Finally, youth by God's special grace Doth earnestly repent his abhominable living By the doctrine of good counsel, and to his solace God's mercy entereth to him reciting God's merciful promises, as they be in writing: He believeth and followeth, to his great consolation.[36] And these parts ye shall see briefly played in their fashion.
_Here entereth_ LUSTY JUVENTUS, _or_ YOUTH, _singing as followeth_:
In a herber[37] green, asleep[38] where as I lay, The birds sang sweet in the middes of the day; I dreamed fast of mirth and play: In youth is pleasure, in youth is pleasure.
Methought I walked still to and fro, And from her company I could not go; But when I waked, it was not so: In youth is pleasure, in youth is pleasure.
Therefore my heart is surely pight[39] Of her alone to have a sight, Which is my joy and heart's delight: In youth is pleasure, in youth is pleasure.
What, ho? Are they not here? I am disappointed, by the blessed mass! I had thought to have found them making good cheer; But now they are gone to some secret place. Well, seeing they are gone, I do not greatly pass;[40] Another time I will hold them as much, Seeing they break[41] promise, and keep not the tweche.[42]
What shall I do now to pass away the day? Is there any man here that will go to game? At whatsoever he[43] will play, To make one I am ready to the same: Youth full of pleasure is my proper name. To be alone is not my appetite,[44] For of all things in the world I love merry company.
Who knoweth where is e'er a minstrel? By the mass, I would fain go dance a fit[45] My companions[46] are at it, I know right well; They do not all this while in a corner sit: Against another time they have taught me[47] wit: I beshrew their hearts for serving me this,[48] I will go seek them, whether I hit or miss.
_Here entereth_ GOOD COUNSEL, _to whom_ YOUTH _yet speaketh_.
Well i-met, father, well i-met: Did you hear any minstrels play, As you came hitherward upon your way? And if you did, I pray you wish[49] me thither, For I am going to seek them, and, in faith, I know not whither.
GOOD COUNSEL. Sir, I will ask you a question by your favour: What would you with the minstrel do?
JUVENTUS. Nothing but have a dance or two, To pass the time away in pleasure.