Man. It is my full mind and intent,
Hereafter, to do as ye me advertise.
Pat. Now, He that all goodness to us hath sent,
Send you His grace to demean you that wise! [Then he goeth out.
Man. I shall do my good will, on warrantise!
Now, who can me best direct,
My slothful idleness for to correct?
[Good Occupation cometh in.
Good Occupation. The sin of sloth I can well repress;
And I shall teach thee to do the same.
Man. How should I do it?
Good Occ. By mean of me, Good Business,
And so am I called, for that is my name.
Idleness is never without sin or blame;
By mean thereof much sin cometh in:
For it is the very mother and mistress of sin.
In eschewing thereof thou must ever use
Some good occupation, in body or mind;
And if thou do this my counsel refuse,
So that the devil in idleness thee find,
Then according to his property and kind
He laboureth fast, by mean of temptation,
To bring thy soul unto endless damnation.
Therefore do some good occupation alway,
As well with the body as with mind inward.
And if thou do not this counsel obey,
Thou shalt thine own soul greatly enjeopard.
On that other side thou mayst be no coward,
Nor fearful of penance, or other good deed,
Sith thou shalt be sure to have heaven to thy meed.
Man. This counsel is good; I thank you, therefore;
My mind is well eased therein, be ye sure!
Good Occ. Is there anything else that I can do more?
Man. None to my knowledge, for ye have done your cure.