[Let SIMPLICITY make as though he read it, and
look quite over; meanwhile let CONSCIENCE enter.
SIMPLICITY.
Let me see, cousin, for I can read.
Mass, 'tis bravely done: didst thou it indeed?
Mistress Conscience, I have a matter to bequest you to.
CONSCIENCE.
What is't? I doubt not but 'tis some wise thing, if it be for you.
SIMPLICITY.
Marry, my cousin Sincerity wad desire to scribe these papers here,
That he may get some preferment, but I know not where.
CONSCIENCE. Be these your letters? what would you have me do, and how shall I call ye?
SINCERITY.
Lady, my name is Sincerity.
CONSCIENCE.
And from whence come ye?
SINCERITY.
I came from Oxford, but in Cambridge I studied late;[172]
Having nothing, thought good, if I could, to make better my state:
But if I had, instead of divinity, the law, astronomy, astrology,
Physiognomy, palmestry, arithmetic, logic, music, physic,
or any such thing,
I had not doubted, then, but to have had some better living.
But divines, that preach the word of God sincerely and truly,
Are in these days little or nothing at all[173] set by.
God grant the good preachers be not taken away for our unthankfulness!
There never was more preaching and less following,
the people live so amiss.
But what is he that may not on the Sabbath-day attend to
hear God's word,
But he will rather run to bowls, sit at the alehouse,
than one hour afford,
Telling a tale of Robin Hood, sitting at cards, playing at
skittles[174], or some other vain thing,
That I fear God's vengeance on our heads it will bring.
God grant amendment! But, Lady Conscience, I pray,
In my behalf unto Lucre do what ye may.
SIMPLICITY.
Mass, my cousin can say his book well: I had not thought it.
He's worthy to have a benefice, and it will hit.
CONSCIENCE.
God be blessed, Sincerity, for the good comfort I have of thee:
I would it lay in us to pleasure such, believe me.
We will do what we can; but ultra posse non est esse, you know:
It is Lucre that hath brought us poor souls so low;
For we have sold our house, we are brought so poor,
And fear by her shortly to be shut out of door.
Yet to subscribe our name we will with all our heart:
Perchance for our sakes something she will impart.
Come hither, Simplicity; let me write on thy back.