New G. Alas, my jewels! I shall be shent of my wife!
Now. Alas! and I am like never for to thrive;
I have such a buffet!
Man. Hence, I say, New Guise, Now-a-days, and Nought!
It was said beforn: all the means shall be sought
To pervert my conditions and bring me to nought—
Hence, thieves! ye have made many a leasing!
Nought. Marred I was for cold, but now am I warm!
Ye are evil advised, sir! for ye have done harm.
By Cock's body sacred! I have such a pain in my arm
I may not change a man a farthing!
Man. Now, I thank God, kneeling on my knee:
Blessed be His name! He is of high degree.
By the aid of His grace, that He hath sent me,
Three of mine enemies I have put to flight; [Shows his spade.
Yet this instrument, sovereigns! is not made to defend—
David saith: Nec in hasta, nec in gladio, saluat Dominus.
Nought. No, marry! I beshrew you! it is in spadibus!
Therefore, Christ's curse come on your headibus,
To send you less might! [They go out.
Man. I promit you, these fellows will no more come here;
For some of them, certainly, were somewhat too near!
My father, Mercy, advised me to be of a good cheer,
And again my enemies manly for to fight.
I shall convict them, I hope, every one—
Yet I say amiss; I do it not alone—
With the help of the grace of God I resist my fone
And their malicious heart.
With my spade I will depart, my worship[f]ul sovereigns!
And live ever with labour, to correct my insolence.
I shall go fet corn for my land; I pray you of patience;
Right soon I shall revert. [Exit.
[Enter Mischief.]
Mis. Alas, alas! that ever I was wrought!
Alas! the while I [am] worse than nought!
Sithen I was here, by Him that me bought!
I am utterly undone!
I, Mischief, was here, at the beginning of the game,
And argued with Mercy; God give him shame!
He hath taught Mankind, while I have be vane,
To fight manly again his fone;
For, with his spade—that was his weapon—
New Guise, Now-a-days, Nought hath [he] all to-beaten:
I have great pity to see them weeping.
Will ye list? I hear them cry!
[New Guise, Now-a-days, and Nought enter.]