[DISSIMULATION, FRAUD, and LAWYER exeunt.
ARTIFEX.
Come after dinner, or some other time! I think so[170] indeed,
For full little do they think of a poor man's need.
These fellows will do nothing for pity and love,
And thrice happy are they that hath no need them to prove.
God he knows the world is grown to such a stay,
That men must use Fraud and Dissimulation too, or beg by the way.
Therefore I'll do as the most doth; the fewest shall laugh me to scorn,
And be a fellow amongst good fellows to hold by St Luke's horn.
[Exit.
Enter SIMPLICITY and SINCERITY.
SINCERITY.
Good Cousin Simplicity, do somewhat for me.
SIMPLICITY.
Yes, faith, Cousin Sincerity, I'll do anything for thee.
What wouldst for me to do for thee? canst tell that?
[SINCERITY.] Mass, I cannot tell what shouldst do for me, except thou wouldst give me a new hat.
SIMPLICITY.
Alas! I am not able to give thee a new.
Why, I marvel then how thou dost do:
Dost thou get thy living amongst beggars, from door to door?
Indeed, Cousin Sincerity, I had thought thou wast not so poor.
SINCERITY.
Nay, Cousin Simplicity, I got my living hardly, but yet I hope just,
And with good conscience too, although I am restrained from my lust.
But this is it, Cousin Simplicity, I would request you to do for me,
Which is to get Lady Love and Lady Conscience' hand to a letter,
That by their means I may get some benefice, to make me live the better.
SIMPLICITY.
Yes; I'll do so much for thee, cousin; but hast thou any here?
SINCERITY.
Ay, behold they are ready-drawn, if assigned[171] they were.