_Wor. Aff._ Yea, marry! on the best wise-- Worship I ween is now his name.
_Sens._ Yea, by the rood! even the same. And Covetise, to eschew all blame, Doth his name disguise, And calleth himself Worldly Policy. Wrath, because he is somewhat hasty, Is called Manhood. Then is there Envy, And he is called Disdain. Gluttony, for Good Fellowship is taken; And Sloth his old name hath forsaken, And as fair a name hath he shapen As ever man could ordain-- He is called Ease; right comfortable to the blood, Specially for them that lust to do no good. And, among all other, I would ye understood That Lechery is called Lust. Lo! these be fair names, parde! Both good and honest as seemeth me; As for their conditions, what they be, Ye know well!
_Wor. Aff._ Very just! I know their conditions on the best wise If they keep still their old guise.
_Sens._ Yes! that they do, on warrantise.
_Wor. Aff._ But yet, I have great marvel That Covetise should dwell in his company.
_Sens._ By my troth, lo! and so have I. But one thing I ensure you faithfully, And that I have espied well; That, hitherto, our master setteth no store By his counsel, nor his lore. Marry! when his head waxeth hoar Then shall be good season To follow Covetise and his way; Yea, time enow another day-- Even so I heard our master say.
_Wor. Aff._ By my faith! he said but reason-- But all the remanent be well retained?
_Sens._ Yea, be ye sure it is matter unfeigned; And wot ye who is greatly disdained With our master now?
_Sens._ By God! even Shamefacedness. When he shall do any such excess No shame can fear him, doubtless, I may say to you.
_Pride._ No! then the craft were nought. But now, sirs! well bethought, Sith the matter is hereto brought, It is time for me To go and make some provision Of garments after the new invention, As he commanded me to be done: Thereto must I see. For it is committed to my negligence; And, if he come hither while I am hence, I pray thee excuse mine absence.
_Sens._ Will I, quod a? yea, parde! It is according for Sensuality With Pride for to go.
_Wor. Aff._ Now the matter is almost in good case, After the world's mind and pleasure; There is no more but now must I compass, With all my wit and busy endeavour, How it may be stablished and continued sure. For, a little fantasy of man's own will May quail this matter, and utterly it spill. And if he vary again Of scruple imagination, Or else by the suggestion Of the foresaid Reason, One thing I am certain-- He will no longer me support; And that were a shrewd crank dort. Therefore, it is best that I resort To my master's presence, And see of what demeanour he is. I am greatly to blame, I wis, For that I saw him not or this Sith he departed hence.