The honour of the gentle-craft expressed in three stories: the first o[f] Hugh and fair Winifred. The second of Crispin and Crispiannus. The third of Sir Symon Eyre; wh[o] all professed the gentle-craft, and were shoo-makers. Newly written. With pleasant new sings to be sung on Crispianus nigh[t.]

Chap. 3.

How Sir Simon Eyre, a Shoo-maker by trade: A feast for all the Prentices, upon Shrove-Tuesday made.

OVr English Chronicles do declare A story worthy to be known Of one by name sir Simon Eyre, Who in a short time full rich was grown, His parentage mean, yet his name Liveth still in lasting fame.

This man came young out of the North, And here he was a Prentice bound, Vnto a Shoo-maker of good worth: His Master no dislike yet found, With his Prentice but all was well, And afterwards it thus befell.

Simon with other Prentices more, Vpon a Sunday morning went, As they had often done before, To eae some pudding-pyes was their intent. But when the shot came once to pay, Simon thus to them did say,

My Masters and friends here all, Of my empty purse take pitty; And I do vow if it so befall, That I am Lord Major of this City, If you my word will now but take, A breakfast for you I will make.

The other Prentices took his word, And for that time they paid the shot: But afterward it was restor'd, For he such wealth and treasure got, That in short time this Simon Eyre, VVas made Sheriff, and after Major.

His promise then he kept in mind, So that a breakfest he did make, For all the Prentices he could find, VVho kept it holiday for his sake. And that his love might be exprest, Vpon Shrobe Tuesday did them feast.

And afterward Sir Simon Eyre, Did build up Leaden-Hall: That Shoo-makers might so repair Vnto the Tanners stall. Thus for Shoo-makers he did provide, And afterwards in honour dy'd.