Chapter 7

HYPOCRISY. Ha, ha, ha! marry, now the game begins. Hypocrisy throughout this realm is had in admiration, And by my means both Avarice and Tyranny crept in, Who in short space will make men run the way to desolation. What did I say? my tongue did trip--I should say, consolation-- For now, forsooth, the clergy must into my bosom creep, Or else they know not by what means themselves alive to keep. On the other side the laity, be they either rich or poor-- If rich, then Avarice strangle them, because they will not lose Their worldly wealth: or else we have one subtle practice more; That is, that Sensual Suggestion their outward man shall pose, Who can full finely in each cause his mind to them disclose. But if that neither of these twain can to my train them win,[35] Then at his cue to play his part doth Tyranny begin. As for the poor knaves, such a one as this is, We do not esteem him, but make short ado. If he will not come on, we do him not miss, But to the pot he is sure to go: Tyranny deals with him and no mo. But I marvel what doth him from hence so long stay, Sooner named, sooner come, as common proverbs say.

[_S[t]ep aside_.