Rem. All that I do intend, if ye will thereto agree,
And to be reformable for your own ease,
It is not the thing that lieth only in me.
But my good will, therefore, I will not cease,
To have your love and favour; and thereby to please
All the world over, and to promote this realm;
That you three may prosper—ye perceive what I mean?
The chief part of all wealth lieth in great estates:
Their substance and lands is right commendable.
Prelates of the church is wealthy of riches;
Merchants hath merchandise and goods incomparable,
Men of law and franklins is wealthy, which is laudable:
Thus wealth of riches is divided diverse ways; C3,r.
And to these many charges come now-a-days.
Health. My heart rejoiceth to hear your good reporting;
Much are we bound to God which provideth all thing.
Rem. Forsooth! here is not half that I could rehearse
The benefits of God that He showeth to you, Wealth.
Consider Englishmen, how valiant they be and fierce;
Of none nations none such when they have their health;
No land can do us harm but with falsehood or stealth.
Remember what number of men, or artillery, and good ordinance;
Specially the grace of God which is our chief furtherance.
If there be any that will grudge, surmise, or do
Again Wealth, Health, and Liberty, then must I, for the same,
Show mine authority and power, for to remedy it, so
That none of you shall diminish, nor amiss be tane.
I, Good Remedy, therefore, may and will speak without blane
For the commonwealth, and health both of the soul and body:
That is my office and power; and therefore I have my authority.
Wealth. Our Lord continue ye, and we thank you heartily
Both for your good instruction, and for your kindness
That you intend so well for us, Good Remedy.
When we have need, we will desire your goodness.
Health. When we be infect in the soul or body,
Then will I seek Good Remedy for succour.
As yet, I thank God, I have no need greatly;
If I have, then will I seek to have your favour.
Lib. Sir! now we will depart hence, with your license,
For other divers business that we must have together.
Rem. Sirs! I am content; now, when ye will depart,
To God I commit you; I will not make you tarry.
But yet, I pray with all my mind and heart,
Take heed! in any wise eschew ill and shrewd company.
If a man be never so ... [original is illegible] C3,v.
He shall lose his name, and to some vice they will him tempt;
Therefore beware of such people, and from them be exempt.
Health. Yes, yes, I warrant you! of such I will beware—
Farewell, Good Remedy, and well to fare!
[And goeth out.
Rem. I pray God be your speed, and preserve you from pain!
It is my mind ye should prosper; I would have it so, fain.