Heigho, care away, let the world pass,
For I am as lusty as ever I was;
In flowers I flourish as blossoms in May,
Heigho, care away; heigho, care away!
Lust. What the devil ailed me to sing thus?
I cry you mercy, by my faith, for ent'ring:
Most like I have ridden on the flying Pegasus,
Or in Cock Lorel's barge I have been a vent'ring.
Sing? why, I would sing, if it were to do again,
With Orpheus and Amphion I went to school:
What! lads must be lively attending on the train
Of Lady Delectation, which is no small fool.
Hey rouse, fill all the pots in the house;
Tush, man, in good fellowship let us be merry.
Look up like a man, or it is not worth a louse;
Heigho, troly; hey, dery, dery,
Ha, pleasant Youth and lusty Juventus,
In faith, it is good to be merry this May:
For of man's living here there is no point endentus,
[317]
Therefore a little mirth is worth much sorrow, some say.
But remember ye not the wise man's sentence?
It is better in the house of mourning to be
Than in the house of laughter, where folly hath residence,
For lightness with wisdom cannot agree;
Though many have pleasure in foolish phantasy,
Ensuing
[318] their inclination and lust,
Yet much better is the life of one that is just.
Lust. Sir, in this you seem against me to inveigh.
Just. Nothing but reason, I think, I do say.
Lust. Marry, you shall have a nightcap for making the reason.
Friend, have you not a piece of stock-fish to sell?
I would you had a dish of buttered peason.
By my faith, your communication likes me well,
But, I beseech you, tell me, is not your name Just?
Lust. And my name, thou shalt understand, is Lust,
And according thereto I am lusty indeed;
But, I think, thou hast drunk of Morpheus seed.
Thou goest like a dromedary, dreamy and drowsy;
I hold twenty pound the knave is lousy!
Just. Mine apparel is not like unto thine,
Disguised and jagged, of sundry fashion;
Howbeit, it is not gold always that doth shine,
But corrupting copper of small valuation;
Too horrible besides is thy operation,
Nothing more odious unto the just,
Than the beastly desires of inordinate lust.
Lust. It is a shameful thing, as Cicero doth say,
[265]
That a man his own acts should praise and commend;
Hypocrites accustom the like, day by day,
Checking other men, when they do offend.
Just. Yea, but it is an hard thing, saith the philosopher,
For a foolish man to have his manners reprehended;
And even at this day it is come so far,
God grant, for his mercy, it may be amended!
For tell a man friendly now of his fault,
Being blasphemy, pride, or vile fornication,
He will be as presumptuous as Haman the halt,
And repay with revenge or else defamation:
Thus few men a friendly monition will bear,
But stoutly persist and maintain their ill;
And in noblemen's houses truly I do fear,
There are too many have such forward will.
Lust. Wounds and hearts,
[319] who can abide this?
Nay, ye vile villain, I will dress you therefore;
Your lazy bones I pretend
[320] so to bless,
That you shall have small lust to prate any more.
Just. Behold the image of incipient fools!
There['re] not a few even now of thy property;
Until you be put into poverty's schools
Ye will not forsake this foolish insolency.
Lust. Nay, soft, with thee I have not made an end. [Draw out his sword.
Just. The just against lust must always contend,
Therefore I propose to wrestle with thee [put it up],
Who shall have the victory, straightway we shall see.
Lust. When thou wilt; by his flesh, I shall hold the wag.
[266]
[Wrestle, and let Lust seem to have the better
at the first.
Just. I know that Lust useth not little to brag.
Lust. Thou shalt find me as mighty as Samson the strong.
Just. Yea, the battle of lust endureth long.
Lust. Wounds and flesh! I was almost down on my back;
But yet I will wrestle, till my bones crack.
[Stay, and then speak.
Just. The end of thy presumption now doth appear.
Lust. Yet do what thou canst, I will not lie here;
No, by his wounds, you old doting knave!
[Cast him, and let him arise again.
Thinkest thou that Lust will be made a slave?
I shall meet you in Smithfield, or else other-where,
By his flesh and blood, I will thee not forbear!
Just. Not of my power I do thee expel,
But by the might of his spirit that dwelleth in me:
Inordinate lust with the just may not dwell,
And therefore may not I accompany thee.
Lust. Well, goodman Just, it is no matter,
But, in faith, I pretend not with thee to flatter;
Though from thy company depart I must,
I shall live as much in wealthiness, I trust.
[Go out. He must drive him out.
Just. Where most wealth is, and most delectation,
There Lust is commonly of most estimation;
For whereas wealth wanteth, idleness doth slake,
For where idleness is, Lust parteth the stake.
[Pause.
Thus have you seen the conflict of the just,
Which all good men ought to use and frequent;
For horrible are the fruits of inordinate lust,
[267]
Which in some case resembleth Hydra the serpent,
Whose head being cut off, another riseth incontinent:
So, one of Lust's cogitations being cut away,
There riseth up another, yea, many, we may say.
It is requisite therefore that every degree
Against this his lust both strive and contend;
And though, at the first, he seem sturdy to be,
The Lord will convince
[321] him for you in the end.
Your cause unto him therefore wholly commend,
Labouring to avoid all inordinate lust,
And to practice in life to live after the Just. [Go out. Enter Inclination, the Vice.
Inc. I can remember since Noe's ship
Was made, and builded on Salisbury Plain;
The same year the weathercock of Paul's caught the pip.
So that Bow-bell was like much woe to sustain.
I can remember, I am so old,
Since Paradise gates were watched by night;
And when that Vulcanus was made a cuckold,
Among the great gods I appeared in sight.
Nay, for all you smiling, I tell you true.
No, no, ye will not know me now;
The mighty on the earth I do subdue.
Tush, if you will give me leave, I'll tell ye how;
Now, in good faith, I care not greatly,
Although I declare my daily increase;
But then these gentlewomen will be angry,
Therefore I think best to hold my peace:
Nay, I beseech you, let the matter stay,
For I would not for twenty pounds come in their hands;
For if there should chance to be but one Dalila,
By the mass, they would bind me in Samson's bands!
[268]
But what, mean I first with them to begin,
Seeing that in all men I do remain?
Because that first I remained Eve within,
And after her Adam, and so forth to Cain.
I perceive by your looks my name ye would know;
Why, you are not ignorant of that, I dare say;
It is I that do guide the bent of your bow,
And ruleth your actions also day by day;
Forsooth, I am called Natural Inclination,
Which bred in old Adam's fostred bones;
So that I am proper to his generation,
I will not away with casting of stones!
I make the stoutest to bow and bend:
Again, when I lust, I make men stand upright;
From the lowest to the highest I do ascend,
Drawing them to things of natural might.
Enter Lust and Sturdiness, singing this song.
Where is the knave that so did rave?
O, that we could him find,
We would him make for fear to quake,
That lout of lobbish kind.
My name is Lust, and let him trust
That I will have redress;
For thou and I will make him fly,
Mine old friend Sturdiness.
Lust. Where is now that valiant Hercules?
For all his brags, he is now run away.
Sturd. (braggingly.) By the guts of Goliah, it is best for his ease,
For he was like for the pottage to pay.
Inc. Cock's soul! what bragging knaves have we here?
Come ye to convince the mightiest conqueror?
It was I, that before you now doth appear,
[269]
Which brought to confusion both Hector and Alexander:
Look on this leg, ye prating slaves,
I remember since it was no greater than a tree;
At that time I had a couple of knaves,
Much like unto you, that waited on me.
Lust. Cock's precious soul, let us conquer the knave.
Sturd. By his flesh and sides, a good courage I have;
Stand you, therefore, a little aside,
And ye shall see me quickly abate the fool's pride.
[Draw out the sword; make him put it up; and
then strike him. Look in your spectacles.
Inc. Nay, I dare not, I, if thou lookest so big;
What, should such a boar fight with a pig!
Put up thy sword, man, we will agree;
So, lo! do so much as bear that for me.
Sturd. Nay, by his heart then, I will you dress.
Inc. Be good in thine office, gentle friend Sturdiness;
For though thou and I do seem to contend,
Yet we are, and must be, friends till the end.
Sturd. Come, give me thy hand, I beshrew thy heart.
Inc. Nay, you must take all things in good part;
Who standeth yonder? Captain Lust?
Inc. No remedy then, to him go I must.
You have forgot, I dare say, your old friend Inclination;
But let us renew acquaintance again, for Cock's passion!
Lust. Why, man, our acquaintance hath been of old;
I am yours at commandment, therefore be bold;
For Lust can do nothing without Inclination,
[270]
Chiefly in matters concerning a pleasant vocation.
Inc. Indeed Lust may be taken for a thing indifferent,
Except Inclination be joined thereunto;
But when that I once have revealed my intent,
As I will men to work, so commonly they do.
Lust. Ye have heard of the combat between me and Just?
Inc. Yea, marry, I heard say that you lay in the dust.
Inc. Neither one word nor other, ye may me trust.
Lust. Of mine honesty, my company he utterly refused,
And in wrestling with me he gave me the foil,
Saying that I had myself and other abused,
Leading men in perplexity and marvellous toil.
Sturd. By Gog's wounds, if we had found him here,
We should, by his flesh, have abated his cheer.
Inc. I perceive, Sturdiness, thou art no fool;
Tell me of fellowship, where wentest thou to school?
Sturd. What, to read or write?
Inc. Nay, to swear and fight:
For I think thou canst neither write, read, nor spell;
But in swearing and fighting thou dost excel.
Sturd. Thou knowest that I am joined with Lust,
And sturdy by nature I am in like case.
What, let the world wag: all cannot be just,
Some must natural inclination embrace.
Lust. All men just? no, I remember the sentence of Tully,
That no man is just that feared death, poverty, or pain,
Which I do fear all, and that marvellously;
For fortune is variable, I do perceive plain,
[271]
And notwithstanding that Felix possessed great gain,
Yet when Paul preached of the judgment-day,
He trembled for fear, and bad him go away.
Inc. Doth such passions often trouble your mind?
Lust. Nay, not often, but sometime I do them find;
But then, to the intent to drive them away,
I either go to sleep, or else to some play.
Sturd. By Gog's precious heart, even so do I;
But sometime they cumber me pestilently.
Inc. Well, Master Lust, such dumps to eschew,
My advice and request you must needs ensue:
That is, to become disciple to doctor Epicurus,
And then you shall have mirth by measure and overplus;
Tush, I know a couple companions in store
That were marvellous meet for you evermore;
I wish you were known, you, unto them.
Lust. Well, then, call them in.
Inc. Here they come, each of them in a knave's skin.
Enter Elation and Greedy-gut. They sing.
With lust to live is our delight,
In high estate and dignity;
Seeing that the Just put us to flight,
Let them alone in misery.
Sturd. Nay, they be lusty lads, I tell ye.
Ela. What, Inclination! me-thought I did smell thee:
Give me thy hand, ere we further go.
Inc. Now, welcome in faith, and Greedy-gut also;
[272]
But, sirs, are none of you both acquainted with Lust?
Lust. Yes, that they have been both of them, I trust;
Welcome, sirs, in faith, welcome unto me.
Ela. By my troth, I am glad your mastership to see
In health and prosperity, as presently you be.
Gre. Bom fay, zo am I wod all my heart.
Inc. This cow-bellied knave doth come from the cart;
Ise teach you to speak, I hold you a pound!
Curchy, lob, curchy down to the ground.
Gre. Che can make curchy well enou'.
Inc. Lower, old knave, or I'll make ye to bow
The great-bellied lout methink cannot bend
Yes, so, lo, he beginneth to amend.
Lust. Well, sirs, now I remember Æsop's advice,
Which he gave to the Samies
[322] against king Crœsus;
[323]
Therefore it is good to be witty and wise,
And being in liberty to keep me still thus,
I cannot abide a life that is dolorous,
And seeing that my name is properly Lust,
I hate the conversation of the just.
Inc. Well, Master Lust, first join you to me, Inclination.
Next here with Sturdiness you must you acquaint;
Turn you about, and embrace Elation;
And that wealth may increase without any restraint,
Join you with Greedy-gut here in our presence,
That all these in you may have prosperous influence. [Bow to the ground.
Lust. Out, alas! what a sudden passion is this!
I am so taken, that I cannot stand;
[273]
The cramp, the cramp, hath touched me, i-wis;
I shall die without remedy now out of hand.
Gre. By my matins cheese, our master is sick.
Inc. Stand back, Nicol-noddy, with the pudding-prick,
More brains in thy skin than wit in thy brain,
Such Greedy-gut in faith would be flain!
This cramp doth signify nothing in effect;
None of all your counsels he will now reject,
And therefore fear not to make full declaration.
But how he is bowed by me Inclination.
Sturd. Then fear not the force of these that be just,
But labour yourself to advance and augment;
Be jocund and lively, sith your name is Lust,
And then you shall easily obtain your intent.
Ela. Esteem yourself always equal with the best,
And seek for promotion, power, and dignity;
It is good when men may live as they lust,
And unto the just bear hate and malignity.
Gre. O zur, ye must be greedy to catch and to claw.
Inc. Well said, Greedy-gut, as wise as a daw!
Gre. Eat up, at a mouthful, houses and lands.
Inc. There 's a vengeable mouth to— [Gape, and the Vice gape.
Gre. Never fear God, nor the governor's law,
But gripe, gripe, gripe greedily all that cometh in your hands.
By the mass, but Hugh Howlet is pestilent witty,
What guttish greediness the whoreson can teach!
That thou art not erected, in faith, it is pity,
As high as three trees and a halter will reach.
Lust. Marry, sirs, but your counsels hath set me on fire!
Hey, lusty lad, how fresh am I now!
Lead me, Inclination, to have my desire,
[274]
And then at thy request I will ever bend and bow.
Inc. He that bendeth to follow his own inclination,
Must needs live a wicked and vile conversation,
But so, Master Lust, I will lead you to a place,
Where you shall have pleasure enough in short space.
Lust. Yea, but shall not this company go thither?
Inc. Yes, marry, we four will all go together;
But Sturdiness shall tarry to face out the matter,
If Just peradventure against you shall clatter.
Sturd. By the mass, and well said, but first let us sing.
Inc. I must tune my pipes first of all by drinking.
Ela. Tush, what then? I pray thee help us a part.
Inc. Yes, I will sing the treble with all my heart.
Lust shall be led by Inclination
To Carnal Cogitation;
Where Lust is wholly led by me,
He must fall to cupidity;
For carnal cares shall him assail,
And speedily they shall prevail;
I, Sturdiness, wilt face it out
In his cause, sturdy, stiff and stout.
Then Greedy-gut shall make him eat
Both house and lands like bread and meat;
Elation shall puff him high
For to aspire above the sky;
Then natural and lordly Lust
Shall with his power despise the Just.
Ela. Our song is ended, hast thou other in store?
[275]
Inc. I shall not have done this half hour and more.
Yet I will, now I remember. Come in, Lust;
That I go before, is but needful and just.
You shall be now led by me Inclination
To reason and talk with Carnal Cogitation.
Sturd. Is there more vanity underneath the sun,
Than to be inclined after this sort?
Well, Lust doth now as other have done,
Yea, and do day by day, esteeming it a sport;
This Lust is the image of all wicked men,
Which in seeking the world have all delectation;
They regard not God, nor his commandments ten,
But are wholly led by their own inclination.
First, to inculcate with Carnal Cogitation,
And after to the desire of all worldly treasure,
Which alone they esteem the fulness of pleasure.
With Elation or Pride he is also associate,
Which puffeth up his senses with presumption pestilent;
Then Greedy-gut maketh them continually to grate
On the mock of this world, which he thinketh permanent.
I, Sturdiness, to hear out all things am bent:
Thus see you how men, that are led by their lust,
Dissent from the virtuous, goodly and just. [Go out. Enter Just and Sapience.
Sap. The advice of Aristippus have in your mind,
Which willed me to seek such things as be permanent,
And not such as are of a vanishing kind,
For the one with the other is not equivalent.
Be circumspect, therefore, foreseeing and sapient,
For treasures here gotten are uncertain and vain,
But treasures of the mind do continually remain.
Just. This is the mind of Musonus, also I remember,
[276]
Like as presently you have advertised me,
For the which I cannot but thankfully render
Such commendations as is requisite to be;
And as your name is Sapience, thus much I see,
That on heavenly wisdom you do depend,
And not on as time doth bring to an end.
Sap. Truth indeed, and therefore, your name being Just,
With me and my documents must be associate;
Where, contrary, such as are led by their lust,
To incline evil are always appropriate:
They have not, as you have, battle and combat
Against the cogitations that inwardly spring,
But rather are obedient unto the same thing:
And this is the occasion that men are so ambitious
And so foolish, led by the lust of their brain:
Sometime to covet, sometime to be vicious;
Sometime the counsel of the wise to disdain;
Sometime to climb till they fall down again;
Sometime to usurp the possessions of other;
Sometime to disobey both father and mother.
Just. Alas, what availeth it riches to enjoy,
Though as much in comparison as Crœsus the king?
What helpeth it to have Helen in Troy,
If the conscience of man continually sting?
Elation and Pride no commodity doth bring,
But is often known the forerunner of shame,
And the blot of immortal memory and fame.
Enter Inclination, the Vice.
Inc. Now, by my halidom, it is alone a:
Better sport in my life I never saw,
It is trim, I tell you, to dance with John and Jone a,
We pass not a point for God nor his law:
[277]
But Lust is lusty, and full of porridge:
Cogitation and he in one bed doth lie.
When here is Master Just, with his cank'red courage,
What, and old doting Sapience! then I am dressed, I.
So often already Just hath me restrained,
That I dare not entice him any more,
For through Sapience he hath me clearly disdained,
That my courage is spent, and I have no more. [Make as going back.
Sap. Nay, soft, sir, we must talk with you, ere ye go.
Inc. I cannot tarry at this time, the truth is so.
Just. Nay, there is no remedy; with you we must talk.
Inc. By the body of me, I hold best that I walk,
Or else learn to speak language another while,
And so I may happen the knaves to beguile.
Just. Turn back, ere you go, we have somewhat to say.
Inc. Non point parle françois, non, par ma foy.
Sap. To deceive us now himself he doth prepare.
Inc. Ick en can ghene english spreken von waer.
Body of me, let me go, or else I shall piss:
I-wis, Master Just, you have loved me ere this;
Therefore now be ruled after my counsel,
And godly things for your commodity I shall you tell.
Sap. Let him that is just not lightly ensue
His vile inclination and carnal concupiscence,
But let him rather contend the same to subdue;
And chiefly those that have knowledge of Sapience:
Therefore to bridle this lust do your diligence,
His crafty provocations utterly to restrain,
That Just may live, while life doth remain.
Inc. Goodman Hobal, speak you in earnest?
What dost thou say, shall the Just bridle me?
[278]
No, no, brother Snaps, do the worst and thy best
I will not be bridled of him nor of thee.
Just. Seeing Sapience consisteth in heavenly document,
And that heavenly document consisteth in Sapience,
To bridle this wretch I cannot but consent,
Sith I of his purpose have had oft intelligence.
Inc. Yet again [to] bridle it doth not prevail;
I will not be bridled of the best of you both.
See you this gear? here's one will make you to quail;
Stand back! to kill you, Master Just, I would be loth!
You have been so burned and fried of late,
That it were pity to hurt you any more.
Back, I say, or my dagger shall about your pate,
By the mass, but I will, sir, I'll make your bones sore. [Struggle two or three times.
Just. I will bridle thee, beast, for all thy bragging.
Inc. In faith, goodman Just, I'll hold ye wagging;
Nay, brother, ye shall find me a curst colt to bridle,
Nay, in faith, better yet I will make thee to struggle.
Sap. Never leave him, but ensue the counsel of Sapience.
Just. Lo, now, I have brought him under obedience. [Bridle him.
Inc. Not so obedient as thou thinkest me to have;
Nay, brother, ye shall find me a coltish knave:
We-he-he, it is good for you to hold fast,
For I will kick and winch, while the life doth last.
Sap. Thou shalt kick indeed, but no victory win;
Neither to conquer the Just to ungodliness nor sin.
[279]
Inc. O yes, O yes, I will make a proclamation.
Just. What shall that be?
Inc. If ye will give me leave, then you shall see.
O yes! is there any man or woman that hath lost
A gambolling gelding with a grey tail?
Let him come to the crier, and pay for his cost,
And he will tell him tidings without any fail.
Sap. To the intent that you may him sharply restrain,
Let him not enjoy so much of the rein. [Bridle him shorter.
Inc. Cock's soul, now the snaffle cutteth my lip,
I would this lubberly knave had the pip!
I shall leap no hedges while this bridle is on,
Out, alas! I think it will fret me to the bone.
Sap. Thus should every man, that will be called Just,
Bridle and subdue his beastly inclination,
That he in the end may obtain perfect trust,
The messenger of God to give sight to salvation.
Just. That trust to obtain with him I have struggled.
Sap. Then let us depart, and leave this beast bridled. [Go out both.
Inc. May the devil go with you and his dun dame!
Such horse-masters will make a colt quickly tame;
I would he were hanged that this snaffle did make,
It maketh my chaps so shamefully to ache;
Ye have no pity on me, you, I see, by your laughing;
I care not greatly, if I fall to gambolling;
We-he-he-he-he-he, come aloft, I say,
Beware the horse-heels, I advise you stand away;
The rein of my bridle is tied so short,
That I cannot make you any more sport.
But though I be bridled now of the Just,
[280]
I doubt not but I shall be unbridled by Lust,
And let not Just think but I will rebel,
Although he bridle me ten times all well;
Though Nature saith one doom with a croch,
It will not lie long, but incontinent approach;
Even so, though that I be bridled a while,
The colt will at length the courser beguile.
Enter Greedy-gut running, and catch a fall.
Gre. Chill run, I, as fast as I can,
Zurs, did none of you zee a man?
Cham zent in haste from my Master Lust,
So that Inclination needs come to him must.
Inc. Where is he now? I pray thee, tell me.
Gre. Why, what have we here? Jesus, benedicite!
I hold twenty pound it is Balaam's ass!
Nay 'tis a colt, I see his tail, by the mass!
Inc. Am I a colt? nay, thou liest like a knave,
Somewhat for thy labour now shalt thou have.
Gre. Hobal, ho, lousy jade, must ye kick?
Inc. Whoever saw such a desperate Dick?
Why Greedy-gut, do'st thou not know Inclination?
Gre. Body of me, who hath drest thee of that fashion?
Thou art bridled for biting now indeed,
Sirrah, Master Lust would have thee make speed.
Inc. I am bridled, I, even as thou do'st see,
Therefore desire him to come and help me.
Gre. Marry, together with Greediness now he is bent;
He hath had long talk with Carnal Cogitation,
And is set on fire by the means of Elation,
So that he is so lusty, he cannot abide,
Therefore one or other for him must be spied.
[281]
Inc. Well, Greedy-gut, I pray thee, go and make haste.
Gre. Tush, fear not, chill spend no time in waste.
Inc. I had rather than forty pence that he were come;
If I be bridled long, I shall be undone.
So sharp is this snaffle, called Restraint,
That it maketh me sweat I am so faint:
Hark! I hear the voice of my Master Lust;
Now I shall be unbridled shortly, I trust.
Lust. Cock's precious wounds, here hath been villainy.
Inc. Eh, they have used me with too much villainy,
That old knave Sapience so counselled Just;
But let me be unbridled, good Master Lust. [Unbridle him.
Lust. Lo, now thou art unbridled, be of good cheer.
Inc. By'r Lady, I am glad I have gotten thus clear.
But hark you, Master Lust, if I may do you pleasure,
Whisper, whisper.
Lust. She is called Treasure.[324]
O, my heart is on fire, till she come in place.
Inc. O Master Lust, she hath an amiable face;
[325]
A tricker, a trimmer, in faith that she is,
The goddess of wealth, prosperity, and bliss.
[282]
Lust. But think you that this minion long endure shall?
Inc. For ever and ever, man, she is immortal.
There be many other; but she exceedeth them all.
Lust. What be they, have you their names in store?
Inc. Yea, hark, in your ear [whispers], and many other more.
Lust. Sith that the apple of Paris before me is cast,
And that I may deliver the same where I will,
I would Prometheus were here to help me hold fast,
That I might have a fore-wit with me ever still.
Pallas, I consider, in science hath skill,
But Juno and Venus good will do I bear;
Therefore to give the apple I know not where.
Inc. Be counsell'd by me, and give it Lady Treasure.
It shall be for your commodity in the end without measure,
For having the company of this minion lass,
You shall never want the society of Pallas;
Juno, nor yet the armipotent Mars,
Can not resist your strength, be they never so fierce;
And as for Venus, you shall have [her] at pleasure,
For she is bought and sold always with Treasure;
She of her power hath whole countries conquered,
The most noble champions by her hath been murthered;
Acon for her sake was stoned to death.
Tush, innumerable at this day spend their breath,
Some hang or be hanged, they love her so well,
She is the great goddess, it is true that I tell.
Lust. Which way should I work of her to have a sight?
Inc. I, Inclination, will lead you thither right;
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But we must have Greedy-gut and also Elation.
Lust. They are at the house of Carnal Cogitation.
Inc. Whither I would wish that we might depart;
I will lead you thither with all my heart.
Enter Just, Trust, and Contentation.
Trust, a woman plainly [apparelled,] and Contentation
kneel down and sing, she have a crown.
So happy is the state of those
That walk upright and just,
That thou, Lord, dost thy face disclose
By perfect hope and trust.
Their inclination thou dost stay,
And sendeth them Sapience,
That they should serve, and eke obey,
Thy high magnificence.
And sendest Contentation,
That we in thee may rest.
Therefore all adoration
To thee pertaineth best.
Just. God careth for his, as the prophet doth say,
And preserveth them under his merciful wings;
Namely the just, that his will do obey,
Observing his holy commandment in all things;
Not for our sake or for our deservings,
But for his own sake openly to declare,
That all men on earth ought to live in his fear.
Trust. How God hath blessed you, all men may see;
For first at your entrance you conquered Lust,
Not by your power, but by might of the deity,
As all persons ought to do that be just.
Then through Sapience, which God did you send,
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You bridled that brutish beast Inclination,
And also ordered you with Contentation.
Cont. Those that are contented with their vocation
Be thankful to God; this is a true consequent;
And those that be thankful in their conversation,
Cannot but please the Lord God omnipotent;
But those that be sturdy, proud, and disobedient,
The Ruler of all rulers will them confound,
And rot their remembrance off from the ground.
Just. When Solon was asked of Crœsus the king,
What man was most happy in this vale terrestrial,
To the end he seemeth to attribute that thing
When men be associate with treasures celestial,
Before the end can no man judge, he doth say,
That any man is happy that here beareth breath,
But then by his end prettily judge we may.
Thus true happiness consisteth, saith he, after death.
If this be a truth, as undoubtedly it is,
What men are more foolish, wretched, and miserable,
Than those that in these treasures accompt their whole bliss?
Being infect with ambition, that sickness incurable;
Ah, wicked Adrastia, thou goddess deceivable,
Thus to pluck from men the sense of their mind,
So that no contentation therein they can find.
Trust. The treasure of this world we may well compare
To Circes the witch with her crafty cautility,
Wherewith many men's minds so poisoned are,
That quite they are carried into all fidelity;
They are conjured indeed, and bewitched so sore,
That treasure is their trust, joy and delight.
True trust is expelled, they pass not therefore,
And against contentation they continually fight.
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But though wicked men follow their lust,
Crying, on earth is our felicity and pleasure,
Yet God doth so guide the hearts of the just,
That they respect chiefly the celestial treasure.
Cont. Alas! should we not have that estimation
Which God hath prepared for his dear elect?
Should not our minds rest in full contentation,
Having trust in this treasure, most high in respect?
St Paul, whom the Lord so high did erect,
Saith: It passeth the sense of our memory and mind,
Much less can our outward eyes the same find,
And as for treasures which men possess here,
Through fickleness of fortune soon fadeth away;
The greatest of renown and most worthy peer
Sometime falleth in the end to misery and decay.
Record of Dionysius, a king of much fame,
Of the valiant Alexander and Cæsar the strong.
Record of Tarquinius, which Superbus had to name,
And of Heliogabalus, that ministered with wrong;
If I should recite all, I should stand very long,
But these be sufficient plainly to approve,
How soon by uncertainty this treasure doth remove.
Just. It is true; therefore a mind well content
Is great riches, as the wise King Solomon doth say.
We have seen of late days this canker pestilent
Corrupting our realm to our great decay—
Ambition, I mean, which chiefly did reign
Among those that should be examples to others;
We saw how their brethren they did disdain,
And burned with fire the child with the mother;
It is often seen that such monsters ambitious,
As spare not to spill the blood of the innocent,
Will not greatly stick to become seditious,
The determination of God thereby to prevent.
God grant every one of us earnestly to repent,
And not to set our minds on this fading treasure,
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But rather wish and will to do the Lord's pleasure.
Trust. O ye emperors, potentates, and princes of renown,
Learn of Just with Trust yourselves to associate.
That like as your vocation by right doth ask the crown,
And also due obedience, being the appointed magistrate,
So rule that at the last you may be resuscitate,
And reign with the Almighty with perfect continuance,
Receiving double crowns for your godly governance.
Ye noblemen, whom God hath furnished with fame,
Be mindful to walk in the ways of the Just,
Add virtue evermore to your honourable name,
And be not overcome of concupiscence or lust.
Flee from love of treasure, catch hold of me, Trust;
And then double felicity at the last you shall possess,
And in all earthly doings God shall give you success.
Ye poor men and commons, walk well in your vocation,
Banish lust and desire, which is not convenient;
Let trust work in you a full contentation,
Considering that it leadeth to treasures more excellent,
For these are uncertain, but they are most permanent.
Your necessity supply with virtue and trust,
And then shall you enjoy your crown among the just.
Just. As I, being properly nominate Just,
Am here associate with Contentation,
So have I my whole felicity in Trust,
Who illumineth mine eyes to see my salvation.
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Trust. Fear ye not, shortly you shall have consolation,
If I were once grown in you to perfection,
Even thus goeth it always with the children of election.
Just. I will depart now; will ye go with me, Trust?
Trust. Yea, I must always associate the Just.
Cont. A psalm of thanksgiving first let us sing,
To the laud and praise of the immortal King.
[Here, if you will, sing "the man is blest
that feareth God," &c.—Go out.
Enter Inclination, laughing.
Inc. Lust (quod he); now in faith he is lusty,
Lady Treasure and he hath made a match;
He thinketh that I were marvellous trusty,
Because I teach him to claw and to catch,
And nowadays amity doth therein consist;
He that can flatter shall be well beloved;
But he that saith, thus and thus, saith Christ,
Shall as an enemy be openly reproved.
Friendship, yea, friendship consisteth now in adulation;
Speak fair and please the lust of thy lord,
I warrant thee be had in great estimation,
When those that tell truth shall be abhorr'd.
Ah, unhappy Lingua, whither wilt thou ren?
Take heed, I advise thee, lest thou be shent;
If ye chance to tell any tales of these gentlewomen,
With flesh-hooks and nails you are like to be rent;
Nay, for the passion of me be not so moved,
And I will please you incontinent again.
Above all treasures you are worthy to be loved,
Because you do no men deride nor disdain;
You do not contemn the simple and poor;
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You be not high-minded, proud, and presumptuous,
Neither wanton nor wily you be nevermore,
But gentle, loving modesty, and virtuous,
Behold how a lie can please some folks' diet,
O[r] pacify their minds marvellous well!
All hist, I warrant ye, so they [be] in quiet.
How to please you hereafter now I can tell:
Hark, I hear Lust and my Lady Treasure,
They are given to solace, singing and pleasure.
Enter Lust and Treasure, a woman finely
appareled.
Lust. Ah, amorous lady, of beautiful face,
Thou art heartily welcome into this place;
My heart is inclined to thee, Lady Treasure,
My love is insatiate, it keepeth no measure.
Treas. It is I, Master Lust, that will you advance;
Treasure it is that things doth enhance:
Upon me set your whole affection and lust,
And pass not a point for the ways of the Just.
Treasure is a pleasure, bear that in mind;
Both trusty and true ye shall me always find.
Inc. As trusty as is a quick eel by the tail! [Aside.
What, Lady Treasure, welcome without fail;
To be better acquainted with you once I trust,
But I dare not in the presence of my Master Lust.
[Treas.] Ye are welcome, sir, heartily; what! be of good courage;
Drawer, let us have a pint of white wine and borage.
Lust. Wherefore, I pray thee tell?
Inc. Marry, methink you are not well.
Lust. Not well? who can a better life crave,
Than to possess such a lady as I have?
Is there any wealth not contained in Treasure
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Ah, lady, I love thee, in faith, out of measure.
Inc. It is out of measure indeed, as you say,
And even so most men love her at this day;
O, she is a minion of amorous hue,
Her peer in my days yet I never knew.
Old (quod you): I am an old knave, I tell ye,
Nay, never laugh at the matter, for doubtless I smell ye;
She passeth Juno, Ceres, and Pallas,
More beautiful than ever dame Venus was,
Othea in sapience she doth exceed,
And Diana in dignity, of whom we do read;
What should fair Helen once named be,
She excelleth all these, Master Lust, believe me.
Lust. How say you, is not this an eloquent lad?
Treas. That you have such a servant, truly I am glad.
Inc. Ha, ha, now indeed I can you not blame,
For women of all degrees are glad of the same;
They that flatter and speak them fair,
Shall be their sons, and peradventure their heir.
Lust. You told me of a brother you had, Lady Treasure.
Treas. Yea, sir, that I have; his name is called Pleasure;
And seeing you enjoy me now at your will,
Right soon, I am sure, he will come you until.
Lust. Truly of him I would fain have a sight,
For because that in pleasure I have marvellous delight.
Inc. Then honesty and profit you may bid good night. [Aside.
Inc. I say he will shortly appear in sight;
I know by his singing the same is he,
[Aside] The misbegotten Orpheus I think that he be.
[290]
Enter Pleasure, singing this song.
O happy days and pleasant plays,
Wherein I do delight-a;
I do pretend, till my life's end,
To live still in such plight-a.
Inc. Master Pleasure, I perceive you be of good cheer.
Pleas. What, Inclination, old lad, art thou here?
Inc. Yea, sir, and Lady Treasure your sister, also.
Pleas. Body of me, then unto her I will go.
What, sister, I am glad to meet with you here.
Treas. Welcome unto me, mine own brother dear.
Master Lust, this is my brother, of whom I told;
He is pleasant and lusty, as you may behold.
Lust. Gentleman (I pray you), is your name Master Pleasure?
Pleas. Yea, sir, and I am brother to Lady Treasure.
Lust. And are you contented to accompany me?
Pleas. Whereas she is resident, I must needs be;
Treasure doth Pleasure commonly precede.
[326]
But the one is with the other, they have both so decreed.
Inc. Marry, now you are well indeed, Master Lust;
This is better, I trow, than the life of the just:
They be compelled to possess contentation,
Having no treasure but trust of salvation.
But my lady your mistress—my mistress, I would say,
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She worketh, you may see, to keep you from decay.
Lust. O, madam, in you is all my delight,
And in your brother Pleasure, both day and night.
The Trial of Treasure this is indeed,
I perceive that she is a true friend at need;
For I have proved her, according as Thales doth say,
And I perceive that her beauty cannot decay.
Treas. Always with you I will be resident,
So that your life shall be most excellent.
Pleas. Yea, sir, and me Pleasure also you shall have,
So that none other thing there needeth to crave;
I will replenish your heart with delight,
And I will be always with Treasure in sight.
But if you desire to enjoy me at your will,
My sister you must have in reputation still;
And then, as her treasure is certain and excellent,
My pleasure shall be both perfect and permanent.
Credit not those, sir, that talk that and this,
Saying that in two consisteth no bliss.
But let experience your mind ever move,
And see if all men us two do not love.
Inc. [aside.] Love? yes, they love you indeed, without a doubt,
Which shutteth some of them God's kingdom without.
They love you so well, that their God they do hate,
As time hath declared to us even of late.
But he that on such things his study doth cast,
Shall be sure to be deceived at the last.
Lust. What dost thou say?
Inc. Of Treasure, forsooth, ye must ever hold fast,
For if you should chance to lose Lady Treasure,
Then farewell in post this gentleman Pleasure.
Lust. My love to them both cannot be express'd,
And especially, my lady, you I love best.
Treas. If you love me, as you do profess,
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Be sure you shall want no kind of wealthiness.
Pleas. And if you have wealthiness at your own will,
Then will I Pleasure remain with you still.
Inc. [aside.] You are both as constant as snow in the sun,
Which from snow to water through melting doth run;
But worldly-wise men cannot conceive that:
To hunt for such mice they learn of the cat.
Lust. My lady is amorous, and full of favour.
Inc. [aside.] I may say to you she hath an ill-favoured savour.
Inc. I say she is loving and of gentle behaviour.
Treas. And so I will continue still, be you sure.
Pleas. And I in like case, while your life doth endure.
Lust. Ah trusty Treasure! ah pleasant Pleasure!
All wealth I possess now without measure;
And seeing that the same shall firmly remain,
To help me sing a song will you take the pain?
Treas. Even with all my heart, begin when ye will.
Inc. [aside.] To it, and I will either help or stand still.
Am I not in blessed case,
Treasure and Pleasure to possess?
I would not wish no better place,
If I may still have wealthiness:
And to enjoy in perfect peace
My lady, lady.
My pleasant pleasure shall increase,
My dear lady.
[293]
Helen may not compared be,
Nor Cressida that was so bright;
These cannot stain the shine of thee,
Nor yet Minerva of great might.
Thou passest Venus far away,
Lady, lady,
Love thee, I will both night and day,
My dear lady.
My mouse, my nobs, and coney sweet,
My hope and joy, my whole delight;
Dame Nature may fall at thy feet,
And may yield to thee her crown of right.
I will thy body now embrace,
Lady, lady;
And kiss thy sweet and pleasant face,
My dear lady.
Visit. I am God's minister, called Visitation,
Which divers and many ways you may understand;
Sometime I bring sickness; sometime perturbation;
Sometime trouble and misery throughout the land;
Sometime I signify God's wrath to be at hand;
Sometime a forerunner of destruction imminent,
But an executor of pain I am at this present.
Thou insipient fool, that hast followed thy lust,
Disdaining the doctrine declared by Sapience,
In Treasure and Pleasure hath been thy trust,
Which thou thoughtest should remain ever in thy presence:
Thou never rememb'red'st Thales his sentence,
Who willeth men in all things to keep a measure,
Especially in love to uncertainty of treasure;
Even now I am come from visiting the Just,
Because God beginneth first with his elect;
But he is so associated and comforted with Trust,
[294]
That no kind of impatience his soul can infect.
Contentation in such sort his race doth direct,
That he is contented with God's operation,
Comfortably embracing me his Visitation;
But now I am come to vex thee with pain,
Which makest Treasure thy castle and rock:
Thou shall know that both she and Pleasure is vain,
And that the Almighty thou canst not mock.
Anguish and grief into thee I do cast,
With pain in thy members continually.
Now thou hast pain, thy pleasure cannot last,
But I will expel him incontinently.
Lust. O Cock's heart! what a pestilence is this!
Depart from me, I say, hence, God's Visitation!
Help, help, Lady Treasure, thou goddess of bliss!
At thy hands let me have some consolation.
Treas. I will remain with you, be out of doubt.
Inc. Will ye be packing, you ill-favoured lout?
Visit. Presently, indeed from him thou shalt not go,
And why? because God's will hath not determined so;
But in time thou, Treasure, shalt be turned to rust.
And as for Pleasure he shall now attend on the Just.
Lust. Gog's wounds! these pangs increase evermore.
Inc. And my little finger is spitefully sore;
You will not believe how my heel doth ache.
Treas. (to Visitation). Nay, let me alone, your part I will take.
(To Lust) Be of good comfort, while I here remain;
For Pleasure and he shall be parted in twain.
Visit. It is not meet that he should be participate with Lust,
But rather virtuous, godly and just.
[295]
Lust. Remain with me still, Master Pleasure, I say.
Pleas. Nay, there is no remedy; I must away;
For where God doth punition and pain,
I Pleasure in no case cannot remain.
Visit. I could in like case separate thy treasure,
But God doth admonish thee by losing thy pleasure.
[Go out Visitation and Pleasure.
Inc. Farewell, in the devil's name, old lousy lout,
That my master will die I stand in great doubt.
Ho, ho, ho, how is it with you, Master Lust?
Lust. By the flesh of Goliah, yet Treasure is my trust,
Though Pleasure be gone, and I live in pain,
I doubt not but Treasure will fetch him again.
Treas. Yea, that I will, fear not, and with you remain.
Inc. The property of rich men undoubtedly he hath,
Which think with money to pacify God's wrath,
And health at their pleasure to buy and to sell.
How is Master Lust, are you anything well?
Lust. Against this Visitation my heart doth rebel.
Gog's wounds! shall I still in these pangs remain?
Treas. Fear you not, Master Lust, I will help you again,
Treasure in physic exceedeth Galenus:
Tush! there is no physician but we shall have with us;
To the ease of your body they will you bring,
And therefore I pray you despair in no thing;
Put your trust always in me Lady Treasure,
And I will restore you again unto Pleasure,
For I am the goddess that therein hath power,
Which shall remain perfect unto the last hour.
[296]
Inc. Yea, yea, Master Lust, be as merry as you may;
Let Treasure be your trust, whosoever say nay.
Time. The ancient Greeks have called me Chronos,
Which in our vulgar tongue signifieth Time;
I am ent'red in presently for a certain purpose—
Even to turn Treasure to rust and to slime,
And Lust, which hath long disdained the Just,
Ensuing his filthy and vile inclination,
Shall immediately be turned to dust,
To the example of all the whole congregation;
For Time bringeth both these matters to pass,
As experience hath taught in every age,
And you shall behold the same in this glass,
As a document both profitable and sage.
Both Lust and Treasure come forth with speed
Into the shop of the most mighty God,
There shall you be beaten to powder indeed,
And for your abusion feel his scourge and rod.
Inc. By Saint Mary! then they have made a wise match,
I pretend therefore to leap over the hatch:
Nay, let me depart, sirs; stop me not, I say,
For I must remain, though both these decay. [Go out.
Lust. Lust from the beginning frequented hath been,
And shall I now turn to nothing for thee?
Treas. Treasure in all ages hath been beloved,
And shall she from the earth by thee be removed?
Time. You know that all such things are subject to time;
Therefore me to withstand is no reason nor rhyme;
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For like as all things in time their beginning had,
So must all things in time vanish and fade.
Lust. Gog's wounds, let Treasure remain still with me.
Treas. Yea, let me continue still in my dignity.
Time. Nay, I must carry you into Vulcan's fire,
Where you shall be tried unto the uttermost.
Seeing Lust against Trust did daily conspire,
To dust he shall turn for all his great boast!
Both of you shall have one rigorous host;
Come therefore with speed, Time cannot tarry:
To the end of your felicity I will you carry.
Treas. If there be no remedy, then there is no shift.
Lust. He must needs go, that is driven by the devil's drift;
Ah! Cock's precious sides, what fortune is this!
Whither go I now, to misery or bliss? [Go out.
Enter Just, leading Inclination in his bridle
shackled.
Inc. We—he, he, he, he! ware the horse-heels, I say;
I would the rein were loose, that I might run away.
Just. Nay, sith thou wilt not spare against me to rebel,
I will not spare, by God's grace, thee to bridle;
All men may see how vile Inclination
Spareth not to put the just to vexation;
Even so may all men learn of me again,
Thy beastly desires to bridle and restrain.
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,
[298]
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.
Enter Trust and Consolation.
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.
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[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.
Just. Why, and is Lust and Treasure converted to this?
Just. What foolish man in them would put trust,
If this be the final end of their bliss?
Much better I commend the life of the just.
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Con. So it is, no doubt, for they have consolation,
Possessing felicity even in this place;
I mean, through trust and hope of salvation,
Which setteth out to us God's mercy and grace.
Just. Let all men consider this good erudition,
And not to put confidence in Lust nor Treasure;
By these two examples receive admonition,
And also of the sudden banishment of Pleasure.
Time. Remember that Time turneth all things about:
Time is the touchstone the just for to try.
But whereas Lust and Treasure in time is come to nought,
Just, possessing Trust, remaineth constantly.
So that as I Time have revealed their infamy,
So have I showed the consolation and gain,
That the just shall receive that justly do reign.
Con. We will now no longer trouble this audience,
Sith somewhat tedious to you we have been;
Beseeching you to bear all things with patience,
And remember the examples that you have seen.
God grant them to flourish lively and green,
That some of us the better therefore may be,
Amen, amen! I beseech the blessed Trinity.