Man. Then your help and counsel is necessary to me:
Whereof, I pray you, with all heart's affection!
Meek. All ready at hand—whosoever it be
That lusteth to have me for his consolation.
Man. I myself have sinned in pride and elation:
Show me your counsel what way shall I take
A due satisfaction for that sin to make.
Meek. Thou must, before all thing, set little prize
By thine own self; and take no heed
Whether the people do thee praise or despise.
Be thou meek in heart, in word, and in deed;
Think not that thou wouldst any man over lead;
Be soft and lowly in speech to every wight;
And use none array that staring is to sight!
Lo! in these three things only standeth pride
If thou commit the least of them three.
Man. From this day forth I will set them aside
And follow the counsel that ye give me.
Meek. Do so, and I will clearly discharge thee:
As for the sin of pride, my soul for thine,
Thou shalt be all whole if thou take this medicine.
Then he goeth out.
Man. Yes, I shall take it; think not the contrary!
Now am I well eased, yet have I not done all.
[Enter Charity.
Charity. There is no living physician, no poticary
That can devise so sovereign cordial
Again the sore of envy, which is mortal.
No man living, I you ensure,
Without my help may undertake that cure.
For, I am called Charity, the salve for that sickness,
Whom th' Apostle Paul commandeth singularly,
In divers his epistles: I can well repress
The rancour of Envy and give therein good remedy.
Man. Then is your counsel to me full necessary:
If ye be Charity ye are bound, doubtless,
To have some compassion of your neighbours' distress.