Pros. God save all this honourable company.
Envy. Sir, you be welcome, by our blessed lady!
I have thought for you full long.
Here is a gentleman; I pray you, for my sake,
Say he is welcome, and into your service him take,
For great courtesy he can.
Pros. Sir, you be welcome; give me your hand,
And show me what is your name.
Mis. Sir, my name is Mirth;
Beloved with lords and ladies of birth,
At every triumph I am them with:
They can me not once forbear.
Envy. And ye had sought this thousand year
Such another ye shall not find;
Wherefore I counsel you, in my mind,
Let him dwell with you for one year.
Pros. At your request, I am content;
Such a pretty man for me were expedient;
And of his counsel fain would I hear.
Mis. Ye must sing and dance, and make good cheer:
I would ye had some proper wench
That were young and lusty; at a pinch, C4,r.
Her heel were not so broad as an inch,
She would quicken your courage.
Pros. Peace hath forbid all that outrage.
Envy. He would set you at dotage
Because he is old, and nature is past;
He would now every man should fast.
If ye do so ye do but waste,
And unto you no meed.
Mis. A straw for him! ye have no need
Of him to stand in awe or dread;
A merrier life now may ye lead:
Therefore, be at your own liberty.