Mis. Well, knave! canst thou no courtesy?
Envy. He hath such a disease in his knee
He cannot chance a main groat:
It is not as ye ween.
Mis. Come and see my shoon made clean!
Envy. By my faith! he shall wipe mine.
Mis. This knave is not meet for me;
It grieveth my heart when I him see;
I will go hence, and leave you twain;
For Envy, thou mayest with Poverty reign.
[Exit.
Envy. Nay, I had liever he were slain:
I am gone as soon as ye. [Exit.
Pov. Abide still with me, gentle Charity!
O, to whom should I sue, to whom should I plette?
O mortal worm, wrapped all in woe!
As a man all mortified, and mased in my wit,
I, a captive in captivity, lo, fortune is my foe!
I am in endless sorrow; alas! what shall I do?
These caitiffs, through their counsel and false imagination,
Have brought me to nought that was of great reputation.
Woe worth the time that I them knew!
I may well sigh, and say Alas!
For now I find these words full true
That Peace showed me here in this place. D4,r.
I regarded not his counsel; I lacked grace;
Wherefore needy poverty on me doth blow his horn,
That every man and woman doth laugh me to scorn.
Example to all young men, when they take in hand
To occupy in the world: for your behoof
Look wisely before, and also understand
Evil company destroyeth man—on me ye see the proof.
Make a sure foundation or ye set up the roof.
Of a good and virtuous beginning cometh a good ending;
And evermore beware of unmeasurable spending!
[Here entereth the Sumner.
Sumner. I ascite you in our court to appear!