ABRA, the maid, DEBORAH, the nurse.
ABRA. He, that were now within, should find all thing, I ween,
As trim as a trencher, as trick, as sweet, as clean.
And seeing that my dame prepareth such a feast,
I will not, I trow, be found such a sluttish beast,
That there shall any filth about our tent be kept,
But that both within and without it shall be swept.
[Then let her sweep with a broom, and while she doth it, sing this song, and when she hath sung, let her say thus:[271]
THE SECOND SONG.
_It hath been a proverb, before I was born,
Young doth it prick, that will be a thorn.
Who will be evil, or who will be good;
Who given to truth, or who to falsehood.
Each body's youth showeth a great likelihood.
For young doth it prick, that will be a thorn.
Who so in youth will no goodness embrace,
But follow pleasure, and not virtue's trace,
Great marvel it is, if such come to grace.
For young doth it prick, that will be a thorn.
Such as in youth will refuse to be taught,
Or will be slack to work, as he ought,
When they come to age, their proof will be nought.
For young doth it prick, that will be a thorn.
If a child have been given to any vice,
Except he be guided by such as be wise,
He will thereof all his life have a spice.
For young doth it prick, that will be a thorn.
It hath been a proverb, &c_.
ABRA. Now have I done, and, as it should be for the nonce,
My sweeping and my song are ended both at once.
Now but for fetting mine herbs I might go play.
Deborah, nurse Deborah, a word, I you pray.