Of trusting a Captaine

AN Alderman, one of the better sort,
And worthie member of our worthiest Citie;
Vnto whose Table diuers did resort,
Himselfe of stomake good, of answeres witty,
Was once requested by a Table friend,
To lend an vnknowne Captaine forty pound.
The which, because he might the rather lend,
He said he should become in statute bound.
And this (quoth he) you need not doubt to take,
For he's a man of late growne in good credit,
And went about the world with Captaine Drake.
Out (quoth the Alderman) that ere you sed it,
For forty pounds? no nor for forty pence.
His single bond I count not worth a chip:
I say to you (take not hereat offence,)
He that hath three whole yeeres been in a ship,
In famine, plagues, in stench, and storme, so rife,
Cares not to lye in Ludgate all his life.