Wealth. Why should they love thee—that would I know—
As well as me? I pray you, show!
I am the superior of high and low;
No man may compare with me.
Health. To show why, I will not be afraid;
For, I can bide by that I have said:
If wealthy men be very well apaid,
Or much they set you by.
But of wealth, if they have never so much—
Goods, treasure, and gold—and be called rich,
Yet, if they lack health, their pain is such
That they were better die.
A man to wear gold and be in pain,
What joy hath he? None! but would be fain
To give all his treasure for health, plain;
Or else he were very mad.
For, if a man be never so poor,
Yet if he have health, that is a treasure;
Then, for his living, he may labour,
And in his heart be glad.
Wealth. I never marked thus much, nor understood
That health was such a treasure, and to man so good;
Wherefore, I am sorry, and will change my mood:
Now, I pray you, forgive me!
Health. I will forgive, or else I were to blame; B1,r.
And I pray you to forgive me the same;
I love you heartily, and will praise your name
If it please you to keep my company.
Here entereth Liberty with a song, and after speaketh.
Liberty. Why tarry, sirs! whither are ye going?
I see well ye looked not for my coming.
Lo! out of sight, out of remembering;
Absence is cause of strangeness.
What look ye on? wherewhy are ye so strange?
From your fellow, Liberty, doth your minds change?
In your company I was wont to range;
What needs all this business?
Wealth. By Liberty, now, I do not set
Seeing that Health and I am met,
As felloweth together; no man shall let
Me for to love him best.
Lib. Let me hear what ye do say:
Then ye are about to cast me away!
How haps this? Marry! then I may
Go pick straws and take me rest.
I pray you, tell me whom I have offended;
If I have made a fau[l]t it shall be amended;
With so short warning let me not be voided:
I trow yet ye do but jest.
Health. Why do ye make this cavillation?
We intend to make no alteration;
Wealth and I have had communication:
He is my friend of old.
Lib. What was the matter? I pray you tell!
Methinks, I ought to be of counsel;
Or else, I promise you, ye do not well:
With you I should behold. B1,v.