For many ydle huswiues (London knowes)
Haue by their pride bin husbands ouerthrowes,

A modest woman will in compasse keepe,
And decently vnto her calling goe,
Not diuing in the frugall purse too deepe,
By making to the world a pecocke showe:
Though they seeme fooles, so yeelde vnto their wiues,
Some poore men doe it to haue quiet liues.

Fourth dutie is, to loue her owne house best,
And be no gadding gossippe vp and downe,
To heare and carry tales amongst the rest,
That are the newes reporters of the towne:
A modest vvomans home is her delight,
Of businesse there, to haue the ouersight.

At publike playes she neuer will be knowne,
And to be tauerne guest she euer hates,
Shee scornes to be a streete-wife (Idle one,)
Or field vvife ranging vvith her vvalking mates:
She knows how wise men censure of such dames,
And how with blottes they blemish their good names.

And therefore with the doue sheele rather choose,
To make aboade where she hath dwelling place,
Or like the snayle that shelly house doeth vse,
For shelter still, such is good-huswiues case:
Respecting residence where she doth loue,
As those good housholders, the snayle and doue.