27.

1 What then of this talent, while here we remaine, to studie to yeeld it to God with a gaine? And that shall we doo, if we doo it not hid, but vse and bestow it, as Christ doth vs bid. 2 What good to get riches by breaking of sleepe, but (hauing the same) a good house for to keepe? Not onely to bring a good fame to thy doore, but also the praier to win of the poore. 3 Of all other dooings house keeping is cheefe, for daily it helpeth the poore with releefe; The neighbour, the stranger, and all that haue neede, which causeth thy dooings the better to speede. 4 Though harken[1] to this we should euer among,[E137] yet cheefly at Christmas, of all the yeare long. Good cause of that vse may appeare by the name, though niggerly niggards doo kick at the same.