Cons. This is to me much sorrow and woe;
I will go into some far country.
Farewell, gentle cousin, Charity!
Envy. I shall pray for you: pray ye for me!
This is an heavy departing, [Et plora.
I can in no wise forbear weeping.
Yet kiss me or ye go;
For sorrow my heart will break in two.
Is he gone? then have at laughing!
A, sir! is not this a jolly game
That Conscience doth not know my name?
Envy, in faith! I am the same:
What needeth me for to lie?
I hate Conscience, Peace, Love and Rest;
Debate and Strife, that love I best,
According to my property.
When a man loveth well his wife,
I bring them at debate and strife—
This is seen daily;
Also, between sister and brother;
There shall no neighbour love another
Where I dwell by.
And now I tell you plain,
Of one man I have disdain;
Prosperity men do him call.
He is nigh of my blood; C2,r.
And he to have so much worldly good,
That grieveth me worst of all.
Pros. Jesus, that is both steadfast and stable,
Ever perseverant, and never mutable—
He save this congregation!
Envy. Welcome, Poverty! by Cock's passion!
How have ye done this many a day?
Pros. I thank God, as well as any may.
Ye call me wrong: my name is Prosperity.
Envy. Prosperity, with an evil hap!
How the devil fortunest that?
I knew thee Impatient Poverty.
Pros. Whatsoever I was, let that matter pass,
And take me as I am.
Envy. I cry you mercy! I was to blame
To call you by your old name;
Yet all these people think ye are the same
Impatient Poverty, as I said before.
Pros. Avaunt! I tell thee, I am gentleman bore;
If I hear thee report such words any more,
Thou shalt be punished like a knave.
Envy. A knave, quod a? by Cock's passion!
I am your own cousin,
And nigh of your consanguinity.