Or made them dwell in darknes of disgrace: For none but whom he list might come in place. Of men of armes he had but small regard, But kept them lowe, and streigned verie hard. 1190 For men of learning little he esteemed; His wisedome he above their learning deemed. As for the rascall commons, least he cared, For not so common was his bountie shared: 1194 “Let God,” said he, “if please, care for the manie, I for my selfe must care before els anie.” So did he good to none, to manie ill, So did he all the kingdome rob and pill, [_Pill_, plunder.] Yet none durst speake, ne none durst of him plaine; So great he was in grace, and rich through game. Ne would he anie let to have accesse 1201 Unto the Prince, but by his owne addresse: For all that els did come were sure to faile; Yet would he further none but for availe. For on a time the Sheepe, to whom of yore 1205 The Foxe had promised of friendship store, What time the Ape the kingdome first did gaine, Came to the court, her case there to complaine; How that the Wolfe, her mortall enemie, Had sithence slaine her lambe most cruellie; 1210 [_Sithence_, since.] And therefore crav’d to come unto the King, To let him knowe the order of the thing. “Soft, Gooddie Sheepe!” then said the Foxe, “not soe: Unto the King so rash ye may not goe; He is with greater matter busied 1215 Than a lambe, or the lambes owne mothers hed. Ne certes may I take it well in part, That ye my cousin Wolfe so fowly thwart, And seeke with slaunder his good name to blot: For there was cause, els doo it he would not: 1220 Therefore surcease, good dame, and hence depart.” So went the Sheepe away with heavie hart; So manie moe, so everie one was used, That to give largely to the boxe refused.