Classic Poem

The state of Fraunce as it nowe standes
is like primero at Fower handes
wher some doe vie and some doe holde
and best assurd maye prove to bolde.

The kinge was rashe without regarde
and being flush would not discarde,
but first he passed it to the guise,
and he of nought straight waie it vies

Navarre was next and would not oute,
for of his Cardes he had no doubt.
The Cardynall faintlier held the vie
and watched advantage for to spie:

For to go out his frendes him bides
but Cardynalls hattes makes busie heades
all rest were up and all were in
and Phillip wrought that guise might wynne.

Quene mother stode behind his backe,
and taught him howe to make his packe,
The king that all their wordes did knowe
said what, goe lesse before we showe,

He profers dalyaunce for to make,
to save himself and Guises stake
and we that sawe him at this staie
Did leave him there and rune our waie: