An alarum against vsurers Containing tryed experiences against worldly abuses. Wherein gentlemen may finde good counsells to confirme them, and pleasant histories to delight them: and euery thing so interlaced with varietie: as the curious may be satisfied with rarenesse, and the curteous with pleasure. Heereunto are annexed the delectable historie of Forbonius and Prisceria: with the lamentable complaint of truth ouer England. Written by Thomas Lodge, of Lincolnes Inne, Gentleman.

¶IOHN IONES GEN∣tleman, in praise of the AVTHOR.

THough not my praise, yet let my wish preuaile, Who so thou be that list to read this booke, I neuer yet by flatterie did assaile, To count that good that most did please my looke.

But alwaies wisht my friends such stile to vse, As wise might like, though foolish would refuse.

In opening vice my friend who spends his time, May count by priuate good no profit lost, What errors scape in young and lustie prime, Experience (badge of truth) may quickly cost. Who sets the marke, that makes men shunne the sand, Deserues good words, his proofes for profit stand.

For common good to crosse a few mens vaines, Who like to Midas would that all were golde, I count not misse, since there vnlawfull gaines Makes some men sink, whom birth might well vphold. I know the sore, the scarre is seene to plaine, A blessed state where no such wils doo raine.

In briefe, I praise this booke for pretie stile, For pithie matter, Gentle be thou iudge, O would my wish some fancies might beguile, Then faire reuenewes should not fit a snudge. A world to see how Asses daunce in golde, By wanton wils, when Gentles starue for colde.

Whose errors if it please succeeding age, To see with sighs, and shun with sad aduice, Let him beholde this booke, within whose page, Experience leaues her chiefest proofes of price, And thanke the youth that suffered all these toiles, To warne thee shun that rocke which many spoiles.

FINIS.