7.

As true as thy faith, This riddle thus saith. The praise of husbandrie. I seeme but a drudge, yet I passe any King To such as can vse me, great wealth I do bring. Since Adam first liued, I neuer did die, When Noe was shipman, there also was I. The earth to susteine me, the sea for my fish:[E21] Be readie to pleasure me, as I would wish.[1] What hath any life, but I helpe to preserue, What wight without me, but is ready to sterue. In woodland, in Champion, Citie, or towne If long I be absent, what falleth not downe? If long I be present, what goodnes can want? Though things at my comming were neuer so scant. So many as looue me, and vse me aright, With treasure and pleasure, I richly acquite. Great kings I doe succour, else wrong it would go, The King of al kings hath appointed it so.