we may so dispose thereof, as may be to his honour, and the comfort of his poore members on earth, and aboue our neighbours may not be puffed vp with pride, that, while we think on our wealth, we forget God that sent it to vs, for it hath been an old saying of a wise man, that abundance groweth from riches, and disdain out of abundance: of which God giue vs grace to take heed, and grant vs a contented mind.

So soon as he had spoken this, they heard one knocking hastily at doore, whereupon he sent Florence to see who it was, the maiden, coming again, told her master it was one of my Lord Maiors officers that would speake with him. The officer being permitted to come in, after due reuerence, he said, Sir, it hath pleased my Lord Maior with the worshipfull aldermen his brethren, with the counsell of the whole communaltie of the honourable city, to chuse your worship Sheriffe of London this day, and haue sent me to desire you to come and certifie your minde therein, whether you be contented to hold the place or no.

Master Eyer hearing this, answered he would come to his honor and their worships incontinent, and resolue them what he was minded to do; and so the officer departed.

His wife, which all this while listned to their talk, hearing how the case stood, with a ioyfull countenance meeting her husband, taking him about the neck with a louing kisse, said, Master Sheriffe, God giue thee ioy of thy name and place!

O wife (quoth he) my person is far vnworthy of that place, and the name far exceeds my degree.

What, content your selfe, good husband (quoth she) and disable not your selfe in such sort, but be thankfull vnto God for that you haue, and do not spurn at such promotion as God sendeth vnto you: the Lord be praised for it, you haue enough to discharge the place whereunto you are called with credit: and wherefore sendeth God goods, but therewithall to do him and your countrey seruice?

Woman (quoth he) Soft fire makes sweet mault: For such as take things in hand rashly, repent as suddenly: to be Sheriffe of London is no little cost. Consider first (quoth he) what house I ought to haue, and what costly ornaments belong thereunto, as: hanging of tapistry cloth of Arras, and other such like, what store of plate and goblets of gold, what costly attire, and what a chargeable train, and that which is most of all, how greatly I stand charged beside, to our Soueraigne

Lord, the King, for the answering of such prisoners as shall be committed to my custody, with an hundred matters of such importance, which are to such an office belonging.

Good Lord husband (quoth she) what need all these repetitions? You need not tell me it is a matter of great charge: notwithstanding, I verily think many heretofore haue with great credit discharged the place, whose wealth hath not in any sort been answerable to your riches, and whose wits haue been as mean as your own: truly sir shall I be plain? I know not anything that is to be spoken of, that you want to performe it, but only your good will: and to lack good will to do your king and countrey good were a signe of an vnworthy subiect, which I hope you will neuer be.

Well wife (said her husband) thou dost hold me here with prittle prattle, while the time passeth on, tis high time I were gone to Guild-Hall, I doubt I shall appear too vnmannerly in causing my Lord Maior and the rest to stay my leisure.

And he hauing made himselfe ready, meet to go before such an assembly as he went vnto, he went out of doores, at what time his wife called after him, saying: and holding vp her finger, Husband, remember, you know what I haue said: take heed you dissemble not with God and the world, look to it husband.

Go too, go too, get you in (quoth he) about your businesse, and so away he went.

So soon as he was gone out of sight, his wife sent one of his men after him to Guild-Hall, to hearken and hear, whether her husband held his place or no: and if he do, bring me word with all possible speed.