Misrule. Venir avecque vous gentyl compaygnon
Faictes bone chere pour lamour de sainct John
Mon coeur iocund is set on a merry pin—
By my troth! I am disposed to revelling.
Envy. So methinketh, by your coming in.
What, Misrule! where hast thou been many years?
Mis. By my troth, even amongst my peers.
I came now straight from the stews,
From little pretty Jone—
Lord! that she is a pretty one!
Envy. Hold thy peace; let that alone.
Hark! a word or twain to thee:
I dwell now with Prosperity,
Which hath much worldly treasure;
If thou can contrive, in thy thought,
How that he may be brought to nought,
In all this world I desire no more.
Mis. Tush! take no thought therefore; C3,v.
I can provide for that in the best wise.
Envy. Then let me hear thy device.
Mis. I will bring him to clash, cards, and dice,
And to proper trulls, that be wanton and nice,
Which will not be kept with a small price.
How thinkest thou? will not this do well?
Envy. Yes; but hearken in counsel;
Thou must change thy name.
Mis. I will say I hight Mirth.
Envy. And I will say the same.
Peace! whist! I see him come. [Enter Prosperity.