“M A L T,
“Which cannot be divided into words, it being but one; nor into syllables, it being but one: therefore, of necessity, I must reduce it into letters, which I find to be these,
“M—A—L—T.
“M—my beloved, is Moral. A—is Allegorical. L—is Literal, T—is Theological.
“The moral is set forth to teach you drunkards good manners, therefore: M—my Masters. A—All of you. L—Listen. T—to my Text.
“The allegorical is when one thing is spoken, and another is intended: the thing expressed is MALT; the thing signified is the oil of Malt, which you Bacchanals make: M—your Meat. A—your Apparel. L—your liberty. T—your Text.
“The Literal is according to the letter: M—Much. A—Ale. L—Little. T—Thrift.
“The Theological is according to the effects it produces, which I find to consist of two kinds. The first respects this life, the second, that which is to come.
“The effects it produces in this world are in some: M—Murder. A—Adultery. L—Licentious Lives. T—Treason. {290}
“The effects consequent in the world to come are: M—Misery. A—Anguish. L—Lamentation. T—Torment.