A _Foole_, sent forth to fetch the _Goslings_ home, When they unto a Rivers brinck were come, (Through which their passage lay) conceiv’d a feare His Dames best _Brood_, might have been drowned there; Which, to avoyd, hee thus did shew his wit, And his good nature, in preventing it. Hee, underneath his _girdle_, thrusts their heads, And, then the Coxcombe through the water wades. Here learne, that when a _Foole_ his helpe intends, It rather doth a mischiefe, then befriends; And, thinke, if there be danger in his _love_, How harmefull his _Maliciousnesse_ may prove: For, from his _kindenesse_, though no profit rise To doe thee spight, his _Malice_ may suffise. I could not from a _Prince_ beseech a boone By suing to his _Iester_ or _Buffoone_: Nor, any Fooles vaine humor, sooth or serve, To get my bread, though I were like to starve. For, to be _poore_, I should not blush so much, As if a _Foole_ should raise me to be _rich_. Lord, though of such a kinde my faults may be, That sharpe _Affliction_ still must tutor mee, (And give me due _Correction_ in her Schooles) Yet, oh preserve me from the scorne of _Fooles_. Those wicked _Fooles_, that in their hearts have sed There is no God; and, rather give me _Bread_ By _Ravens_, LORD, or in a _Lions_ Den, Then by the Favours of such foolish men: Lest, if their _dainties_ I should swallow downe, Their smile might more undoe, me, than their _frowne_. _Though =weaknesse= unto me belong, In my =Supporter=, I am strong._ [Illustration: TE STANTE VIREBO. ILLVSTR. XVIII. _Book. 4_]