in the Cocke gyue them none other worde.God gyde vs from Rockes, quicsonde tempest and fordeIf any man of warre, wether, or wynde apere.My selfe shal trye the wynde and kepe the Stere.But I pray you reders haue ye no dysdayne.Thoughe Barclay haue presumed of audaciteThis Shyp to rule as chefe mayster and Captayne.Though some thynke them selfe moche worthyer than he.It were great maruayle forsoth syth he hath be.A scoler longe: and that in dyuers scolesBut he myght be Captayne of a Shyp of FolesBut if that any one be in suche maner case.That he wyl chalange the maystershyp fro meYet in my Shyp can I nat want a place.For in euery place my selfe I oft may se.But this I leue besechynge eche degre:To pardon my youthe and to bolde interprise.For harde is it duely to speke of euery vyce.For yf I had tunges an hundreth: and wyt to feleAl thinges natural and supernaturallA thousand mouthes: and voyce as harde as stele.And sene all the seuen Sciences lyberal.Yet cowde I neuer touche the vyces all.And syn of the worlde: ne theyr braunches comprehende:Nat thoughe I lyued vnto the worldes ende.But if these vyces whiche mankynde doth incomber.Were clene expellyd and vertue in theyr place.I cowde nat haue gathered of fowles so great a nomber.Whose foly from them out chaseth goddys grace.But euery man that knowes hym in that caseTo this rude Boke let hym gladly intende.And lerne the way his lewdnes to amende.
To Shyp galantes the se is at the ful.The wynde vs calleth our sayles ar displayed.Where may we best aryue? at Lyn or els at Hulle?To vs may no hauen in Englonde be denayd.Why tary we? the Ankers ar vp wayed.If any corde or Cabyl vs hurt, let outher hynder.Let slyp the ende, or els hewe it in sonder.
To Shyp galantes the se is at the ful.
The wynde vs calleth our sayles ar displayed.
Where may we best aryue? at Lyn or els at Hulle?
To vs may no hauen in Englonde be denayd.
Why tary we? the Ankers ar vp wayed.
If any corde or Cabyl vs hurt, let outher hynder.
Let slyp the ende, or els hewe it in sonder.
Retourne your syght beholde vnto the shore.There is great nomber that fayne wold be aborde.They get no rowme our Shyp can holde no more.Haws in the Cocke gyue them none other worde.God gyde vs from Rockes, quicsonde tempest and fordeIf any man of warre, wether, or wynde apere.My selfe shal trye the wynde and kepe the Stere.
Retourne your syght beholde vnto the shore.
There is great nomber that fayne wold be aborde.
They get no rowme our Shyp can holde no more.
Haws in the Cocke gyue them none other worde.
God gyde vs from Rockes, quicsonde tempest and forde
If any man of warre, wether, or wynde apere.
My selfe shal trye the wynde and kepe the Stere.
But I pray you reders haue ye no dysdayne.Thoughe Barclay haue presumed of audaciteThis Shyp to rule as chefe mayster and Captayne.Though some thynke them selfe moche worthyer than he.It were great maruayle forsoth syth he hath be.A scoler longe: and that in dyuers scolesBut he myght be Captayne of a Shyp of Foles
But I pray you reders haue ye no dysdayne.
Thoughe Barclay haue presumed of audacite
This Shyp to rule as chefe mayster and Captayne.
Though some thynke them selfe moche worthyer than he.
It were great maruayle forsoth syth he hath be.
A scoler longe: and that in dyuers scoles
But he myght be Captayne of a Shyp of Foles
But if that any one be in suche maner case.That he wyl chalange the maystershyp fro meYet in my Shyp can I nat want a place.For in euery place my selfe I oft may se.But this I leue besechynge eche degre:To pardon my youthe and to bolde interprise.For harde is it duely to speke of euery vyce.
But if that any one be in suche maner case.
That he wyl chalange the maystershyp fro me
Yet in my Shyp can I nat want a place.
For in euery place my selfe I oft may se.
But this I leue besechynge eche degre:
To pardon my youthe and to bolde interprise.
For harde is it duely to speke of euery vyce.
For yf I had tunges an hundreth: and wyt to feleAl thinges natural and supernaturallA thousand mouthes: and voyce as harde as stele.And sene all the seuen Sciences lyberal.Yet cowde I neuer touche the vyces all.And syn of the worlde: ne theyr braunches comprehende:Nat thoughe I lyued vnto the worldes ende.
For yf I had tunges an hundreth: and wyt to fele
Al thinges natural and supernaturall
A thousand mouthes: and voyce as harde as stele.
And sene all the seuen Sciences lyberal.
Yet cowde I neuer touche the vyces all.
And syn of the worlde: ne theyr braunches comprehende:
Nat thoughe I lyued vnto the worldes ende.
But if these vyces whiche mankynde doth incomber.Were clene expellyd and vertue in theyr place.I cowde nat haue gathered of fowles so great a nomber.Whose foly from them out chaseth goddys grace.But euery man that knowes hym in that caseTo this rude Boke let hym gladly intende.And lerne the way his lewdnes to amende.
But if these vyces whiche mankynde doth incomber.
Were clene expellyd and vertue in theyr place.
I cowde nat haue gathered of fowles so great a nomber.
Whose foly from them out chaseth goddys grace.
But euery man that knowes hym in that case
To this rude Boke let hym gladly intende.
And lerne the way his lewdnes to amende.
After that I haue longe mused by my self of the sore confounded and vncertayne cours of mannys lyfe, and thinges therto belonginge: at the last I haue by my vigilant meditacion found and noted many degrees of errours: wherby mankynd wandreth from the way of trouth I haue also noted that many wyse men and wel lettred haue writen right fruteful doctrines: wherby they haue heled these dyseses and intollerable perturbacions of the mynde: and the goostly woundes therof, moche better than Esculapius which was fyrst Inuentour of Phesyke and amonge the Gentyles worshypped as a God. In the contrey of Grece were stodyes fyrst founded and ordeyned in the which began and sprange holsom medicyne which gaue vnto infect myndes frutful doctryne and norisshinge. Amonge whome Socrates that great begynner and honourer of wysdom began to dispute of ye maners of men. But for that he coude nat fynde certayne ende of goodnes and hyest felicite in naturall thinges: nor induce men to the same, he gaue the hye contemplacions of his mynde to moral vertues. And in so moche passed he al other in Philosophy moral that it was sayde that he called Philosophy down from the Imperial heuen. whan this Socrates perceyued the mindes of men to be prone, and extremely inclyned to viciousnes he had gret affeccion to subdue suche maners. Wherfore in comon places of the Cyte of Athenes he instruct and infourmed the peple in such doctrynes as compasith the clere and immaculate welles of the moste excellent and souerayne gode. After the disces of Socrates succeded ye godly Plato whiche in moral Philosophy ouerpassed also a great part of his tyme And certaynly nat without a cause was he called godly. For by what stody myght be more holely or better socour mankynde than by suche doctrynes as he gaue. He wrote and ordeyned lawes moste egal and iust He edityed vnto the Grekes a comon welthe stable, quyet and commendable. And ordeyned the societe and company of them most iocund and amyable. He prepared a brydel to refrayne the lust and sensualyte of the body. And fynally he changed the yl ignorance feblenes and negligence of youth vnto dylygence, strength and vertue. In tyme also of these Phylosophers sprange the florisshynge age of Poetes: whiche amonge lettred men had nat smal rowme and place. And that for theyr eloquent Retoryke and also for theyr mery ficcions and inuencions. Of the whiche Poetes some wrote in moste ornate termes in ditees heroycal wherin the noble actes and lyues both of dyuyne and humayne creatures ar wont to be noted and writem. Some wrote of tylling of the grounde. Some of the Planetes, of the courses of ye sterres: and of the mouynge of the heuyn and fyrmament. Some of the Empyre and shameful subieccion of disordred loue. And many other of the myserable ruyne and fal of Kynges and princes for vice: as Tragedies. And some other wrote Comedyes with great libertye of speche: which Comedies we cal Interludes. Amonge whome Aristophanes Eupolis and Cratinus mooste laudable Poetes passed al other. For whan they sawe the youth of Athenes and of al the remanent of Grece inclyned to al ylles they toke occasion to note suche myslyuinge. And so in playne wordes they repreued without fauour the vyces of the sayd yl disposyd peple of what condicion or order they were: Of this auncient wrytinge of Comedyes our laten Poetes deuysed a maner of wrytinge nat inelegant. And fyrst Lucilius composed one Satyre in the whiche he wrote by name the vices of certayne princes and Citezyns of Rome And that with many bourdes so ytwith his mery speche myxt with rebukes he correct al them of the cyte that disordredly lyued. But this mery speche vsed he nat in his writing to the intent to excercyse wanton wordes or vnrefrayned lascyuyte, or to put his pleasour in suche dissolute langage: but to ye intent to quenche vyces and to prouoke the commons to wysdome and vertue, and to be asshamed of theyr foly and excessyfe lyuynge. of hym all the Latyn poetes haue takyn example, and begynnynge to wryte Satyrs whiche the grekes named Comedyes: As Fabius specifyeth in his X boke of institucions. After Lucilius succeded Horacius, moche more eloquent in wrytynge whiche in the same deseruyd great laude: Persius also left to vs onely one boke by the whiche he commyttyd his name and laude to perpetuall memory. The last and prynce of all was Juuenall whiche in his iocunde poemys comprehendyd al that was wryten most eloquent and pleasaunt of all the poetis of that sorte afore his tyme: O noble men, and diligent hertes and myndes, o laudable maners and tymes, these worthy men exyled ydelnes, wherby they haue obtayned nat small worshyp and great commodyte example and doctryne lefte to vs theyr posteryours why begyn we nat to vnderstonde and perceyue. Why worshyp nat the people of our tyme these poetis why do nat they reuerence to ye interpretours of them do they nat vnderstonde: that no poetes wryte, but outher theyr mynde is to do pleasure or els profyte to the reder, or ellys they togyther wyll doo bothe profyte and pleasoure why are they dyspysed of many rude carters of nowe a dayes which vnderstonde nat them, And for lacke of them haue nat latyn to vtter and expresse ye wyl of their mynde. Se whether poetes ar to be dispised. they laude vertue and hym that vseth it rebukyng vices with the vsers therof, They teche what is good and what is euyll: to what ende vyce, and what ende vertue bringeth vs, and do nat Poetis reuyle and sharply byte in their poemys all suche as ar vnmeke, Prowde, Couetous, Lecherous, Wanton, delycyous, Wrathfull glotons, wasters, Enuyours, Enchauntours, faythebrakers, rasshe, vnauysed, malapert, drunken, vntaught foles, and suche lyke. Shulde theyr writyng that suche thinges disprayse and reuyle be dyspised of many blynde Dotardes ytnowe lyue whiche enuy that any man shulde haue or vnderstonde ye thyng whiche they knowe nat. The Poetes also wyth great lawdes commende and exalt the noble folowers of vertue ascribyng to euery man rewardes after his merytes. And shortly to say, the intencion of al Poetes hath euer ben to repreue vyce: and to commende vertue. But syns it is so that nowe in our dayes ar so many neglygent and folysshe peple that they ar almost innumerable whiche despisynge the loue of vertue: folowe the blyndenes and vanyte of this worlde: it was expedient that of newe some lettred man, wyse, and subtil of wyt shulde awake and touche ye open vices of foles that now lyue: and blame theyr abhomynable lyfe. This fourme and lybertye of writinge, and charge hathe taken vpon hym the Right excellent and worthy Mayster Sebastian Brant Doctour of both the Lawes and noble Oratour and Poete to the comon welthe of al people in playne and comon speche of Doche in the contrey of Almayne: to the ymytacion of Dant Florentyne: and Francis Petrarche Poetes heroycal which in their maternal langage haue composed maruelous Poemes and ficcions. But amonge diuers inuencions composed of the sayde Sebastian brant I haue noted one named ye Shyp of Foles moche expedient and necessary to the redar which the sayd Sebastian composed in doche langage. And after hym one called James Locher his Disciple translated the same into Laten to the vnderstondinge of al Christen nacions where Laten is spoken. Than another (whose name to me is vnknowen) translated the same into Frenche. I haue ouersene the fyrst Inuencion in Doche and after that the two translations in Laten and Frenche whiche in blaminge the disordred lyfe of men of our tyme agreeth in sentence: threfolde in langage wherfore wylling to redres the errours and vyces of this oure Royalme of Englonde: as the foresayde composer and translatours hath done in theyr Contrees I haue taken vpon me: howbeit vnworthy to drawe into our Englysshe tunge the sayd boke named ye shyp of folys as nere to ye sayd thre Langages as the parcyte of my wyt wyll suffer me. But ye reders gyue ye pardon vnto Alexander de Barklay If ignoraunce negligence or lacke of wyt cause hym to erre in this translacion his purpose and synguler desyre is to content youre myndes. And sothely he hathe taken vpon hym the translacion of this present Boke neyther for hope of rewarde nor lawde of man: but onely for the holsome instruccion commodyte and Doctryne of wysdome, and to clense the vanyte and madnes of folysshe people of whom ouer great nombre is in the Royalme of Englonde. Therfore let euery man beholde and ouerrede this boke: And than I doute nat but he shal se the errours of his lyfe of what condycyon that he be. in lyke wyse as he shal se in a Myrrour the fourme of his countenaunce and vysage: And if he amende suche fautes as he redeth here wherein he knoweth hymself gylty, and passe forth the resydue of his lyfe in the order of good maners than shall he haue the fruyte and auauntage wherto I haue translatyd this boke.
Amonge the people of euery regyonAnd ouer the worlde, south north eest and westSoundeth godly doctryne in plenty and foysonWherin the grounde of vertue and wysdome doth restRede gode and bad, and kepe the to the bestWas neuer more plenty of holsome doctryneNor fewer people that doth therto enclyneWe haue the Bybyll whiche godly doth expresseOf the olde testament the lawes mysticallAnd also of the newe our erour to redresseOf phylosophy and other artes liberallWith other bokes of vertues morallBut thoughe suche bokes vs godly wayes sheweWe all ar blynde no man wyll them ensueBanysshed is doctryne, we wander in derknesThroughe all the worlde: our selfe we wyll not knoweWysdome is exyled, alas blynde folysshenesMysgydeth the myndes of people hye and loweGrace is decayed, yll governaunce doth groweBoth prudent Pallas and Minerua are slayneOr els to heuyn retourned are they agayneKnowledge of trouth, Prudence, and iust SympliciteHath vs clene left: For we set of them no store.Our Fayth is defyled loue, goodnes, and Pyte:Honest maners nowe ar reputed of: no more.Lawyers ar lordes: but Justice is rent and tore.Or closed lyke a Monster within dores thre.For without mede: or money no man can hyr se.Al is disordred: Vertue hathe no rewarde.Alas, Compassion: and Mercy bothe ar slayne.Alas, the stony hartys of pepyl ar so hardeThat nought can constrayne theyr folyes to refrayneBut styl they procede: and eche other meyntayne.So wander these foles: incresinge without nomber.That al the worlde they vtterly encomber.Blasphemers of Chryst; Hostlers; and Tauerners:Crakars and bosters with Courters auenterous,Bawdes and Pollers with comon extorcionersAr taken nowe adayes in the worlde moste glorious.But the gyftes of grace and al wayes graciousWe haue excluded. Thus lyue we carnally:Utterly subdued to al lewdnes and Foly.Thus is of Foles a sorte almost innumerable.Defilynge the worlde with syn and Vylany.Some thynkinge them self moche wyse and commendableThoughe al theyr dayes they lyue vnthryftely.No goodnes they perceyue nor to no goode aplye.But if he haue a great wombe, and his Cofers fulThan is none holde wyser bytwene London and Hul.But to assemble these Foles in one bonde.And theyr demerites worthely to note.Fayne shal I Shyppes of euery maner londe.None shalbe left: Barke, Galay, Shyp, nor Bote.One vessel can nat brynge them al aflote.For yf al these Foles were brought into one BargeThe bote shulde synke so sore shulde be the charge.The sayles ar hawsed, a pleasant cole dothe blowe.The Foles assembleth as fast as they may dryue.Some swymmeth after: other as thycke doth roweIn theyr small botes, as Bees about a hyueThe nomber is great, and eche one doth stryueFor to be chefe as Purser and CapytayneQuarter mayster, Lodesman or els Boteswayne.They ron to our shyp, eche one doth greatly fereLyst his slacke paas, sholde cause hym byde behyndeThe wynde ryseth, and is lyke the sayle to tereEche one enforseth the anker vp to wyndeThe se swellyth by planettes well I fyndeThese obscure clowdes threteneth vs tempestAll are nat in bed whiche shall haue yll restWe are full lade and yet forsoth I thynkeA thousand are behynde, whom we may not receyueFor if we do, our nauy clene shall synkeHe oft all lesys that coueytes all to haueFrom London Rockes almyghty god vs saueFor if we there anker, outher bote or bargeThere be so many that they vs wyll ouerchargeYe London Galantes, arere, ye shall nat enterWe kepe the streme, and touche nat the shoreIn Cyte nor in Court we dare nat well auenterLyst perchaunce we sholde displeasure haue therforeBut if ye wyll nedes some shall haue an oreAnd all the remenaunt shall stande afar at largeAnd rede theyr fautes paynted aboute our barge.Lyke as a myrrour doth represent agayneThe fourme and fygure of mannes countenaunceSo in our shyp shall he se wrytyn playneThe fourme and fygure of his mysgouernaunceWhat man is fautles, but outher ignoraunceOr els wylfulnes causeth hym offende:Than let hym nat disdayne this shyp, tyll he amende.And certaynly I thynke that no creatureLyuynge in this lyfe mortall in transytoryCan hym self kepe and stedfastly endureWithout all spot, as worthy eternall gloryBut if he call to his mynde and memoryFully the dedys both of his youthe and ageHe wyll graunt in this shyp to kepe some stageBut who so euer wyll knowlege his owne folyAnd it repent, lyuynge after in sympylnesseShall haue no place nor rowme more in our nauyBut become felawe to pallas the goddesseBut he that fyxed is in suche a blyndnesseThat thoughe he be nought he thynketh al is wellSuche shall in this Barge bere a babyll and a bellThese with other lyke may eche man se and redeEche by themselfe in this small boke ouerallThe fautes shall he fynde if he take good hedeOf all estatis as degres temporallWith gyders of dignytees spirituallBothe pore and riche, Chorles and CytezynsFor hast to lepe a borde many bruse theyr shynnysHere is berdles youth, and here is crokyd ageChildren with theyr faders that yll do them insygneAnd doth nat intende theyr wantones to swageNouther by worde nor yet by discyplyneHere be men of euery science and doctryneLerned and vnlerned man mayde chylde and wyfeMay here se and rede the lewdenes of theyr lyfe.Here ar vyle wymen: whome loue ImmoderateAnd lust Venereall bryngeth to hurt and shame.Here ar prodigal Galantes: wyth mouers of debate.And thousandes mo: whome I nat wel dare name.Here ar Bacbyters whiche goode lyuers dyffame.Brakers of wedlocke, men proude: and couetous:Pollers, and pykers with folke delicious.It is but foly to rehers the names hereOf al suche Foles: as in one Shelde or targe.Syns that theyr foly dystynctly shal apereOn euery lefe: in Pyctures fayre and large.To Barclays stody: and Pynsones cost and chargeWherfore ye redars pray that they both may be sauedBefore God, syns they your folyes haue thus graued.But to thentent that euery man may knoweThe cause of my wrytynge: certes I intendeTo profyte and to please both hye and loweAnd blame theyr fautes wherby they may amendeBut if that any his quarell wyll defendeExcusynge his fautes to my derysyonKnowe he that noble poetes thus haue done.Afore my dayes a thousande yere agoBlamynge and reuylynge the inconuenyenceOf people, wyllynge them to withdrawe therfroThem I ensue: nat lyke of intellygenceAnd though I am nat to them lyke in scienceYet this is my wyll mynde and intencionTo blame all vyce lykewyse as they haue done.To tender youth my mynde is to auayleThat they eschewe may all lewdenes and offenceWhiche doth theyr myndes often sore assayleClosynge the iyen of theyr intellygenceBut if I halt in meter or erre in eloquenceOr be to large in langage I pray you blame nat meFor my mater is so bad it wyll none other be.
Amonge the people of euery regyonAnd ouer the worlde, south north eest and westSoundeth godly doctryne in plenty and foysonWherin the grounde of vertue and wysdome doth restRede gode and bad, and kepe the to the bestWas neuer more plenty of holsome doctryneNor fewer people that doth therto enclyne
Amonge the people of euery regyon
And ouer the worlde, south north eest and west
Soundeth godly doctryne in plenty and foyson
Wherin the grounde of vertue and wysdome doth rest
Rede gode and bad, and kepe the to the best
Was neuer more plenty of holsome doctryne
Nor fewer people that doth therto enclyne
We haue the Bybyll whiche godly doth expresseOf the olde testament the lawes mysticallAnd also of the newe our erour to redresseOf phylosophy and other artes liberallWith other bokes of vertues morallBut thoughe suche bokes vs godly wayes sheweWe all ar blynde no man wyll them ensue
We haue the Bybyll whiche godly doth expresse
Of the olde testament the lawes mysticall
And also of the newe our erour to redresse
Of phylosophy and other artes liberall
With other bokes of vertues morall
But thoughe suche bokes vs godly wayes shewe
We all ar blynde no man wyll them ensue
Banysshed is doctryne, we wander in derknesThroughe all the worlde: our selfe we wyll not knoweWysdome is exyled, alas blynde folysshenesMysgydeth the myndes of people hye and loweGrace is decayed, yll governaunce doth groweBoth prudent Pallas and Minerua are slayneOr els to heuyn retourned are they agayne
Banysshed is doctryne, we wander in derknes
Throughe all the worlde: our selfe we wyll not knowe
Wysdome is exyled, alas blynde folysshenes
Mysgydeth the myndes of people hye and lowe
Grace is decayed, yll governaunce doth growe
Both prudent Pallas and Minerua are slayne
Or els to heuyn retourned are they agayne
Knowledge of trouth, Prudence, and iust SympliciteHath vs clene left: For we set of them no store.Our Fayth is defyled loue, goodnes, and Pyte:Honest maners nowe ar reputed of: no more.Lawyers ar lordes: but Justice is rent and tore.Or closed lyke a Monster within dores thre.For without mede: or money no man can hyr se.
Knowledge of trouth, Prudence, and iust Symplicite
Hath vs clene left: For we set of them no store.
Our Fayth is defyled loue, goodnes, and Pyte:
Honest maners nowe ar reputed of: no more.
Lawyers ar lordes: but Justice is rent and tore.
Or closed lyke a Monster within dores thre.
For without mede: or money no man can hyr se.
Al is disordred: Vertue hathe no rewarde.Alas, Compassion: and Mercy bothe ar slayne.Alas, the stony hartys of pepyl ar so hardeThat nought can constrayne theyr folyes to refrayneBut styl they procede: and eche other meyntayne.So wander these foles: incresinge without nomber.That al the worlde they vtterly encomber.
Al is disordred: Vertue hathe no rewarde.
Alas, Compassion: and Mercy bothe ar slayne.
Alas, the stony hartys of pepyl ar so harde
That nought can constrayne theyr folyes to refrayne
But styl they procede: and eche other meyntayne.
So wander these foles: incresinge without nomber.
That al the worlde they vtterly encomber.
Blasphemers of Chryst; Hostlers; and Tauerners:Crakars and bosters with Courters auenterous,Bawdes and Pollers with comon extorcionersAr taken nowe adayes in the worlde moste glorious.But the gyftes of grace and al wayes graciousWe haue excluded. Thus lyue we carnally:Utterly subdued to al lewdnes and Foly.
Blasphemers of Chryst; Hostlers; and Tauerners:
Crakars and bosters with Courters auenterous,
Bawdes and Pollers with comon extorcioners
Ar taken nowe adayes in the worlde moste glorious.
But the gyftes of grace and al wayes gracious
We haue excluded. Thus lyue we carnally:
Utterly subdued to al lewdnes and Foly.
Thus is of Foles a sorte almost innumerable.Defilynge the worlde with syn and Vylany.Some thynkinge them self moche wyse and commendableThoughe al theyr dayes they lyue vnthryftely.No goodnes they perceyue nor to no goode aplye.But if he haue a great wombe, and his Cofers fulThan is none holde wyser bytwene London and Hul.
Thus is of Foles a sorte almost innumerable.
Defilynge the worlde with syn and Vylany.
Some thynkinge them self moche wyse and commendable
Thoughe al theyr dayes they lyue vnthryftely.
No goodnes they perceyue nor to no goode aplye.
But if he haue a great wombe, and his Cofers ful
Than is none holde wyser bytwene London and Hul.
But to assemble these Foles in one bonde.And theyr demerites worthely to note.Fayne shal I Shyppes of euery maner londe.None shalbe left: Barke, Galay, Shyp, nor Bote.One vessel can nat brynge them al aflote.For yf al these Foles were brought into one BargeThe bote shulde synke so sore shulde be the charge.
But to assemble these Foles in one bonde.
And theyr demerites worthely to note.
Fayne shal I Shyppes of euery maner londe.
None shalbe left: Barke, Galay, Shyp, nor Bote.
One vessel can nat brynge them al aflote.
For yf al these Foles were brought into one Barge
The bote shulde synke so sore shulde be the charge.
The sayles ar hawsed, a pleasant cole dothe blowe.The Foles assembleth as fast as they may dryue.Some swymmeth after: other as thycke doth roweIn theyr small botes, as Bees about a hyueThe nomber is great, and eche one doth stryueFor to be chefe as Purser and CapytayneQuarter mayster, Lodesman or els Boteswayne.
The sayles ar hawsed, a pleasant cole dothe blowe.
The Foles assembleth as fast as they may dryue.
Some swymmeth after: other as thycke doth rowe
In theyr small botes, as Bees about a hyue
The nomber is great, and eche one doth stryue
For to be chefe as Purser and Capytayne
Quarter mayster, Lodesman or els Boteswayne.
They ron to our shyp, eche one doth greatly fereLyst his slacke paas, sholde cause hym byde behyndeThe wynde ryseth, and is lyke the sayle to tereEche one enforseth the anker vp to wyndeThe se swellyth by planettes well I fyndeThese obscure clowdes threteneth vs tempestAll are nat in bed whiche shall haue yll rest
They ron to our shyp, eche one doth greatly fere
Lyst his slacke paas, sholde cause hym byde behynde
The wynde ryseth, and is lyke the sayle to tere
Eche one enforseth the anker vp to wynde
The se swellyth by planettes well I fynde
These obscure clowdes threteneth vs tempest
All are nat in bed whiche shall haue yll rest
We are full lade and yet forsoth I thynkeA thousand are behynde, whom we may not receyueFor if we do, our nauy clene shall synkeHe oft all lesys that coueytes all to haueFrom London Rockes almyghty god vs saueFor if we there anker, outher bote or bargeThere be so many that they vs wyll ouercharge
We are full lade and yet forsoth I thynke
A thousand are behynde, whom we may not receyue
For if we do, our nauy clene shall synke
He oft all lesys that coueytes all to haue
From London Rockes almyghty god vs saue
For if we there anker, outher bote or barge
There be so many that they vs wyll ouercharge
Ye London Galantes, arere, ye shall nat enterWe kepe the streme, and touche nat the shoreIn Cyte nor in Court we dare nat well auenterLyst perchaunce we sholde displeasure haue therforeBut if ye wyll nedes some shall haue an oreAnd all the remenaunt shall stande afar at largeAnd rede theyr fautes paynted aboute our barge.
Ye London Galantes, arere, ye shall nat enter
We kepe the streme, and touche nat the shore
In Cyte nor in Court we dare nat well auenter
Lyst perchaunce we sholde displeasure haue therfore
But if ye wyll nedes some shall haue an ore
And all the remenaunt shall stande afar at large
And rede theyr fautes paynted aboute our barge.
Lyke as a myrrour doth represent agayneThe fourme and fygure of mannes countenaunceSo in our shyp shall he se wrytyn playneThe fourme and fygure of his mysgouernaunceWhat man is fautles, but outher ignoraunceOr els wylfulnes causeth hym offende:Than let hym nat disdayne this shyp, tyll he amende.
Lyke as a myrrour doth represent agayne
The fourme and fygure of mannes countenaunce
So in our shyp shall he se wrytyn playne
The fourme and fygure of his mysgouernaunce
What man is fautles, but outher ignoraunce
Or els wylfulnes causeth hym offende:
Than let hym nat disdayne this shyp, tyll he amende.
And certaynly I thynke that no creatureLyuynge in this lyfe mortall in transytoryCan hym self kepe and stedfastly endureWithout all spot, as worthy eternall gloryBut if he call to his mynde and memoryFully the dedys both of his youthe and ageHe wyll graunt in this shyp to kepe some stage
And certaynly I thynke that no creature
Lyuynge in this lyfe mortall in transytory
Can hym self kepe and stedfastly endure
Without all spot, as worthy eternall glory
But if he call to his mynde and memory
Fully the dedys both of his youthe and age
He wyll graunt in this shyp to kepe some stage
But who so euer wyll knowlege his owne folyAnd it repent, lyuynge after in sympylnesseShall haue no place nor rowme more in our nauyBut become felawe to pallas the goddesseBut he that fyxed is in suche a blyndnesseThat thoughe he be nought he thynketh al is wellSuche shall in this Barge bere a babyll and a bell
But who so euer wyll knowlege his owne foly
And it repent, lyuynge after in sympylnesse
Shall haue no place nor rowme more in our nauy
But become felawe to pallas the goddesse
But he that fyxed is in suche a blyndnesse
That thoughe he be nought he thynketh al is well
Suche shall in this Barge bere a babyll and a bell
These with other lyke may eche man se and redeEche by themselfe in this small boke ouerallThe fautes shall he fynde if he take good hedeOf all estatis as degres temporallWith gyders of dignytees spirituallBothe pore and riche, Chorles and CytezynsFor hast to lepe a borde many bruse theyr shynnys
These with other lyke may eche man se and rede
Eche by themselfe in this small boke ouerall
The fautes shall he fynde if he take good hede
Of all estatis as degres temporall
With gyders of dignytees spirituall
Bothe pore and riche, Chorles and Cytezyns
For hast to lepe a borde many bruse theyr shynnys
Here is berdles youth, and here is crokyd ageChildren with theyr faders that yll do them insygneAnd doth nat intende theyr wantones to swageNouther by worde nor yet by discyplyneHere be men of euery science and doctryneLerned and vnlerned man mayde chylde and wyfeMay here se and rede the lewdenes of theyr lyfe.
Here is berdles youth, and here is crokyd age
Children with theyr faders that yll do them insygne
And doth nat intende theyr wantones to swage
Nouther by worde nor yet by discyplyne
Here be men of euery science and doctryne
Lerned and vnlerned man mayde chylde and wyfe
May here se and rede the lewdenes of theyr lyfe.
Here ar vyle wymen: whome loue ImmoderateAnd lust Venereall bryngeth to hurt and shame.Here ar prodigal Galantes: wyth mouers of debate.And thousandes mo: whome I nat wel dare name.Here ar Bacbyters whiche goode lyuers dyffame.Brakers of wedlocke, men proude: and couetous:Pollers, and pykers with folke delicious.
Here ar vyle wymen: whome loue Immoderate
And lust Venereall bryngeth to hurt and shame.
Here ar prodigal Galantes: wyth mouers of debate.
And thousandes mo: whome I nat wel dare name.
Here ar Bacbyters whiche goode lyuers dyffame.
Brakers of wedlocke, men proude: and couetous:
Pollers, and pykers with folke delicious.
It is but foly to rehers the names hereOf al suche Foles: as in one Shelde or targe.Syns that theyr foly dystynctly shal apereOn euery lefe: in Pyctures fayre and large.To Barclays stody: and Pynsones cost and chargeWherfore ye redars pray that they both may be sauedBefore God, syns they your folyes haue thus graued.
It is but foly to rehers the names here
Of al suche Foles: as in one Shelde or targe.
Syns that theyr foly dystynctly shal apere
On euery lefe: in Pyctures fayre and large.
To Barclays stody: and Pynsones cost and charge
Wherfore ye redars pray that they both may be saued
Before God, syns they your folyes haue thus graued.
But to thentent that euery man may knoweThe cause of my wrytynge: certes I intendeTo profyte and to please both hye and loweAnd blame theyr fautes wherby they may amendeBut if that any his quarell wyll defendeExcusynge his fautes to my derysyonKnowe he that noble poetes thus haue done.
But to thentent that euery man may knowe
The cause of my wrytynge: certes I intende
To profyte and to please both hye and lowe
And blame theyr fautes wherby they may amende
But if that any his quarell wyll defende
Excusynge his fautes to my derysyon
Knowe he that noble poetes thus haue done.
Afore my dayes a thousande yere agoBlamynge and reuylynge the inconuenyenceOf people, wyllynge them to withdrawe therfroThem I ensue: nat lyke of intellygenceAnd though I am nat to them lyke in scienceYet this is my wyll mynde and intencionTo blame all vyce lykewyse as they haue done.
Afore my dayes a thousande yere ago
Blamynge and reuylynge the inconuenyence
Of people, wyllynge them to withdrawe therfro
Them I ensue: nat lyke of intellygence
And though I am nat to them lyke in science
Yet this is my wyll mynde and intencion
To blame all vyce lykewyse as they haue done.
To tender youth my mynde is to auayleThat they eschewe may all lewdenes and offenceWhiche doth theyr myndes often sore assayleClosynge the iyen of theyr intellygenceBut if I halt in meter or erre in eloquenceOr be to large in langage I pray you blame nat meFor my mater is so bad it wyll none other be.
To tender youth my mynde is to auayle
That they eschewe may all lewdenes and offence
Whiche doth theyr myndes often sore assayle
Closynge the iyen of theyr intellygence
But if I halt in meter or erre in eloquence
Or be to large in langage I pray you blame nat me
For my mater is so bad it wyll none other be.
Here after foloweth the Boke named the Shyp of Foles of the world: translated out of Laten, French and Doche into Englysse in the Colege of saynt Mary Otery By me Alexander Barclay to the felicite and moste holsom instruccion of mankynde the whiche conteyneth al suche as wandre from the way of trouth and from the open Path of holsom vnderstondynge and wysdom: fallynge into dyuers blyndnesses of ye mynde, folysshe sensualytees, and vndlawful delectacions of the body. This present Boke myght haue ben callyd nat inconuenyently the Satyr (that is to say) the reprehencion of foulysshnes, but the neweltye of the name was more plesant vnto the fyrst actour to call it the Shyp of foles: For in lyke wyse as olde Poetes Satyriens in dyuers Poesyes conioyned repreued the synnes and ylnes of the peple at that tyme lyuynge: so and in lyke wyse this our Boke representeth vnto the iyen of the redars the states and condicions of men: so that euery man may behold within the same the cours of his lyfe and his mysgouerned maners, as he sholde beholde the shadowe of the fygure of his visage within a bright Myrrour. But concernynge the translacion of this Boke: I exhort ye reders to take no displesour for ytit is nat translated word by worde acordinge to ye verses of my actour. For I haue but only drawen into our moder tunge, in rude langage the sentences of the verses as nere as the parcyte of my wyt wyl suffer me, some tyme addynge, somtyme detractinge and takinge away suche thinges a semeth me necessary and superflue. wherfore I desyre of you reders pardon of my presumptuous audacite trustynge that ye shall holde me excused if ye consyder ye scarsnes of my wyt and my vnexpert youthe. I haue in many places ouerpassed dyuers poetical digressions and obscurenes of Fables and haue concluded my worke in rude langage as shal apere in my translacion. But the speciyl cawse that mouethe me to this besynes is to auoyde the execrable inconuenyences of ydilnes whyche (as saint Bernard sayth) is moder of al vices: and to the vtter derision of obstynat men delitynge them in folyes and mysgouernance. But bycause the name of this boke semeth to the redar to procede of derysion: and by that mean that the substance therof shulde nat be profitable: I wyl aduertise you that this Boke is named the Shyp of foles of the worlde: For this worlde is nought els but a tempestous se in the whiche we dayly wander and are caste in dyuers tribulacions paynes and aduersitees: some by ignoraunce and some by wilfulnes: wherfore suche doers ar worthy to be called foles. syns they gyde them nat by reason as creatures resonable ought to do. Therfore the fyrst actoure willynge to deuyde suche foles from wysemen and gode lyuers: hathe ordeyned vpon the se of this worlde this present Shyp to contayne these folys of ye worlde, whiche ar in great nomber. So that who redeth it perfytely consyderynge his secrete dedys, he shall not lyghtly excuse hym selfe out of it, what so euer good name ythe hath outwarde in the mouth of the comontye, And to the entent ytthis my laboure may be the more pleasaunt vnto lettred men, I haue adioyned vnto the same ye verses of my Actour with dyuerse concordaunces of the Bybyll to fortyfy my wrytynge by the same, and also to stop the enuyous mouthes (If any suche shal be) of them that by malyce shall barke ayenst this my besynes.
The first fool and his books.I am the firste fole of all the hole nauyTo kepe the pompe, the helme and eke the sayleFor this is my mynde, this one pleasoure haue IOf bokes to haue grete plenty and aparayleI take no wysdome by them: nor yet auayleNor them preceyue nat: And then I them despyseThus am I a foole and all that sewe that guyse
I am the firste fole of all the hole nauyTo kepe the pompe, the helme and eke the sayleFor this is my mynde, this one pleasoure haue IOf bokes to haue grete plenty and aparayleI take no wysdome by them: nor yet auayleNor them preceyue nat: And then I them despyseThus am I a foole and all that sewe that guyse
That in this shyp the chefe place I gouerneBy this wyde see with folys wanderyngeThe cause is playne, and easy to dyscerneStyll am I besy bokes assemblyngeFor to haue plenty it is a plesaunt thyngeIn my conceyt and to haue them ay in hondeBut what they mene do I nat vnderstondeBut yet I haue them in great reuerenceAnd honoure sauynge them from fylth and ordureBy often brusshynge, and moche dylygenceFull goodly bounde in pleasaunt couertureOf domas, satyn, or els of veluet pureI kepe them sure ferynge lyst they sholde be lostFor in them is the connynge wherin I me bost.But if it fortune that any lernyd menWithin my house fall to disputacionI drawe the curtyns to shewe my bokes thenThat they of my cunnynge sholde make probacionI kepe nat to fall in altercacionAnd whyle they comon my bokes I turne and wyndeFor all is in them, and no thynge in my mynde.Tholomeus the riche causyd longe agoneOuer all the worlde good bokes to be soughtDone was his commaundement anoneThese bokes he had and in his stody broughtWhiche passyd all erthly treasoure as he thoughtBut neuertheles he dyd hym nat aplyUnto theyr doctryne, but lyued unhappely.Lo in lyke wyse of bokys I haue storeBut fewe I rede, and fewer understandeI folowe nat theyr doctryne nor theyr loreIt is ynoughe to bere a boke in handeIt were to moche to be it suche a bandeFor to be bounde to loke within the bokeI am content on the fayre couerynge to lokeWhy sholde I stody to hurt my wyt therbyOr trouble my mynde with stody excessyueSythe many ar whiche stody right beselyAnd yet therby shall they neuer thryueThe fruyt of wysdom can they nat contryueAnd many to stody so moche are inclyndeThat utterly they fall out of theyr myndeEche is nat lettred that nowe is made a lordeNor eche a clerke that hath a benefyceThey are nat all lawyers that plees doth recordeAll that are promotyd are nat fully wyseOn suche chaunce nowe fortune throwys hir dyceThat thoughe one knowe but the yresshe gameYet wolde he haue a gentyllmannys nameSo in lyke wyse I am in suche caseThoughe I nought can I wolde be callyd wyseAlso I may set another in my placeWhiche may for me my bokes excercyseOr else I shall ensue the comon gyseAnd say concedo to euery argumentLyst by moche speche my latyn sholde be spentI am lyke other Clerkes whiche so frowardly them gyde.That after they ar onys come vnto promocionThey gyue them to plesour theyr stody set asyde.Theyr Auaryce couerynge with fayned deuocion.Yet dayly they preche: and haue great derysyonAgainst the rude Laymen: and al for Couetyse.Though theyr owne Conscience be blynded wtthat vyce.But if I durst trouth playnely vtter and expresse.This is the special cause of this Inconuenyence.That greatest foles, and fullest of lewdnesHauynge least wyt: and symplest ScienceAr fyrst promoted: and haue greatest reuerenceFor if one can flater, and bere a hawke on his FystHe shalbe made Person of Honyngton or of Clyst.But he that is in Stody ay ferme and diligent.And without al fauour prechyth Chrystys loreOf al the Comontye nowe adayes is sore shent.And by Estates thretened to Pryson oft therfore.Thus what auayle is it, to vs to Stody more:To knowe outher scripture, trouth, wysedom, or vertueSyns fewe, or none without fauour dare them shewe.But O noble Doctours, that worthy ar of name:Consyder our olde faders: note wel theyr diligence:Ensue ye theyr steppes: obtayne ye such fame,As they dyd lyuynge: and that by true Prudence.Within theyr hartys they planted theyr scyenceAnd nat in plesaunt bokes. But nowe to fewe suche be.Therefore in this Shyp let them come rowe with me.
That in this shyp the chefe place I gouerneBy this wyde see with folys wanderyngeThe cause is playne, and easy to dyscerneStyll am I besy bokes assemblyngeFor to haue plenty it is a plesaunt thyngeIn my conceyt and to haue them ay in hondeBut what they mene do I nat vnderstonde
That in this shyp the chefe place I gouerne
By this wyde see with folys wanderynge
The cause is playne, and easy to dyscerne
Styll am I besy bokes assemblynge
For to haue plenty it is a plesaunt thynge
In my conceyt and to haue them ay in honde
But what they mene do I nat vnderstonde
But yet I haue them in great reuerenceAnd honoure sauynge them from fylth and ordureBy often brusshynge, and moche dylygenceFull goodly bounde in pleasaunt couertureOf domas, satyn, or els of veluet pureI kepe them sure ferynge lyst they sholde be lostFor in them is the connynge wherin I me bost.
But yet I haue them in great reuerence
And honoure sauynge them from fylth and ordure
By often brusshynge, and moche dylygence
Full goodly bounde in pleasaunt couerture
Of domas, satyn, or els of veluet pure
I kepe them sure ferynge lyst they sholde be lost
For in them is the connynge wherin I me bost.
But if it fortune that any lernyd menWithin my house fall to disputacionI drawe the curtyns to shewe my bokes thenThat they of my cunnynge sholde make probacionI kepe nat to fall in altercacionAnd whyle they comon my bokes I turne and wyndeFor all is in them, and no thynge in my mynde.
But if it fortune that any lernyd men
Within my house fall to disputacion
I drawe the curtyns to shewe my bokes then
That they of my cunnynge sholde make probacion
I kepe nat to fall in altercacion
And whyle they comon my bokes I turne and wynde
For all is in them, and no thynge in my mynde.
Tholomeus the riche causyd longe agoneOuer all the worlde good bokes to be soughtDone was his commaundement anoneThese bokes he had and in his stody broughtWhiche passyd all erthly treasoure as he thoughtBut neuertheles he dyd hym nat aplyUnto theyr doctryne, but lyued unhappely.
Tholomeus the riche causyd longe agone
Ouer all the worlde good bokes to be sought
Done was his commaundement anone
These bokes he had and in his stody brought
Whiche passyd all erthly treasoure as he thought
But neuertheles he dyd hym nat aply
Unto theyr doctryne, but lyued unhappely.
Lo in lyke wyse of bokys I haue storeBut fewe I rede, and fewer understandeI folowe nat theyr doctryne nor theyr loreIt is ynoughe to bere a boke in handeIt were to moche to be it suche a bandeFor to be bounde to loke within the bokeI am content on the fayre couerynge to loke
Lo in lyke wyse of bokys I haue store
But fewe I rede, and fewer understande
I folowe nat theyr doctryne nor theyr lore
It is ynoughe to bere a boke in hande
It were to moche to be it suche a bande
For to be bounde to loke within the boke
I am content on the fayre couerynge to loke
Why sholde I stody to hurt my wyt therbyOr trouble my mynde with stody excessyueSythe many ar whiche stody right beselyAnd yet therby shall they neuer thryueThe fruyt of wysdom can they nat contryueAnd many to stody so moche are inclyndeThat utterly they fall out of theyr mynde
Why sholde I stody to hurt my wyt therby
Or trouble my mynde with stody excessyue
Sythe many ar whiche stody right besely
And yet therby shall they neuer thryue
The fruyt of wysdom can they nat contryue
And many to stody so moche are inclynde
That utterly they fall out of theyr mynde
Eche is nat lettred that nowe is made a lordeNor eche a clerke that hath a benefyceThey are nat all lawyers that plees doth recordeAll that are promotyd are nat fully wyseOn suche chaunce nowe fortune throwys hir dyceThat thoughe one knowe but the yresshe gameYet wolde he haue a gentyllmannys name
Eche is nat lettred that nowe is made a lorde
Nor eche a clerke that hath a benefyce
They are nat all lawyers that plees doth recorde
All that are promotyd are nat fully wyse
On suche chaunce nowe fortune throwys hir dyce
That thoughe one knowe but the yresshe game
Yet wolde he haue a gentyllmannys name
So in lyke wyse I am in suche caseThoughe I nought can I wolde be callyd wyseAlso I may set another in my placeWhiche may for me my bokes excercyseOr else I shall ensue the comon gyseAnd say concedo to euery argumentLyst by moche speche my latyn sholde be spent
So in lyke wyse I am in suche case
Thoughe I nought can I wolde be callyd wyse
Also I may set another in my place
Whiche may for me my bokes excercyse
Or else I shall ensue the comon gyse
And say concedo to euery argument
Lyst by moche speche my latyn sholde be spent
I am lyke other Clerkes whiche so frowardly them gyde.That after they ar onys come vnto promocionThey gyue them to plesour theyr stody set asyde.Theyr Auaryce couerynge with fayned deuocion.Yet dayly they preche: and haue great derysyonAgainst the rude Laymen: and al for Couetyse.Though theyr owne Conscience be blynded wtthat vyce.
I am lyke other Clerkes whiche so frowardly them gyde.
That after they ar onys come vnto promocion
They gyue them to plesour theyr stody set asyde.
Theyr Auaryce couerynge with fayned deuocion.
Yet dayly they preche: and haue great derysyon
Against the rude Laymen: and al for Couetyse.
Though theyr owne Conscience be blynded wtthat vyce.
But if I durst trouth playnely vtter and expresse.This is the special cause of this Inconuenyence.That greatest foles, and fullest of lewdnesHauynge least wyt: and symplest ScienceAr fyrst promoted: and haue greatest reuerenceFor if one can flater, and bere a hawke on his FystHe shalbe made Person of Honyngton or of Clyst.
But if I durst trouth playnely vtter and expresse.
This is the special cause of this Inconuenyence.
That greatest foles, and fullest of lewdnes
Hauynge least wyt: and symplest Science
Ar fyrst promoted: and haue greatest reuerence
For if one can flater, and bere a hawke on his Fyst
He shalbe made Person of Honyngton or of Clyst.
But he that is in Stody ay ferme and diligent.And without al fauour prechyth Chrystys loreOf al the Comontye nowe adayes is sore shent.And by Estates thretened to Pryson oft therfore.Thus what auayle is it, to vs to Stody more:To knowe outher scripture, trouth, wysedom, or vertueSyns fewe, or none without fauour dare them shewe.
But he that is in Stody ay ferme and diligent.
And without al fauour prechyth Chrystys lore
Of al the Comontye nowe adayes is sore shent.
And by Estates thretened to Pryson oft therfore.
Thus what auayle is it, to vs to Stody more:
To knowe outher scripture, trouth, wysedom, or vertue
Syns fewe, or none without fauour dare them shewe.
But O noble Doctours, that worthy ar of name:Consyder our olde faders: note wel theyr diligence:Ensue ye theyr steppes: obtayne ye such fame,As they dyd lyuynge: and that by true Prudence.Within theyr hartys they planted theyr scyenceAnd nat in plesaunt bokes. But nowe to fewe suche be.Therefore in this Shyp let them come rowe with me.
But O noble Doctours, that worthy ar of name:
Consyder our olde faders: note wel theyr diligence:
Ensue ye theyr steppes: obtayne ye such fame,
As they dyd lyuynge: and that by true Prudence.
Within theyr hartys they planted theyr scyence
And nat in plesaunt bokes. But nowe to fewe suche be.
Therefore in this Shyp let them come rowe with me.
The Enuoy of Alexander Barclay Translatour exortynge the foles accloyed with this vice to amende theyr foly.