The devils banquet described in four sermons [brace], 1. The banquet propounded, begun, 2.…The deuills banket described in foure sermons [brace], 1. The banket propounded, begunne, 2.…

Thus the Covetous man pines in plenty, like Tantalus, up to the chin in water, yet thirsty. He that hath no power to take part of Gods blessings, which he keepeth, plays the Thief finely, and robs himself. His extortion hath erst stolen from others; and now he plays rob-thief, and steals from himself. They say, the rule of charity should be fetched from home. He ⟨p. 83⟩that is miserable to himself, will never be liberal to others; he that pines himself, God bless me from begging at his door. It is miserable living at this mans finding: for like a Chemist, he turns every thing into silver, what he should wear, and what he should eat; and so robs both back and belly of warmth, of sustenance. All, to conjure a little money into the circle of his Purse; which he will do, though he fetch Spells from the Devil to do it: yet keeps it only to look on, not to use. Nemini bonus, sibi pessimus. As he is good to none,¹ so (let it be his plague) he is worst to himself. He is ever in debt to his belly: the purest metal is for his Coffer; the coursest meat is good enough for his stomach. He doth so cross the vanity of Pride, which esteemeth the dearest things the best; that he thinks nothing sweet, but what is cheap. If ever he satisfy his complaining stomach with a good morsel, it shall be from his neighbours Trencher.

Thus the Couetous man pines in plenty, like Tantalus, vp to the chinne in water, yet thirsty. He that hath no power to take part of Gods blessings, which he keepeth, playes the Thiefe finely, and robs himselfe. His extortion hath erst stolne from others; and now hee playes rob-thiefe, and steales from himselfe. They say, the rule of charity should be fetch'd from home. He ⟨p. 83⟩that is miserable to himselfe, will neuer be liberall to others; he that pines himselfe, God blesse me from begging at his dore. It is miserable liuing at this mans finding: for like a Chimist, he turnes euery thing into siluer, what he should weare, and what he should eate; and so robs both backe and belly of warmth, of sustenance. All, to coniure a little money into the circle of his Purse; which he will doe, though he fetch Spels from the Deuill to doe it: yet keepes it onely to looke on, not to vse. Nemini bonus, sibi pessimus. As he is good to none,