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THE HONEST, PLAIN-DEALING PORTER
11 We Porters are good fellowes still,
and spend our money with good will, When three or foure on's meet together,
we needs must drinke come wind come wether, In friendly sort our pence we ioyne,
or more, if we be stor'd with coine, We neuer wrangle at paying the shot,
though need doth make the old wife trot.
12 When I all day haue labour'd hard,
content at night is my reward. When I come home, to quit my paines,
my wife me kindly entertaines. We sup with such as God hath sent,
though nere so small we are content, Come weale, come woe, we grumble not,
For need will make the old wife trot.
13 Thus haue I showne you my estate,
and how I first was crost by fate, And how that crosse did proue a blis,
because my mind contented is, My meanes I did consume in wast,
but there's no helpe for what is past, I little dream'd of this my lot,
but need will make the old wife trot.
14 By this I free my selfe of blame,
my kindred I will neuer shame, Well may they heare that I am poore,
yet not to beg from doore to doore. Let him who hath no house nor land,
some honest calling take in hand, Whereby a liuing may be got,
For need will make the old wife trot.
15 If thou hast learning, strength, or wit,
to vse it lawfully tis fit,
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