But all the while they studied his temper; [69d] he loved to be flattered, praised and commanded for Wit, Manhood, and Personage; and this was like stroking him over the face. Thus they Collogued with him, and got yet more and more into him, and so (like Horse-leaches) they drew away that little that his father had given him, and brought him quickly down, almost to dwell next dore to the begger.
Atten. Then was the saying of the wise man fulfilled, He that keepeth company with harlots, and a companion of fools, shall be destroyed. [69e]
Wise. Ay, and that too, A companion of riotous persons shameth his father; [69f] For he, poor man, had both grief and shame, to see how his son (now at his own hand) behaved himself in the enjoyment of those good things, in and under the lawfull use of which he might have lived to Gods glory, his own comfort, and credit among his neighbours. But he that followeth vain persons, shall have poverty enough. [69g] The way that he took, led him directly into this condition; for who can expect other things of one that follows such courses? Besides, when he was in his Shop, he could not abide to be doing; He was naturally given to Idleness: He loved to live high, but his hands refused to labour; and what else can the end of such an one be, but that which the wise man saith? The Drunkard and the Glutton shall come to poverty, and drowsiness shall cloath a man with rags. [70a]
Atten. But now, methinks, when he was brought thus low, he should have considered the hand of God that was gone out against him, and should have smote upon the breast, and have returned.
Wise. Consideration, good consideration was far from him, he was as stout and proud now, as ever in all his life, and was as high too in the pursuit of his sin, as when he was in the midst of his fulness; only he went now [70b] like a tyred Jade, the Devil had rid him almost off of his leggs.
Atten. Well, but what did he do when all was almost gone?
Wise. Two things were now his play. [70c] 1. He bore all in hand by Swearing, and Cracking and Lying, that he was as well to pass, as he was the first day he set up for himself, yea that he had rather got than lost; and he had at his beck some of his Companions that would swear to confirm it as fast as he.
Atten. This was double wickedness, ’twas a sin to say it, and another to swear it.
Wise. That’s true, but what evil is that that he will not doe, that is left of God, as I believe Mr. Badman was?
Atten. And what was the other thing?