[Here Innocency goeth out.
Sens. So, the company is well amend;
Let him go the devil of hell!
He is but a boy, I warn you well;
And, should ye follow his counsel,
Almighty God defend!
If ever ye lust to play the man
It is time that ye now began.
Marry! to play the boy, now and then,
For your disport and solace,
It forceth not though ye do
When ye may have leisure thereto;
And among I will help you also
In due time and place.
The World. Yea, that ye will indeed!
But now, sir! will ye anything
Command me before my departing?
Man. Nothing at all, to my witting;
But our Lord have you in His keeping,
And send you well to speed!
[He goeth out. Mankind calls to Worldly Affection.]
Worldly Affection, come hither! ye are politic;
And much better inured in this world than I.
I pray you dispose for me, as ye think most like,
That I may live here well and honourably.
[Wor. Affec.] Yea, sir! I shall. Doubt ye not, hardely!
If it like you to put me in so great trust,
And I trow ye shall find me true and just.
Man. I wot well I shall. Surely you be bound
To the world that hath given you so great commendation?
[Wor. Affec.] Yea, sir! some men had liever than a thousand pound
They might be commended of the same fashion.
But, sir! let pass all this commendation;
And answer to me, I pray you, fruitfully,
In that I shall move you substantially.
Sir! at few words I you exhort,
Sith that ye be come to your own,
Cast yourself to bear such a port
That, as ye be, ye may be known;
Eke it is necessary, for that behove,
That there be made some manner of purveyance
Whereby ye may bear out your countenance.