_Now._ The sooner the liever; and that be even anon! I trow your name is Do-little--ye be so long from home; If ye would go hence we shall come, everyone, Mo than a good sort! Ye have liever, I dare well say! To them ye will go forth your way-- Men have little dainty of your play Because ye make no sport.
_Nought._ Your pottage shall be for-cold, sir! when will ye go dine? I have seen a man lost twenty nobles in as little time; Yet it was not I, by saint Quintin! For I was never worth a potful a' worts sithen I was born. My name is Nought; I love well to make merry; I have be sithen with the common tapster of Bury. I played so long the fool that I am even very weary: Yet shall I be there again, to-morrow. [_Exeunt._
_Mer._ I have much care for you, my own friend! Your enemies will be here anon; they make their avaunt. Think well in your heart--your name is Mankind-- Be not unkind to God, I pray you! be His servant! Be steadfast in condition! see ye be not variant! Lose not, through folly, that is bought so dear. God will prove you soon; and, if that ye be constant, Of His bliss perpetual ye shall be partner. Ye may not have your intent at your first desire; See the great patience of Job in tribulation: Like as the smith trieth iron in the fire, So was he tried by God's visitation. He was of your nature, and of your fragility: Follow the steps of him, my own sweet son! And say, as he said, in your trouble and adversity: _Dominus dedit, Dominus abstulit, sicut sibi placuit; sit nomen Domini benedictum!_ Moreover, in special, I give you in charge: Beware of New Guise, Now-a-days and Nought! Nice in their array, in language they be large; To pervert your conditions all their means shall be sought. Good son! intermise yourself not in their company! They heard not a mass thi[s] twelvemonth, I dare well say; Give them none audience! they will tell you many a lie; Do truly your labour, and keep your holyday! Beware of Titivillus--for he leseth no way-- That goeth invisible and will not be seen; He will rond in your ear, and cast a net before your eyne; He is worst of all: God let him never thene! If ye displease God, ask mercy anon; Else Mischief will be ready to brace you in his bridle. Kiss me now, my dear darling! God shie[l]d you from your fone! Do truly your labour, and be never idle! The blessing of God be with you, and with all these worshipful men!