Ecclesiastes, othervvise called The preacher Containing Salomons sermons or commentaries (as it may probably be collected) vpon the 49. Psalme of Dauid his father. Compendiously abridged, and also paraphrastically dilated in English poesie, according to the analogie of Scripture, and consent of the most approued writer thereof. Composed by H.L. Gentleman. Whereunto are annexed sundrie sonets of Christian passions heretofore printed, and now corrected and augmented, with other affectionate sonets of a feeling conscience of the same authors.

7.

Better it is to heare the re∣buke of a wise man, then that a man should heare the song of fooles.

And (for we hardly see our owne amisse, And each in others eyes a mote can spy) My best aduice (to do thee good) is this: That to thy friends reproofe thou do apply, Yea such a friend, as knoweth good from ill, And thy misdeeds in thee reproue that will.

For better are the blowes that friends do giue, Then smoothed actions, flatt'rers do bestow, Those to amendment do the wiser driue, By th'others, fooles from ill to worse do grow, There Syrens songs, do make thee sleepe in sin, These rougher words, thy soule from ruine win.