[Health cometh in with a kercher on his head.
Health. O, good Lord, help me! by your license, my Sovereign!
I am homely to come here in your presence, thus diseased.
Need constraineth me, for Remedy I would have fain;
I am infect, both body and soul, I pray you be not displeased.
Rem. Why, what ail you? show me! yet, you I do not know;
Glad I am to remedy any man that is affirmity;
I perceive by your phisn'amy that ye are very weak, feeble, and low;
Yet show me your grief, and I will help you gladly.
Health. Gracious Remedy! I thank you; yet I am half ashamed
To show you my malady and my name—I was called Health;
Therefore, I am well worthy to be punished and blamed
Because I have not followed your counsel, but all thing may be suffered save Wealth.
Rem. Are you Health? this maketh me very pensive and sad:
Yet be of good cheer, and show how you were infect;
To remedy you and succour you, I would be very glad;
For God will punish the people when they be detect.
Health. Sir! I thank God therof; for well worthy I am,
My conscience doth judge; some trouble have I must;
Amends I will make to God, and if I can.
Wit and Will hath deceived me: in them I put my trust. D2,v.
Rem. If thou have done amiss and be sorry therefore,
Then half amends is made, for that is contrition.
Let that pass! now will I axe you one thing more:
Where be Wealth and Liberty? be they of good disposition?
Health. As for Wealth [he] is fallen in decay and necessity
By waste and war, through Ill-Will and Shrewd Wit;
And Liberty is kept in durance and captivity.
God help us all, and send us good remedy for it!
Rem. For to hear this tale, it maketh my heart heavy;
Yet, be of good comfort! God is full of grace, and I am good.
Health. Sir! then I beseech you, help us in the way of charity!