Wealth. The matter is done; we are agreed;
To reason it more it shall not need.
O, brother Health! thou art, indeed,
More preciouser than gold.
Lib. God's body! how cometh this gear to pass?
I am cast out at the cart's arse;
The world is nothing as it was
For I am here refused.
Health. Why be you angry that we do agree?
Then are ye not wise; for, if ye love me,
I will love him again; so it should be;
Or else, I were misadvised.
Lib. Then of my love ye set no store;
My company, I see well, ye looked not for.
Farewell! I will get me out of the door;
Yet I am your betters, and so am I called.
Wealth. Such presumptuous words will have a fall;
Your comparison is but feeble and small:
What can ye do? nothing at all
As you have reputed!
Lib. What were ye both two, were not I?
Wretches and caitiffs! look not so high;
Think no scorn hardly,
For I may be your peer.
If Wealth have never so much substance,
Lacking Liberty and were in durance,
Within a whit—I am in assurance—
Ye would pray me come near.
If Health be never so lust and strong,
Yet, if Liberty were kept from him long,
Then sorrow and care would be his song:
It would abate your cheer. B2,r.
Fie of Wealth, which lacketh Liberty!
Fie of Health, and be in captivity!
Fie of Riches, and lack good company!
Liberty hath no peer!
Health. Will ye hear how he doth clatter?
What need ye to rehearse all this matter?
Ye know that we twain, afore any other,
Liberty must needs have still.
Liberty on us is glad to wait;
Ye stand too far in your own conceit:
I wis, Liberty, ye can make no bate
To catch us at your will!
Lib. Now, there ye lie! I can suffer no longer:
Wealth for Liberty doth labour ever;
And Health for Liberty is a great store;
Therefore, set me not so light.
Wealth. Liberty! I pray ye, reason no more!
Ye are welcome to us as ye were before;
Indeed, of Liberty it is great suitor:
Therefore welcome, by this light!
Lib. Now, I thank you both, full kindly!
Your strange words a little did grieve me;
And now, at your commandment, I am ready,
And at your own will.