The Fool's Excellence

Among all sorts of people,
The matter if we look well to,
The fool is the best, he from the rest
Will carry away the bell too.
All places he is free of,
And foots it without blushing
At masques and plays, is not the bays
Thrust out, to let the plush in?
Your fool is fine, he's merry,
And of all men doth fear least,
At every word he jests with my lord,
And tickles my lady in earnest:
The fool doth pass the guard now,
He'll kiss his hand, and leg it,
When wise men prate, and forfeit their state,
Who but the fine fool will beg it?
He without fear can walk in
The streets that are so stony;
Your gallant sneaks, your merchant breaks,
He's a fool that does owe no money.