_Peace._ This is but a wilful mind: if thou wilt not pay Thy very duty, which cannot be denied, Getting of thy writ and expense in the law Will cost more than thy duty--this well I knaw. Thy debt therewith cannot be paid; It is only a deferring of the payment.
_Imp. Pov._ Yet the knave shall not have his intent.
_Peace._ Thou shalt pay by rightful judgment, For the law is indifferent to every person.
_Imp. Pov._ I see thou holdest on his opinion. Yet, I set not by you both a rish: And I meet the knave I shall hew his flesh; Help him, thou old churl and thou can!
_Peace._ I see thou art an evil-disposed man: I utterly forsake thy condition.
_Imp. Pov._ Marry! avaunt, long, precious whoreson! I set not by thee nor him, I make God avow! I am as good a man as thou, for all thy good: A4,_r._ Let it be tryd by manhood, and thereto I give thee my glove.
_Peace._ All such warriors I do reprove, For peace loveth not to fight.
_Imp. Pov._ No, old fool! thou hast lost thy might; For in age is nought else but cowardise.
_Peace._ Youth with his courage light, Nor strength with multitude, I do thee plight Are not only the cause of victory.
_Peace._ Grace and good governance of man. For with good discretion they began That were the great winners of victory.
_Imp. Pov._ Then victory is gotten by discretion; I pray you, sir, show me this lesson: How to come to richesse, for that is all my care. For I am ever in great necessity; Meat and drink with me is scarcity; No man will trust me of a penny; And, also, my clothes are but bare. Good sir! what say you therein?
_Peace._ I hold it punishment for thy sin: Show me what is thy name!
_Imp. Pov._ I am named Impatient Poverty.
_Peace._ Forsooth! that may full well be: Thou art so full of wrath and envy In thee can grow no grace; But if thou wilt forsake sensuality, And be governed by reason, as I shall induce thee, Thou shalt come to richesse within short space.
_Imp. Pov._ Show me that now, in this place, And thereto I will agree.
_Peace._ Thou must love thy neighbour with charity; A4, _v._ Do unto him no manner of disease; Look how thou would he did to thee, Do to him no worse, in no degree; And then thou shalt Our Lord please.
_Imp. Pov._ Shall I love him that loveth not me? Those that trouble and rebuke me shamefully? That will I never do, while I live!