The Prayse of the Needle

I recently bought a Fiddlesticks pattern from the Needle Arts Book Shop and when I received my order this sonnet was printed on the receipt. I loved it so much I wanted to share it with all of you. It was written by John Taylor, who lived from 1580-1653.

The Prayse of the Needle

To all dispersed sorts of Arts and Trades,
I write the Needle's praise (that never fades)
So long as children shall be got or borne,
So long as garments shall be made, or worne,
So long as Hemp or Flax, or Sheep shal bear,
Their linnen woollen fleeces yeare by yeare;
So long as Silk-worms, with exhausted spoyle
Of their own Entrailes, for man's gaine shall toyle;
Yea, till the world be quite dissolu'd and past;
So long as least, the Needle's use shall last.