Not thus content, they took from mee
My goods, my livings, and my fee,90
And charg'd that none should me relieve,
Nor any succour to me give.
Then unto Mistress Blague I went,
To whom my jewels I had sent,
In hope thereby to ease my want,95
When riches fail'd, and love grew scant.
But she deny'd to me the same,
When in my need for them I came;
To recompence my former love,
Out of her doors she did me shove.100
So love did vanish with my state,
Which now my soul repents too late;
Therefore example take by me,
For friendship parts in poverty.
But yet one friend among the rest,105
Whom I before had seen distress'd,
And sav'd his life, condemn'd to dye,
Did give me food to succour me:
For which, by law it was decreed
That he was hanged for that deed;110
His death did grieve me so much more,
Than had I dy'd myself therefore.
Then those to whom I had done good
Durst not [afford] mee any food;
Whereby in vain I begg'd all day,115
And still in streets by night I lay.
My gowns beset with pearl and gold,
Were turn'd to simple garments old;
My chains and jems and golden rings,
To filthy rags and loathsome things.120
Thus was I scorn'd of maid and wife,
For leading such a wicked life;
Both sucking babes and children small,
Did make a pastime at my fall.