74.

[1] Now, out of the matter, this lesson I ad, concerning cock crowing, what profit is had. Experience teacheth, as true as a clock: how winter night passeth, by marking the cock. [2] Cock croweth at midnight, times few aboue six, with pause to his neighbour, to answere betwix. At three a clock thicker, and then as ye knowe, like all in to Mattens, neere daie they doo crowe. Cocke crowing. [3] At midnight, at three, and an hower ere day, they vtter their language, as well as they may. Which who so regardeth what counsell they giue, will better loue crowing, as long as they liue. For being afraid, Take heede good maid: Marke crowing of cock, For feare of a knock. [4] ¶ The first cock croweth. Ho, Dame it is midnight: what rumbling is that? The next cock croweth.[1] Take heede to false harlots, and more, ye wot what. If noise ye heare, Looke all be cleare: Least drabs doe noie thee, And theeues destroie thee. [5] ¶ The first cock croweth. Maides, three a clock,[E433] knede, lay your bucks,[E434] or go brew, The next cock croweth. And cobble and botch, ye that cannot buie new. Till cock crow agen, Both maidens and men: Amend now with speede, That mending doth neede.[2] [6] ¶ The first cock croweth. Past fiue a clock, Holla: maid, sleeping beware, The next cock croweth. Least quickly your Mistres vncouer your bare. Maides, vp I beseech yee, Least Mistres doe breech yee: To worke and away, As fast as ye may.