The most elegant and witty epigrams of Sir Iohn Harrington, Knight digested into foure bookes: three vvhereof neuer before published.

62 Of two Welsh Gentlemen.

I Heard among some other pretty Tales, How once there were two Gentlemen of Wales, Of Noble bloud, discended of his House, That from our Ladies gowne did take a Louse. These two (thus goes the tale) vpon a day, Did hap to trauell vpon London way: ••nd for 'twas cumbersome to weare a boote, ••or their more ease, they needs would walke afoote. Their fare was dainty, and of no small cost, ••or euery meale they call'd for bak't and rost. ••nd lest they should their best apparell lacke, Each of them bore his Wardrobe at his backe. Their Arrant was, but sore against their wils, ••o Westminster to speake with Master Milles. ••o maruell men of such a sumptuous Dyet, Were brought into the Star-chamber for a Ryot. These Squires one night arriued at a towne, To looke their lodgings, when the Sun was downe. And for the Inne-keeper his gates had locked, ••n haste, like men of some account they knocked. The drowsie Chamberlaine doth aske who's there. They told that Gentlemen of Wales they were.

How many, quoth the man, is there of you? Quoth they, Here is Iohn ap Rice, ap Iones, ap Hue; And Nicholas ap Steuen, ap Giles, ap Dauy. Then Gentlemen, adue, quoth he, God saue ye. Your Worships might haue had a bed or twaine, But how can that suffice so great a traine?