Of a couetous Niggard, and a needie Mouse

ASclepiad that gréedie Carle,
by fortune found a Mouse
(As he about his lodgings lookte)
within his niggish house.
The chiding Chuffe began to chaufe,
and (sparefull of his chéere)
Demaunded of the siely Beast
and sayde what makste thou héere?

You néede not stand in feare (good Friend)
the smiling Mouse replide:
I come not to deuoure your Cates
but in your house to hide.

No man this Miser I account
that chid this hurtlesse Elfe:
No Mouse the Mouse, but wiser than
the Patch that owde the Pelfe.