Abundance entereth.
Abun. What man is he that can me dismay?
For I obtain all thing at my will.
Or who dare anything against me say,
Whatsoever I do, be it good or ill?
For if he do, he were better be still;
I shall him punish be it right or wrong,
For with my purse I can both save and hang.
To repugn against me he were better be still.
I have a proper trull for my pastance;
In my chamber I her keep, both night and day;
My neighbours therewith taketh great grievance;
Yet I keep her still, whosoever say nay. D4,v.
Howbeit, there is one, a poor caitiff, I hear say,
Hath me accused in the court spiritual.
And it cost me a hundred pound, punish him I shall.
[The Sumner returneth.
Sum. Open sin must have open penance;
God speed, my master Abundance!
Abun. What knave art thou, with a very mischance,
That cometh in so homely?
Sum. Sir! I pray you be not angry.
I am an officer of the spiritualty.
There is upon you a great slande[r];
Ye keep another man's wife in your chamber,
And live in great advoutry.
Abun. What wretches doth so say by me?
Sum. It is openly known everywhere.
Before my master I charge you to appear;
Upon a book there shall ye swear
Whether it be so, or no.
Abun. What is the best for me to do?
Rather than I to the court will go
I had liever spend twenty pound.
Sum. Sir! of such a way may be found
To excuse you; what will ye then say?