Classic Poem

An other Dittie, after that, made by the same man (after a sorte) in defence of Cardes and Dice, as followeth.
T O play at Dice is but good sporte
So it be vsed in good sorte:
But who delights in Cardes and Dyse
In deede, I cannot count him wise:
For he that playes, till all be gone,
With Robin Hoode and little John,
May trace the Wooddes: for wise men say
Keepe somewhat till a rayny day.

But will you, therefore generally
Disprayse the Dyce so spightfully?
What thing so good, that now is vsde
But by a foole may be abusde?
I speake not this vnto that ende
That you should thinke I would defend
Dyce playing vniversallye,
But onely used moderately

For who so long dooth vse the Dyce
Till he thereof hath knowen the price:
I meane, till almost all be gone:
Then marke this, straight way, such a one
Beginnes to learne to cogge a pace:
Whereby he dooth so much disgrace
The Cardes and Dyce, that men doo feare
To play for Coggers euery where.

But if that Coggers all were barde
And cleanly cutters of a Carde,
And euery Gamster would play square:
Then some men would hope well to fare
And then would few so much despise,
As now they doe, both Cardes and Dyse:
For neyther Cardes nor Dice be naught
If men would vse them as they ought.

For how can Cardes or Dice hurt those,
That care not whether they win or lose? —
But who doe so? such men these are
As play no more then they may spare:
And when they come to any Game
They make a pastime of the same:
But hab or nab speede well who may
And merrily so will spend the day.

And what is lost too, farewell it
Neuer chafe nor freate a whit
And they that vse play in this sorte,
With Cardes and Dyce make preaty sporte.
Then, therefore, since both Cardes and Dyce
Be good for some men, as I say:
Who dooth abuse them, is not wise.
Nor worthy, in my minde to play
Therefore as I begone, I ende
Moderate play I doe defend