And all the happinesse that heart desire, Is to be found; he nothing can admire, 610 That hath not seene that heavens portracture. But tidings there is none, I you assure, Save that which common is, and knowne to all, That courtiers as the tide doo rise and fall.” “But tell us,” said the Ape, “we doo you pray, 615 Who now in court doth beare the greatest sway: That, if such fortune doo to us befall, We may seeke favour of the best of all.” “Marie,” said he, “the highest now in grace, Be the wilde beasts, that swiftest are in chase; 620 For in their speedie course and nimble flight The Lyon now doth take the most delight: But chieflie ioyes on foote them to beholde, Enchaste with chaine and circulet of golde: [_Enchaste_, adorned.] So wilde a beaste so tame ytaught to bee, 625 And buxome to his bands, is ioy to see; [_Buxome_, obedient.] So well his golden circlet him beseemeth. But his late chayne his Liege unmeete esteemeth; For so brave beasts she loveth best to see [She: I.e. the queen.] In the wilde forrest raunging fresh and free. 630 Therefore if fortune thee in court to live, In case thou ever there wilt hope to thrive, To some of these thou must thy selfe apply; Els as a thistle-downe in th’ayre doth flie, So vainly shalt thou too and fro be tost, 635 And loose thy labour and thy fruitles cost. And yet full few which follow them I see For vertues bare regard advaunced bee, But either for some gainfull benefit, Or that they may for their owne turnes be fit. 640 Nath’les, perhaps ye things may handle soe, That ye may better thrive than thousands moe.” “But,” said the Ape, “how shall we first come in, That after we may favour seeke to win?” “How els,” said he, “but with a good bold face, 645 And with big words, and with a stately pace, That men may thinke of you in generall That to be in you which is not at all: For not by that which is the world now deemeth, (As it was wont) but by that same that seemeth. 650 Ne do I doubt but that ye well can fashion Your selves theretoo, according to occasion. So fare ye well: good courtiers may ye bee!” So, proudlie neighing, from them parted hee. Then gan this craftie couple to devize, 655 How for the court themselves they might aguize: [_Aguize_, decorate.] For thither they themselves meant to addresse, In hope to finde there happier successe. So well they shifted, that the Ape anon Himselfe had cloathed like a gentleman, 660 And the slie Foxe as like to be his groome; That to the court in seemly sort they come. Where the fond Ape, himselfe uprearing by Upon his tiptoes, stalketh stately by, As if he were some great magnifico, 665 And boldlie doth amongst the boldest go;