For the mind (saith he), in serious matters occupied, If it have not some quiet mirth and recreation Interchangeable admixed, must needs be soon wearied, And (as who should say) tried through continual operation Of labour and business without relaxation. Therefore intermix honest mirth in such wise That your strength may be refreshed, and to labours suffice. For as meat and drink, natural rest and sleep, For the conservation and health of the body, Must needs be had, so the mind and wits to keep Pregnant, fresh, industrious, quick and lusty, Honest mirth and pastime is requisite and necessary; For, _Quod caret alterna requie durabile non est_: Nothing may endure (saith Ouid) without some rest. Example proof hereof in earth is well found, Manifest, open, and very evident; For except the husbandman suffer his ground Sometimes to rest, it woll bear no fruit verament; Therefore they let the field lie every second year To the end that, after rest, it may the better corn bear. Thus then (as I have said) it is a thing natural, And naturally belonging to all living creatures, And unto man especially above others all, To have at times convenient pastance, mirth and pleasures, So they be joined with honesty, and kept within due measures; And the same well allowed not only the said Cato, But also the Philosophers, Plutarch, Socrates, and Plato. And Cicero Tullius, a man sapient and wise, Willeth the same, in that his first book, Which he wrote and entituled of an honest man's office: Who so is disposed thereupon to look, Where to define and affirm he boldly on him took, That to hear interludes is pastime convenient For all manner men, and a thing congruent. He reckoneth that namely as a very honest disport, And above all other things commendeth the old comedy, The hearing of which may do the mind comfort; For they be replenished with precepts of philosophy: They contain much wisdom, and teach prudent policy; And though they be all writers of matters of none importance, Yet they show great wit, and much pretty conveyance. And in this manner of making Plautus did excel, As recordeth the same Tullius, commending him by name: Wherefore this maker delighteth passingly well To follow his arguments, and draw out the same, For to make at seasons convenient pastimes, mirth and game: As now he hath done this matter, not worth an oyster shell, Except percase it shall fortune to make you laugh well. And for that purpose only this maker did it write, Taking the ground thereof out of Plautus first comedy And the first sentence of the same; for higher things indite In no wise he would, for yet the time is so queasy, That he that speaketh best, is least thank-worthy. Therefore, sith nothing but trifles may be had, You shall hear a thing that only shall make you merry and glad.