Muttred of matters as their bookes them shewd, Ne other knowledge ever did attaine, But with their gownes their gravitie maintaine. From them he would his impudent lewde speach Against Gods holie ministers oft reach, 840 And mocke divines and their profession. What else then did he by progression, But mocke High God himselfe, whom they professe? But what car’d he for God, or godlinesse? All his care was himselfe how to advaunce, 845 And to uphold his courtly countenaunce By all the cunning meanes he could devise; “Were it by honest wayes, or otherwise, He made small choyce: yet sure his honestie Got him small gaines, but shameles flatterie, 850 And filthie brocage, and unseemly shifts, [_Brocage_, pimping.] And borowe base, and some good ladies gifts. [_Borowe_, pledging.] But the best helpe, which chiefly him sustain’d, Was his man Raynolds purchase which he gain’d: [_Purchase_, booty.] For he was school’d by kinde in all the skill 855 [_Kinde_, nature.] Of close conveyance, and each practise ill Of coosinage and cleanly knaverie, [_Cleanly_, neat, skillful.] Which oft maintain’d his masters braverie. Besides, he usde another slipprie slight, In taking on himselfe, in common sight, 860 False personages fit for everie sted, With which he thousands cleanly coosined: Now like a merchant, merchants to deceave, With whom his credite he did often leave In gage for his gay masters hopelesse dett: 865 Now like a lawyer, when he land would lett, Or sell fee-simples in his masters name, Which he had never, nor ought like the same; Then would he be a broker, and draw in Both wares and money, by exchange to win: 870 Then would he seeme a farmer, that would sell Bargaines of woods, which he did lately fell, Or corne, or cattle, or such other ware, Thereby to coosin men not well aware: Of all the which there came a secret fee 875 To th’Ape, that he his countenaunce might bee. Besides all this, he us’d oft to beguile Poore suters that in court did haunt some while: For he would learne their busines secretly, And then informe his master hastely, 880 That he by meanes might cast them to prevent, [_Prevent_, anticipate.] And beg the sute the which the other ment. Or otherwise false Reynold would abuse The simple suter, and wish him to chuse His master, being one of great regard 885 In court, to compas anie sute not hard, In case his paines were recompenst with reason: So would he worke the silly man by treason To buy his masters frivolous good will, That had not power to doo him good or ill. 890 So pitifull a thing is suters state! Most miserable man, whom wicked fate Hath brought to court, to sue for had-ywist,