So as their begging now them failed quyte,
For none would give, but all men would them wyte.
[_Wyte_, blame.]
Yet would they take no paines to get their living,
But seeke some other way to gaine by giving, 350
Much like to begging, but much better named;
For manie beg which are thereof ashamed.
And now the Foxe had gotten him a gowne,
And th'Ape a cassocke sidelong hanging downe;
For they their occupation meant to change, 355
And now in other state abroad to range:
For since their souldiers pas no better spedd,
They forg'd another, as for clerkes booke-redd.
Who passing foorth, as their adventures fell,
Through manie haps, which needs not here to tell, 360
At length chaunst with a formall Priest to meete,
[_Formall_, regular.]
Whom they in civill manner first did greete,
And after askt an almes for Gods deare love.
The man straightway his choler up did move,
And with reproachfull tearmes gan them revile, 365
For following that trade so base and vile;
And askt what license or what pas they had.
"Ah!" said the Ape, as sighing wondrous sad,
"Its an hard case, when men of good deserving
Must either driven be perforce to sterving, 370
Or asked for their pas by everie squib,
[_Squib_, flashy, pretentious fellow]
That list at will them to revile or snib.
[_Snib_, snub]