_Wit._ Careful? Nay, lady! that care shall employ No clog, but a key of my most joy. To keep you, sweet heart! as shall be fit, Shall be no care, but most joy to Wit!
_Sci._ Well, yet I say--mark well what I say!-- My presence bringeth you a clog; no nay! Not in the keeping of me only, But in the use of Science chiefly; For I, Science, am, in this degree, As all, or most part, of women be: If ye use me well, in a good sort, Then shall I be your joy and comfort; But if ye use me not well, then doubt me, For sure ye were better then without me!
_Wit._ Why, lady! think you me such a wit, As being affianced by you, and yet Would misuse ye? Nay, if ye doubt that, Here is one loveth thee more than somewhat: If Wit misuse ye at any season, Correct me then your own father, Reason.
_Rea._ Ho, daughter! can ye desire any more? What need these doubts? Avoid them, therefore!
_Exp._ By' lakyn, sir! but, under your favour, This doubt our daughter doth well to gather For a good warning now, at beginning, What Wit, in the end, shall look for in winning. Which shall be this, sir! if Science here, Which is God's gift, be used mere Unto God's honour, and profit both Of you and your neighbour, which goth In her, of kind, to do good to all: This seen to, Experience! I, shall Set you forth, Wit, by her to employ Double increase to your double joy; But if you use her contrariwise To her good nature, and so devise To evil effects to wrest and to wry her, Yea, and cast her off and set nought by her, Be sure I, Experience, shall than Declare you so before God and man; That this talent from you shall be taken And you punished for your gain forsaken.
_Wit._ "Once warned, half-armed," folk say, namely when Experience shall warn a man, then Time to take heed. Mother Experience! Touching your daughter, my dear heart, Science, As I am certain that to abuse her I breed mine own sorrow, and well to use her I increase my joy; and so to make it God's grace is ready if I will take it: Then--but ye count me no wit at all-- Let never these doubts into your head fall; But, as yourself, Experience, clearing All doubts at length, so, till time appearing, Trust ye with me in God; and, sweetheart, While your father, Reason, taketh with part To receive God's grace as God shall send it, Doubt ye not our joy till life's end [end] it!