Of the nature and use of lots a treatise historical and theologicalOf the nature and vse of lots a treatise historicall and theologicall

§ 16. In the last place are Poets produced for the condemning of dice. And Poets indeed, Satirists especially, are the common scourges of the vices and abuses of their times. Neither is it my purpose to be either a Pander to any sin, or a Proctor to plead for it, to excuse or extenuate, much less to justify or acquit any abuse used in game: (let my tongue first cleave to the roof of my mouth, nay let it rather rot to the very root in my mouth, then that I should once attempt ought in that kind;) but to consider only of these games pared from such abuses, as men may, if they will, and I doubt not but many do, use them. But let us hear what these Poets say.

§ 16. In the last place are Poets produced for the condemning of dice. And Poets indeed, Satyrists especially, are the common scourges of the vices and abuses of their times. Neither is it my purpose to be either a Pandar to any sinne, or a Proctor to pleade for it, to excuse or extenuate, much lesse to iustifie or acquit any abuse vsed in game: (let my tongue first cleaue to the roofe of my mouth, nay let it rather rot to the very roote in my mouth, then that I should once attempt ought in that kinde;) but to consider onely of these games pared from such abuses, as men may, if they will, and I doubt not but many doe, vse them. But let vs heare what these Poets say.

^aThe Poet putteth it among the common Cankers ⟨p. 226⟩that consume men and make Beggars of them, Dic•, Wine, and Women.

^aThe Poet putteth it among the common Canckers ⟨p. 226⟩that consume men and make Beggars of them, Dic•, Wine, and Women.