_Misrule._ _Venir avecque vous gentyl compaygnon_ _Faictes bone chere pour lamour de sainct John_ _Mon coeur iocund is set on a merry pin_-- By my troth! I am disposed to revelling.
_Envy._ So methinketh, by your coming in. What, Misrule! where hast thou been many years?
_Mis._ By my troth, even amongst my peers. I came now straight from the stews, From little pretty Jone-- Lord! that she is a pretty one!
_Envy._ Hold thy peace; let that alone. Hark! a word or twain to thee: I dwell now with Prosperity, Which hath much worldly treasure; If thou can contrive, in thy thought, How that he may be brought to nought, In all this world I desire no more.
_Mis._ Tush! take no thought therefore; C3,_v._ I can provide for that in the best wise.
_Mis._ I will bring him to clash, cards, and dice, And to proper trulls, that be wanton and nice, Which will not be kept with a small price. How thinkest thou? will not this do well?
_Envy._ Yes; but hearken in counsel; Thou must change thy name.
_Envy._ And I will say the same. Peace! whist! I see him come. [_Enter_ PROSPERITY.
_Pros._ God save all this honourable company.
_Envy._ Sir, you be welcome, by our blessed lady! I have thought for you full long. Here is a gentleman; I pray you, for my sake, Say he is welcome, and into your service him take, For great courtesy he can.
_Pros._ Sir, you be welcome; give me your hand, And show me what is your name.
_Mis._ Sir, my name is Mirth; Beloved with lords and ladies of birth, At every triumph I am them with: They can me not once forbear.
_Envy._ And ye had sought this thousand year Such another ye shall not find; Wherefore I counsel you, in my mind, Let him dwell with you for one year.
_Pros._ At your request, I am content; Such a pretty man for me were expedient; And of his counsel fain would I hear.
_Mis._ Ye must sing and dance, and make good cheer: I would ye had some proper wench That were young and lusty; at a pinch, C4,_r._ Her heel were not so broad as an inch, She would quicken your courage.
_Pros._ Peace hath forbid all that outrage.
_Envy._ He would set you at dotage Because he is old, and nature is past; He would now every man should fast. If ye do so ye do but waste, And unto you no meed.