Chapter VIII: The Domestic Tutor's Position

This satire forms the Sixth of Book II. of the _Virgidemiarum_, and
is regarded as one of Bishop Hall's best. See the _Return from
Parnassus_ and Parrot's _Springes for Woodcocks_ (1613) for
analogous references to those occurring in this piece.

A gentle squire would gladly entertain
Into his house some trencher chapelain;
Some willing man that might instruct his sons,
And that would stand to good conditions.
First, that he lie upon the truckle-bed
Whiles his young master lieth o'er his head.
Second that he do on no default
Ever presume to sit above the salt.
Third that he never change his trencher twice.
Fourth that he use all common courtesies:
Sit bare at meals and one half rise and wait.
Last, that he never his young master beat,
But he must ask his mother to define,
How many jerks she would his breech should line.
All these observed, he could contented be,
To give five marks and winter livery.