INC. Marry, sir, I am bridled indeed, as you say, And shackled, I think, for running away; This snaffle is sharp indeed for the nonce, And these shackles do chafe my legs to the bones; And yet will I provoke, spurn and prick, Rebel, repugn, lash out and kick. We-he!--
JUST. In the jade's name, are ye so fresh? This gear, I suppose, will pluck down your flesh. Nay, soft, thou shalt have a little more pain, For somewhat shorter now I will tie thy rein.
TRUST. Most blessed and happy, I say, are the just, Even because they restrain their own inclination; Thou, therefore, that hast made thy treasure of trust, Behold, I have brought thee here Consolation.
JUST. Now blessed be God of his mercy and grace, With all my heart and soul I do you embrace.
CON. Consolation is my name, even as Trust hath said, Which is joy or comfort in this life transitory; He that possesseth me is of nothing afraid, But hath a most quiet and peaceable memory. For I, through Trust, doth show thee the glory That God hath prepared for them beforehand. Wherein at the last they shall perfectly stand.
TRUST. Receive this crown of felicity now at this space, Which shall be made richer at the celestial place.
INC. By'r lady, I would I had such a gay crown.
JUST. Now praised be God for this riches of renown; Felicity, in this world, the just doth enjoy.
[INC. _aside_.] Namely, when the devil can them not annoy.
[JUST.] The Lord's work this is, who be praised for ever, Who grant us in his laws still to persever.
CON. Amen, amen!--God give us delight In his holy covenant both day and night.
TRUST. Our matter is almost brought to an end, Saving that Inclination in prison must be shut. Just, carry him forth, that useth to contend, And see that surely enough he be put.
JUST. That shall be done shortly, by God's grace.
INC. What, soft, I say, me-think ye go a shameful pace; Was there ever poor colt thus handled before? Fie upon it, my legs be unreasonably sore; Well, yet I will rebel, yea, and rebel again, And though a thousand times you shouldest me restrain. [_Lead him out._
_Enter_ TIME, _with a similitude of dust and rust_.
TIME. Behold here, how Lust is converted into dust; This is his image, his wealth and prosperity; And Treasure in like case is turned to rust, Whereof this example showeth the verity. The _Trial of Treasure_ this is, no doubt, Let all men take heed that trust in the same, Considering what things I Time bring about, And quench out the ungodly, their memory and fame.