Lack-learning

"In those lack-learning times, and in barbarized Italy, began that vulgar and easie kind of Poesie which is now in vse throughout most parts of Christendome, which we abusiuely call Rime, and Meeter, of Rithmus and Metrum, of which I will now discourse."

"So few persons among the laity were acquainted with the art of writing, that the science itself acquired the name of 'clergy.' The term ' clerk' became equivalent to 'penman;' and our common nomenclature still bears testimony to the lack-learning of ancient times."