Pros. What devil of hell hast thou to do?
Shall I not make merry when me list?
Peace. Yet I say, beware of Had I wist!
Envy. Hence, ye knave! or else thou shalt lick my fist:
I trow thy head would have some knocks.
Pros. Go, set him in a pair of stocks,
That I him no more see.
Peace. Yet, man! I say, remember thee,
And think what I to thee have said:
Eschew evermore these rioters' company,
And be ruled by reason, as I thee bade.
Put from thee these two persons, by whom thou art lade—
Envy and Misrule, with their sinful and great abusion,
Which, if thou wilt not forsake, will be thy confusion.
Pros. Avaunt, lorel! and take this for a conclusion:
These men from me thou shalt not separate.
Go! out of my sight! or, by Cock's passion!
I shall lay thee fast in Newgate.
Peace. It is better to forsake them betime than too late.
Mis. This knave would have a broken pate;
Let me alone, by God's bread!
This same sword shall strike off his head.
Pros. I pray you, hence that he were rid—
Shortly have him out of my sight!
Peace. A little while give me respite,
And take heed what I do say:
Remember in what condition thou was
When I first met thee in this place—
Full simple, in poor array. B1,r.
Now, by the grace of God and counsel of me,
Thou art come to great prosperity;
And so mayst continue, until thou die,
If thou wisely take heed.
Let not sensuality lead the bridle;
Be occupied in virtue, and be not idle;
The better shalt thou proceed.
These wretches will thy goods spend and waste;
Then shalt thou be taken for an outcast,
And mocked and scorned with most and least;
Then will no man thee help at need.