And, as for men that should do you service,
I know divers persons that be right honourable
That can you serve, alway point device.
In all the world be there none so able,
So wise, so politic, nor yet so profitable.
Lo! here is one of them that I speak for;
And he himself can tell you where ye shall have more.
Worldly Affection is this man's name;
He is well brained, and wondrous of invention;
A forecasting man and, payne of shame!
Ye shall not find in any Christian region
A wiser fellow in things to be done;
Specially of matters that be concerning
Worldly pleasure, that is for you according.
Suffer him, therefore, never to depart;
But, if it be for matters of great substance,
And for sensuality, I pray you with all my heart
To accept him to your favour and tendrance.
He hath been long of mine acquaintance;
And, on my faith! my heart cannot but grudge
To think that ye should use him as a drudge.
Do as he adviseth you, hardely now and then;
And despise not utterly his counsel
Think that ye be here a worldly man;
And must do as men that in the world dwell.
Ye are not bound to live like an angel;
Nor to be as God, alway immutable:
Man's nature of himself is full miserable.
I have told you now my counsel and advice;
And ye have promised to be ruled thereby.
Now, let each man execute his office;
And see how wisely ye can them occupy
To increase the world, and it thereto ye must apply.
Now, address you thereto; and demean you thus:
I shall be to you ever good and prosperous.
Man. Sir! I thank you of this courtesy,
Undeserved as yet; but, be ye sure,
I shall myself endeavour busily
To do that may be to your pleasure.
And, for the season that I shall here endure,
I shall them cherish; and to my power maintain
That unto you in anywise do pertain.
The Wor[ld]. Then, to begin withal, I will advise you
To put this man from your company.
I tell you every man will despise you
As long as ye be ruled by Innocency:
To follow such counsel it is but folly;
For, he can neither good, neither evil;
And, therefore, he is taken but for a drivel.
Man. By my faith! even as ye say:
It liketh me not right well
With Innocency long to dwell;
Therefore, according to your counsel,
I will not, after this day,
With his company myself affere;
As mute as it were a grey friar.
I suppose there is no man here,
Whatsoever he be,
That could in his mind be content
Always to be called an innocent.
Wherefore, it is mine intent
To do as ye advise me.
The World. Yea, hardely, do even so!
Inno. Forsooth, and I hold me well content
To depart at your commandment,
Ye shall find me obedient
Whatsoever ye bid me do.