Fiue hundred pointes of good husbandrie

11.

Reading edition

¶ An habitation inforced better late than neuer, vpon these words Sit downe Robin and rest thee.[E57]

Chap. 11.

My friend, if cause doth wrest thee, Ere follie hath much opprest thee: Farre from acquaintance kest thee, Where countrie may digest thee, Let wood and water request thee, In good corne soile to nest thee, Where pasture and meade may brest thee, And healthsom aire inuest thee. Though enuie shall detest thee, Let that no whit molest thee, Thanke God, that so hath blest thee, And sit downe Robin & rest thee.

* * * The title in the edition of 1577 reads: An habitation enforced aduisedly to be followed better late than never, &c.

Notes in this chapter

Note 1 · "Sit downe Robin and rest thee." I was inclined to think that this was the burden of some ballad, but Mr. Chappell, to whom I applied, is of