CONSCIENCE.
Doff we our veils, and greet this gladsome light;
The chaser of gloom, Sorrow's heavy night[251].
LOVE.
Hail, cheerful air, and clearest crystal sky.
LUCRE.
Hail, shining sun and fairest firmament,
Comfort to those that time in woe have spent.
CONSCIENCE.
Upon my weeping stone is set REMORSE in brazen letters.
LOVE.
And on this flint in lead is CHARITY.
LUCRE.
In golden letters on my stone is CARE.
CONSCIENCE.
Then Lucre sits upon the stone of Care.
LUCRE.
And Conscience on the marble of Remorse.
LOVE.
Love on the flint of frozen Charity.
Ladies, alas, what tattered souls are we.
CONSCIENCE.
Sorrow our hearts, and time our clothes hath torn.