_Man._ I thank you; but I need none other vesture; Nature hath clothed me as yet sufficiently. Guiltless of sin, and as a maiden pure, I wear on me the garment of innocency.
_Inno._ Yea, hardely wear that garment continually: It shall thy body sufficiently safeguard From stormy weather, my life to jeopard.
_The World._ Be peace, fair woman! ye are not very wise; Care ye not if this body take cold? Ye must consider this is not paradise, Nor yet so temperate by a thousandfold. Whoso liveth here, be he young or old, He must suffer both fervent cold and heat; And be out of temperance oft time in his diet.
Also, he must needs do as the world doth That intendeth any while here to reign; And follow the guise that now-a-day goeth, As far as his estate may it maintain. And who doth the contrary--I will be plain-- He is abject and despised utterly; And standeth ever banished from all good company. Sith God, therefore, had ordained this body To dwell here in this earthly region, Of convenience he must himself apply To worldly things; and be of such condition As all men be; and leave each fond opinion That is not approvable of wiser men than he; To take such way it is but vanity. Take this garment! man, do as I you bid! Be not ashamed hardely to do it on. So, lo! now this girdle have gird it in the mid; And this for your head go set it upon: By the charge of me! you be a goodly one As ever I saw sith that I was born; Worth a thousand that ye were beforne. Give me your hand! be not in fear! Sit down as ye are born to occupy this place! I give you here authority and power Over all thing that conceived is, in the space Of all the earth that round is in compass, To be as lord of every region; And, thereof, I give you peaceable possession.
_Man._ Blessed be Thou, my Lord, most bounteous! That of Thy great abundant charity Me, Thy wretched creature, hast honoured thus With natural gifts and worldly dignity. Now, I beseech Thee, for Thy great pity, Sith Thou hast set me in so noble way, Suffer me not hereafter wretchedly to decay. For, certes! it is mine heart's desire So to demean me in this life present As may be most unto Thy pleasure, And unto nature not disconvenient. This is my will and my chief intent; This will I observe, Thy grace to borrow, Though I, therefore, suffer much worldly sorrow.