Imp. Pov. Marry! avaunt, long, precious whoreson!
I set not by thee nor him, I make God avow!
I am as good a man as thou, for all thy good: A4,r.
Let it be tryd by manhood, and thereto I give thee my glove.
Peace. All such warriors I do reprove,
For peace loveth not to fight.
Imp. Pov. No, old fool! thou hast lost thy might;
For in age is nought else but cowardise.
Peace. Youth with his courage light,
Nor strength with multitude, I do thee plight
Are not only the cause of victory.
Imp. Pov. No, good sir! what then?
Peace. Grace and good governance of man.
For with good discretion they began
That were the great winners of victory.
Imp. Pov. Then victory is gotten by discretion;
I pray you, sir, show me this lesson:
How to come to richesse, for that is all my care.
For I am ever in great necessity;
Meat and drink with me is scarcity;
No man will trust me of a penny;
And, also, my clothes are but bare.
Good sir! what say you therein?
Peace. I hold it punishment for thy sin:
Show me what is thy name!
Imp. Pov. I am named Impatient Poverty.
Peace. Forsooth! that may full well be:
Thou art so full of wrath and envy
In thee can grow no grace;
But if thou wilt forsake sensuality,
And be governed by reason, as I shall induce thee,
Thou shalt come to richesse within short space.