_Mis._ A straw for him! ye have no need Of him to stand in awe or dread; A merrier life now may ye lead: Therefore, be at your own liberty.
_Pros._ By my troth! I may say to thee Sith I to him did assent Had I never merry day; But lived in fear and dread alway, Nothing to mine intent. Another while I will me sport, Sing and dance, to my comfort.
_Envy._ And among merry company do resort; For that shall length your life.
_Mis._ Spare neither maid, ne wife; Take both and they come in your way.
_Envy._ Off with this lewd array! It becometh you nought, by this day!
_Pros._ By my troth! even as ye say. Yea, marry! now am I well apaid; Methinketh I am properly arrayed. If I had a proper trull, she should be assayed In the worship of the new year.
_Envy._ Rush up mutton, for beef is dear! Have, and revel, and chance!
_Mis._ Now let us both sing and dance. C4,_v._ Will ye have a French round?
_Pros._ And thou shalt see me bounce above the ground: Hey, with revel dash!
_Peace._ What, Prosperity! is it come hereto?
_Pros._ What devil of hell hast thou to do? Shall I not make merry when me list?
_Peace._ Yet I say, beware of Had I wist!
_Envy._ Hence, ye knave! or else thou shalt lick my fist: I trow thy head would have some knocks.
_Pros._ Go, set him in a pair of stocks, That I him no more see.
_Peace._ Yet, man! I say, remember thee, And think what I to thee have said: Eschew evermore these rioters' company, And be ruled by reason, as I thee bade. Put from thee these two persons, by whom thou art lade-- Envy and Misrule, with their sinful and great abusion, Which, if thou wilt not forsake, will be thy confusion.
_Pros._ Avaunt, lorel! and take this for a conclusion: These men from me thou shalt not separate. Go! out of my sight! or, by Cock's passion! I shall lay thee fast in Newgate.
_Peace._ It is better to forsake them betime than too late.
_Mis._ This knave would have a broken pate; Let me alone, by God's bread! This same sword shall strike off his head.
_Pros._ I pray you, hence that he were rid-- Shortly have him out of my sight!
_Peace._ A little while give me respite, And take heed what I do say: Remember in what condition thou was When I first met thee in this place-- Full simple, in poor array. B1,_r._ Now, by the grace of God and counsel of me, Thou art come to great prosperity; And so mayst continue, until thou die, If thou wisely take heed. Let not sensuality lead the bridle; Be occupied in virtue, and be not idle; The better shalt thou proceed. These wretches will thy goods spend and waste; Then shalt thou be taken for an outcast, And mocked and scorned with most and least; Then will no man thee help at need.