Volume I Part 21 (2/2)

But of one thing be well ware in all wise, On flattery that thou thee not found, For thereof (Son) Solomon the Wise, As that I have in his Proverbs found, Saith thus: 'They that in feigned speech abound, And glossingly unto their friends talk, Spreaden a net before them, where they walk.'

This false treason common is and rife; Better were it thou wert at Jerusalem (p. 403) Now, than thou wert therein defective.

Syn my Lord the Prince is (_G.o.d hold his life!_) To thee good Lord, good servant thou thee quit To him and true, and it shall thee profit.

Write him _nothing that sowneth to vice_, Kyth[354] thy love in matter of sadness.

Look if thou find canst any treatise Grounded on his estate's wholesomeness; Which thing translate, and unto his highness, As humbly as thou canst, it thou present.

Do thus, my Son.”--_S._ ”Father! I a.s.sent, With heart as trembling as the leaf of asp.”[355]

[Footnote 352: The Author has not formed any satisfactory opinion as to the meaning of the phrase ”his ghost maistried with danger.” Perhaps it implies that the spirit of the Prince was not under the _control_ of such pa.s.sions as would render it a service of _danger_ to prefer a suit to him.]

[Footnote 353: In some MSS. it is ”Hoccleve.”]

[Footnote 354: ”Kyth thy love,” means ”make thy love known.” Our word ”kith,” in the proverb ”kith and kin,” means persons of our acquaintance.]

[Footnote 355: Bib. Reg. 17. D. 6. p. 34.]

END OF VOLUME I.

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