Wit and his Company. Welcome, mine own!
All sing: Welcome, mine own!
[And when the song is done, Reason sendeth Instruction, Study, and Diligence, and Confidence out; and then, standing in the middle of the place, Wit sayeth as followeth:
Wit. Welcome, mine own! with all my whole heart,
Which shall be your own till death us depart!
I trust, lady! this knot even since knit.
Sci. I trust the same; for since ye have smit
Down my great enemy, Tediousness,
Ye have won me forever, doubtless,
Although ye have won a clog withal!
Wit. A clog, sweetheart? what?
Sci. Such as doth fall
To all men that join themselves in marriage,
In keeping their wives; a careful carriage!
Wit. Careful? Nay, lady! that care shall employ
No clog, but a key of my most joy.
To keep you, sweet heart! as shall be fit,
Shall be no care, but most joy to Wit!
Sci. Well, yet I say—mark well what I say!—
My presence bringeth you a clog; no nay!
Not in the keeping of me only,
But in the use of Science chiefly;
For I, Science, am, in this degree,
As all, or most part, of women be:
If ye use me well, in a good sort,
Then shall I be your joy and comfort;
But if ye use me not well, then doubt me,
For sure ye were better then without me!
Wit. Why, lady! think you me such a wit,
As being affianced by you, and yet
Would misuse ye? Nay, if ye doubt that,
Here is one loveth thee more than somewhat:
If Wit misuse ye at any season,
Correct me then your own father, Reason.