Part 13 (2/2)

Yet dayly they preche: and haue great derysyon Against the rude Laymen: and al for Couetyse.

Though theyr owne Conscience be blynded w^t that vyce.

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 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 n.o.ble 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.

Say worthy doctours and Clerkes curious: What moueth you of Bokes to haue such nomber.

Syns dyuers doctrines throughe way contrarious.

Doth mannys mynde distract and sore encomber.

Alas blynde men awake, out of your s...o...b..r And if ye wyl nedys your bokes multyplye With diligence endeuer you some to occupye.

Of euyl Counsellours, Juges and men of lawe.

[Ill.u.s.tration: He that Office hath and hyghe autorite.

To rule a Royalme: as Juge or Counsellour Which seynge Justice, playne ryght and equyte Them falsly blyndeth by fauour or rigour Condemnynge wretches gyltles. And to a Transgressour For mede shewinge fauour. Suche is as wyse a man As he that wolde seeth a quycke Sowe in a Pan.]

Right many labours nowe, with hyghe diligence For to be Lawyers the Comons to counsayle.

Therby to be in honour had and in reuerence But onely they labour for theyr pryuate auayle.

The purs of the Clyent shal fynde hym apparayle.

And yet knowes he neyther lawe good counsel nor Justice.

But speketh at auenture: as men throwe the dyce.

Suche in the Senate ar taken oft to counsayle With Statis of this and many a other region.

Whiche of theyr maners vnstable ar and frayle Nought of Lawe Ciuyl knowinge nor Canon.

But wander in derknes clerenes they haue none.

O n.o.ble Rome thou gat nat thy honours Nor general Empyre by suche Counsellours.

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