His breeches were made after the new cut,
_Al Portugese_, loose like an emptie gut,
And his hose broken high above the heeling,
And his shooes beaten out with traveling.
But neither sword nor dagger he did beare; 215
Seemes that no foes revengement he did feare;
In stead of them a handsome bat he held,
[_Bat_, stick.]
On which he leaned, as one farre in elde.
[_Elde_, age.]
Shame light on him, that through so false illusion
Doth turne the name of souldiers to abusion, 220
And that which is the noblest mysterie
[_Mysterie_, profession.]
Brings to reproach and common infamie!
Long they thus travailed, yet never met
Adventure which might them a working set:
Yet manie waies they sought, and manie tryed; 225
Yet for their purposes none fit espyed.
At last they chaunst to meete upon the way
A simple husbandman in garments gray;
Yet, though his vesture were but meane and bace,
[_Bace_, humble.]
A good yeoman he was of honest place, 230
And more for thrift did care than for gay clothing:
Gay without good is good hearts greatest loathing.
The Foxe, him spying, bad the Ape him dight
[_Dight_, prepare.]
To play his part, for loe! he was in sight
That, if he er'd not, should them entertaine, 235