A most excellent Ditty, called Collins Conceit. To the tune of Wigmores Galiard. Anonymous Text Encoding Project for Spring 2021 Literature and Digital Diversity course A most excellent Ditty, called Collins Conceit. H. Gosson London, England 1625 Transcribed from a facsimile in Early English Books Online Collins Conceit London: Printed for H. Gosson. 1625. A most excellent Ditty, called Collins Conceit. Conceits of sundry sorts there are, but this Conceit of mine, Doth wish all men to have a care, to live by wisdoms line. In my conceit if men would look, where sacred virtues dwell. And live according to Gods Book , then all things should be well. If wisdom were once made our guide, she would direct us right, Where now we daily slip aside, for want of wisdom light. If we had faith, we need not fear the Devil nor powers of Hell: If godly faith our Anchor were, then all things should be well. If we could learn to love the Lord, with an unfound love, And willingly obey his Word, as duty doth us move: If we would leave our wickedness, wherein we do excell, And give our minds to godliness, then all things should be well. If people did not go to Church, only for fashion sake: If one would not another lurch, nor yet had courses take: If all those that seem so pure, would not by false weights sell, But justly deal, we might be sure then all things should be well. If men would not, to purchase gain, falsely themselves forswear. Nor take the name of God in vain, but live in dread and fear: If all hypocrisy were left, which daily doth excell: If me were not of zeal bereft, then all things should be well. If conscience were not overstrained, for to oppress the weak: If subtill mates were not maintained, if none would promise break: If spitefull men did not delight, in wrangling suites to dwell: If one kept not anothers wife, then all things should be well. If no man would false witness bear for lucre or for love: If no contentious people were disquiet for to move: If none would hurt the innocent, nor [UNKNOWN]money sell Anothers life, where time well. spent, then all things should be well. If bloody murdering would cease, which doth for vengeance cry: If every man would seek for peace, and live contentedly: If drunkeness and gluttony, that doth so much excell: If none would practice cruelty, then all things should be well. If Parents would instruction use, and youth in time correct: Would youth good counsell note refuse but thereto have respect: If servants were obedient to those with whom they dwell If they were quick and diligent, then all things should be well. If fornication were not used, nor foul adultery: In every place were bribes refused, and partiality: If no man would his neighbor wrong which far or near him dwell, Nor stain their credits with his toug, then all things should be well. If scolding queanes were punished, did witches hang or burn: If bawds and whores not suffered, some had a blessed turn: If we did not delight to sit in sins dark shadow Cell: If godly wisdom governed wit, then all things should be well. If crafty heads would once g scant, which scrap and claw for gain, The poor and needy souls that want would not so much complain. If trust might lie safe in his bed, If truth might buy and sell, If double dealing once were dead, then all things should be well. If cunning Cutpurses and theives, were clean out of the way, Then some false knaves that true men grieve should not remain this day. If swearing were once out of ure, that none of oathes could tell: If lies were lost, we might be sure, that all things should be well. If fairy-tales, that breed debate, were hid from Man and Wife: Then surely each man with his mate, might lead a quiet life: If neighbors would like friends agree and love among us dwell: If pride might once expelled be, then all things should be well. If Landlords would leave racking rent, if Vsurie would cease: If we had not great male-content, this Land might live in peace. If Injustice would not swerve at all, if malice would not swell.: Might high aspiring climbers fall, then all things should be well. If rash and hasty people would to patience give place: If wrath were left, a number would not be so void of grace: If hatred were abandoned, were envy drawn to hell: If Idleness were punished, then all things should be well. If déeds of charity were used if poor men were not proud, If Officers were not abused, if dice were not allowed: If Lawyers would not suits prolong, but to their Clients tell How cases stand, if right or wrong, then all things should be well. If flattering pick-thanks were expelld out of the Common-wealth: If men a moderate diet hold, they might live long in health: If hel-bred couetousnesse and pride did not amongst us dwell: If rich men were not merciless, then all things should be well. If poor mens states were pitied. which do in prison lie: If sick folk were much comforted, in their necessity: If edes-men did not use deceit, If fraud did not excell: Did wicked men practice no sleight, then all things should be well. If these false traitors were found out, which would this Realm bet, Then should all England round about, stand at a better stay. That wicked vices may decay, and virtue bear the bell, To God let us most humbly pray, and so we shall do well. FINIS. References to love. References to religion. References to gender. Religious geophragy. Religious class. Printed at London for H. Gosson.