But that we are as honest as we seeme, Yee shall our pasport at your pleasure see, And then ye will (I hope) well mooved bee.” Which when the Priest beheld, he vew’d it nere, As if therein some text he studying were, 380 But little els (God wote) could thereof skill: [_Skill_, understand.] For read he could not evidence nor will, Ne tell a written word, ne write a letter, Ne make one title worse, ne make one better. Of such deep learning little had he neede, 385 Ne yet of Latine ne of Greeke, that breede Doubts mongst divines, and difference of texts, From whence arise diversitie of sects, And hatefull heresies, of God abhor’d. But this good Sir did follow the plaine word, 390 Ne medled with their controversies vaine; All his care was his service well to saine, [_Saine_, say.] And to read homelies upon holidayes; When that was done, he might attend his playes: An easie life, and fit high God to please. 395 He, having overlookt their pas at ease, Gan at the length them to rebuke againe, That no good trade of life did entertaine, But lost their time in wandring loose abroad; Seeing the world, in which they bootles boad, 400 [_Bootless boad_, dwelt unprofitably.] Had wayes enough for all therein to live; Such grace did God unto his creatures give. Said then the Foxe: “Who hath the world not tride From the right way full eath may wander wide. [_Eath_, easy.] We are but novices, new come abroad, 405 We have not yet the tract of anie troad, [I.e. routine of any way of life.] Nor on us taken anie state of life, But readie are of anie to make preife. [_Preife_, proof.] Therefore might please you, which the world have proved, Us to advise, which forth but lately moved, 410 Of some good course that we might undertake, Ye shall for ever us your bondmen make.” The priest gan wexe halfe proud to be so praide, And thereby willing to affoord them aide, “It seemes,” said he, “right well that ye be clerks, 415 Both by your wittie words and by your works. Is not that name enough to make a living To him that hath a whit of Natures giving? How manie honest men see ye arize Daylie thereby, and grow to goodly prize; 420 To deanes, to archdeacons, to commissaries, To lords, to principalls, to prebendaries? All iolly prelates, worthie rule to beare, Who ever them envie: yet spite bites neare. Why should ye doubt, then, but that ye likewise 425 Might unto some of those in time arise? In the meane time to live in good estate, Loving that love, and hating those that hate; Being some honest curate, or some vicker, Content with little in condition sicker.” 430 [_Sicker_, sure.] “Ah! but,” said th’Ape, “the charge is wondrous great,