THE Tide tarrieth no Man.  
A MOST PLEAsant and merry comedy, right pithy and full of delight.  
Compiled by George Wapull.  
¶ four persons may easily play it.  

1. The Prologue, Hurtful help, the Tenant, Faithful few for one.  
2. Painted prafyte, No good Neighbourhood, the courtier, Wastefulness, christianity, Correction for another.  
3. Courage the Vice, Debtor, for another.  
4. feigned furtherance, Greediness the Merchant, Wantonness the Woman, the sergeant, Authority and Despair, for another.   
¶ Imprinted at London, in Fleetstreet, beneath the Conduit, at the Sign of Saint john evangelist, by Hugh jackson. 1576.   

The Prologue.  

AS the worm which in the timber is bred,  
The self same timber doth consume and eat:  
And as the moth which is commonly fed,  
In the cloth with her bred, and the same doth frete.  
So many persons are a damage great,  
To their own country, which hath them relieved,  
And by them their own country oft times is grieved.   

¶ So many cities and towns are defamed,  
By reason that some inhabitants is ill:  
So that for ones fact, the whole town is blamed,  
Although the residue to good do their will.  
Yet the fact of this one, the others good name doth spill,  
And thus a reproach to his own town engendereth,  
And the good name of the whole town he hindereth.   

¶ To what end these words we have spoken,  
In our matter shallbe more plainly expressed,  
Which the Tide tarrieth no man, to name hath token,  
For that it is most agreeable and best.  
Because that no man from his pleasure will rest,  
But each man doth take the time of his gain,  
Although the same be to others great pain.   

¶ For so greedy is the person avaricious,  
Whom Saint Austen doth well liken to hell,  
For that they both are so much insacious,  
That neither of them know when they are well.  
And Ambrosius doth verify and tell,  
How that covetous persons do lack that they have,  
And therefore not satisfied till they are in grave.   

¶ But where such people are, small love there doth rest,  
But greedy desire supplieth the place:  
The simple ones commonly, by such are oppressed,  
For they nothing way, any needy man's case.  
But with greedy gripe, their gain they embrace,  
No kind of degree that they will forbear,  
Neither any time they will let slip or spare.   

¶ And although that here a courtier is named,  
Yet thereby is not meant the courtier alone:  
But all kinds of persons, who their suits have framed,  
Or to any such greedy guts, have made their moan.  
Being driven to their shifts, to have aught by loan,  
How greediness at such times, doth get what he can,  
And therefore still crieth, Tide tarrieth no man.   

¶ Which proverb right well might be applied,  
To a better sense than it is used:  
There is time to ask grace, this may not be denied,  
Of thy sinful life so greatly abused.  
Let not that time then be refused,  
For that tide most certain will tarry no man,  
Thus taking the proverb, we rightly do scan.   

¶ Thus worshipful Audience, our Author desireth,  
That this his act you will not deprave:  
But if any fault be, he humbly requireth,  
That due intelligence thereof he may have,  
Committing himself to your discretion's grave,  
And thus his Prologue he rudely doth end,  
For at hand to approach, the Players intend.   
Finis.   

Courage the Vice entereth.  
TO the Barge to,  
Come they that will go,  
Why sirs I say when:  
It is high tide,  
We may not abide,  
Tide tarrieth no man.  
If ye will not go,  
Why then tell me so,  
Or else come away straight:  
If you come not soon,  
You shall have no room.  
for we have almost our frayte  
There are Usurers great,  
Who their brains do beat,  
In devising of guiles:  
False dealers also,  
A thousand and more,  
Which know store of wiles.  
Crafty cutpurses,  
Maidens milknurses,  
Wives of the stamp:  
Who love more than one,  
For lying alone,  
Is ill for the cramp.  
husbands as good,  
As wigs made of wood:  
We have there also,  
With servants so sure,  
As packthread most pure,  
Which men away through.  
There are such a sight,  
I cannot recite,  
The half that we have:  
And I of this Barge,  
Have the greatest charge,  
Their lives for to save.  
Courage contagious,  
Or courage contrarious,  
That is my name:  
To which that I will,  
My mind to fulfil,  
My manners I frame.  
Courage contagious,  
When I am outrageous,  
In working of ill:  
And Courage contrary,  
When that I do vary,  
To compass my will.  
For as in the be,  
For certain we see,  
Sweet honey and sting:  
So I in my mind,  
The better to blind,  
Two courages bring.  
And as with the sour,  
Each day and hour,  
The Physician inventeth:  
To mingle as meet,  
Something that is sweet,  
Which his patient contenteth.  
even so some while,  
To colour my guile,  
Do give courage to good:  
For I by that mean,  
Will convey very clean,  
And not be understood.  
Now sir to show,  
Whether we do go,  
Will do very well,  
We mean to prevail,  
And therefore we sail,  
To the Devil of hell.  
And though it be far,  
Yet welcome we are,  
When thither we come:  
No cheer there is,  
Whereof we shall miss,  
But be sure of some.  
I Courage do call,  
Both great and small,  
To the Barge of sin:  
Where in they do wallow,  
Till hell do them swallow,  
That is all they do win.  
When come ye away,  
Thus still I do say,  
As loud as I can:  
Take time while time is,  
lest that you do miss,  
Tide tarrieth no man.  
With catching and snatching  
Waking and watching,  
Running and riding:  
Let no time escape,  
That for you doth make,  
For Tide hath no biding.  
But ebbing and flowing,  
Coming and going,  
It never doth rest:  
Therefore when you may,  
Make no delay,  
For that is the best.  ¶ Hurting help, Painted profit, Feigned furtherance. Help. 
¶ By the mass sirs so where he is.  Profit. 
¶ I told thee that hear we should him not miss.  Help. 
¶ Good master Courage most heartily good even. Salute courage  Corage. 
¶ In faith my friends welcome, all three by saint Steven.  
jesus good Lord how do ye fare?  
Cover your heads, why are you bare?  
And how sirs, now sirs, lead you your lives,  
Which of all you three, now the best thrives?  Help. 
¶ Tush man none of us can do amiss,  
For we do always take time while time is.  
And wherever we go like counsel we give,  
Telling all men that here they shall not still live.  Corage. 
¶ Therein hurtful Help, thou dost very well,  
The Tide tarrieth no man, thou must always tell.  Help. 
¶ Indeed hurtful Help, that is my name,  
But I would not that all men should know the same.  
For I am a broker the truth is so,  
Wherefore if men in me hurtfulness should know,  
There are few or none that with me would deal,  
Therefore this word hurtful I never reveal.  
My name I say, plain Help to be,  
Wherefore each man for help doth come unto me,  
Good master Help, help to that or this,  
And of good reward you shall not miss.  Profit. 
¶ And as thou from Help, hurtful dost throw,  
So painted, from Profit, I must forego,  
For if any man know me, for profit but painted,  
Men will but little with me be acquainted.  
My master who a good gentleman is,  
Thinketh me as profitable as he can wish.  
So that plain Profit, be thinketh my name,  
And before his face, my deeds show the same.  Further. 
¶ Farewell my masters for I may hence walk,  
For I see you two will have all the talk.  Fayne a going out. Corage. 
¶ What feigned Furtherance are you so coy,  
Will you never leave the tricks of a boy,  
Come again I say, lest I do you fet,  
And say what thou wilt, here shall no man let.  Further. 
¶ Fet me?  Corage. 
¶ Yea fet thee.  Further. 
¶ Marry do what thou dare.  Corage. 
¶ That will I not spare. Out quickly with his dagger.  Help. 
¶ Good sir hold your hand, and bear with his rudeness,  Corage. 
¶ Nay I cannot nor will not suffer his Lewdness.  Further. 
¶ Tush a fig for him, let him do what he can.  Corage. 
¶ Alas sir who are you, but a merchants man,  
Good sir what you are, we know right well,  
Who is your master, and where you do dwell,  
You profess that your master you do greatly further.  
And yet for his goods, you would him gladly murder.  Further. 
¶ If so I do wish, it is long of thee,  
For thou thereunto baste encouraged me.  Profit. 
¶ What hushed I say, no more of these words,  
For appeaching oft, the appeacher disturbs.  
Be friends again as you were at the first,  
Let each man say the best, and leave out the worst.  Further. 
¶ I for my part do thereunto consent. And shake hands.  Corage. 
¶ Then give me thy hand if thou be content.  
Now are we friends, as at first we were,  
Therefore straight way thy mind let us here.  Further. 
¶ Truly I mean to do even as do the rest,  
For in mine opinion that is the best,  
And as hurting help, hath hurting foregone,  
And painted profit, is profit alone,  
So I feigned furtherance, henceforth do mind,  
To be furtherance plain, leaving feigned behind:  
Other men's furtherance to seek I will say,  
Yet will I seek mine own as much as I may.  Corage. 
¶ Else wert thou unwise, yea and a very fool,  
Thou learnedst none otherwise, I trow in my school.  
I am a schoolmaster for you three most fit,  
Who endued you with courage, instead of great wit.  Help. 
¶ To be our master wilt thou take in hand,  
Why we are as good as thou, thou shalt understand.  Corage. 
¶ Alas poor knaves, what could you three do,  
If you have not courage belonging thereto.  Help. 
¶ And what can courage do without help,  
As much as a Kitling or suckling whelp.  Corage. 
¶ And by hurtful help, what am I the better,  
Being holp to a hurt, I am no great getter.  Help. 
¶ It is folly with thee thus to contend,  
We are as good as thou, and so I do end.  Corage. 
¶ Since that by words I can no mastery have,  
I would prove what my manhood will do sir knave.  Profit. 
¶ Why art thou blind, mayest thou not see,  
That again thee one, we are here three.  Corage. 
¶ And what can three do against one,  
I having courage, and they having none.  
Therefore courage will claw you or you go hence,  
Now defend yourselves I will see your fence.  Help. 
¶ What Courage I say thy hand now stay.  Corage. 
¶ Will you then consent to that which I say.  Help. 
¶ There is no remedy but we must consent,  
Sometimes it is good a fools mind to content:  
Therefore I am content to be thine inferior,  
And I will from henceforth take thee for superior.  Corage. 
¶ And so will the residue I trow also.  Profit. 
¶ If you say I sir, we will not say no.  Corage. 
¶ Well sirs, than I will show you my mind,  
But first I will describe you, each one in his kind.  
Thou help art a broker, between man and man.  
Whereby much deceit thou usest now and than,  
Profit is one, who by service in sight,  
Doth cause his master to think him most right.  
A profitable servant, he thinketh him to be,  
Because he is profitable, while he doth him see.  
And feigned Furtherance, doth feign him to further,  
His master and others, whom fain he would murder.  
Thus in seeking wealth you all do agree,  
And yet you profess others friends for to be.  Profit. 
¶ x quisque sapit, qui sibi non sapit,  
This saying I red, whenas I went to school,  
One not wise for himself, is but a very fool.  Help. 
¶ By my troth, and of that opinion am I,  
And in that opinion I mean for to die.  Further. 
¶ Tush why spend you time in speaking of that,  
While thereon you talk, in vain is your chat.  
For who helps not himself, before any other,  
I count him a fool, if he were my brother.  
And as I count him, all people do so,  
Therefore cease this talk, and hence let us go.  
For some of us may chance to meet with a chiding,  
Because that so long from home we are biding.  Profit. 
¶ By S. Anne I think therein thou say well,  
For I know thereof I am like to here tell.  Corage. 
¶ Why man a little while breaketh no square.  help. 
¶ Tush help hath excuse, to colour that care.  Further 
¶ Yea but already we have tarried too long.  help. 
¶ Why then ye were best go without a song.  Further. 
¶ Nay I will tarry to sing, though therefore I should die.  Profit. 
¶ My help to singing, I did never deny.  Corage. 
¶ Why then sirs have at it courageously. 

The Song.  

first Courage causeth minds of men,  
to wish for good or ill:  
And some by Courage now and then,  
at Tyborne make their will.  
Help, Profit, and Furtherance do feign,  
Where Courage doth catch in any man's brain.   

¶ Then help in hope to have his prey,  
full secretly doth wait:  
And as the time doth serve always,  
he throweth forth his bait.  
Help, Profit, etc.   

¶ Profit prolongeth not the time,  
to please his painted mind:  
He passeth not though master pine,  
so he his pleasure find.  
Help, Profit. etc.   

¶ And Furtherance, thou last of all,  
he came into the rout:  
He weigheth not his masters thrall,  
nor seeks to help him out.  
Help, Profit, etc.   
Finis.    Pro. Fur. 
¶ Now Courage farewell for we must be gone.  help. 
¶ Nay sirs you two shall not go alone,  
For I do mean to bear you company,  
And so shall we be even a whole trinity.  
Therefore Courage adowe. They three go out.  Corage. 
¶ Sir here was a trinity in a witness,  
A man might have shaped three knaves by their likeness.  
A trinity much like to the trinity of late,  
Where good wife Gull, broke her good man's pate.  
In came her man to make up the number,  
Who had his nose should, with the steal of a scumber.  
But in fine, these three began to agree,  
And knit themselves up in one trinity.  
And after they loved like brother and brother,  
For very love, they did kill one another.  
And then they were buried, I do well remember,  
In Stawton's straw hat, vii. mile from December.  
Where they had not lain the space of a day,  
But four of those three, were thence run away.  
The Constable came, with a back on his bill,  
And because they were gone, he did them kill.  
I Courage so cleft their Cushions asunder,  
To see how they bled, it made me to wonder.  
I myself was smitten twice to the ground,  
I was very sore hurt, but I had not a wound.  
I buskled myself as though fight I would,  
And took me to my legs as fast as I could.  
And so with much pain hither I did come,  
But hushed sirs I say, no more words but mum.  Greediness 
enter .¶ Tush talk not of that, for in vain you do prate,  
For there are none but fools, that wealthiness do hate.  Corage. 
¶ What Greediness I say, why what is the matter,  
Master wealthiness I would say, whereon do you clatter?  Greediness 
¶ What old friend Courage, art thou so near hand,  
Marry I will show thee, how the matter doth stand.  
As I walked along, through by the street,  
By such ways as mine affairs did lie:  
It was my chance with a preacher to meet,  
Whose company to have I did not deny,  
And as we two together did walk,  
Amongst other communication we had,  
The Preacher broke out with reproachable talk:  
Saying that we citizens were all too bad,  
Some of us he sayeth are greedy guts all:  
And evil members of a common wealth,  
He sayeth we care not whom we bring to thrall,  
Neither have we regard unto our soul's health,  
His talk I confess my conscience did nip,  
Wherefore no longer I would him abide,  
But suddenly I gave him the slip,  
And crossed the way to the other side.  
So alone I let master Preacher walk,  
And here by chance I stumbled in.  Corage. 
¶ And art thou so foolish for any such talk,  
To cease or stay thy wealth for to win.  Greediness 
¶ Serra, he cried out of excessive gain,  
Saying when any of our wares have need,  
Then do we hoist them up to their pain,  
And commonly make them pay for their speed.  Corage. 
¶ I perceive that fellow was hot of the spirit,  
He would not have you take time while time is,  
If ye follow his council, he will beggar you quite,  
But what answer didst thou give him to this?  Greediness 
¶ Why thou knowest my quality is such,  
That by contrary talk, I use no man to blame,  
For although often my doings they touch,  
Yet my talk always to the time I frame.  
When he said excessive gainers were ill,  
I said for them it was a shame.  
And in all things else, I pleased his will:  
And so I feigned myself without blame.  Corage. 
¶ Thou dost wisely therein, I commend thee therefore,  
For whatever thou think, yet say as they do,  
So shalt thou have their favours evermore,  
And that was no blame thou shalt come unto.  Greediness 
¶ Yea but truly his words did my conscience prick,  
Of me he did so unhappily guess,  
I promise she he touched me unto the quick,  
For that in gaining I used excess.  
My conscience doth tell me, I have done amiss,  
And of long time I have gone astray,  
And a thousand witnesses the conscience is,  
As Sallust in most plain words doth say.  Corage. 
¶ Why doltish patch, art thou so unwise,  
To quail for the saying of such a knave,  
Thou knowest all the world will thee despise,  
And a-begging thou mayst go, if that nought thou have.  
And how shalt thou have aught,  
If thy gain be not great?  
Consider this well in thy mind,  
Remember thy house, and thy wife that peat,  
Must still be kept in their costly kind:  
Therefore take the time, while the time doth serve,  
Tide tarrieth no man, this thou dost know,  
If thy goods decay, then mayst thou starve,  
So doing thou seekest thine own overthrow.  Greediness 
¶ In deed as thou sayest, it doth me behove,  
Not so rashly to lay my gaining aside,  
lest so myself a fool I do prove,  
By shooting from my profit so wide:  
I consider my wealth is now at good stay,  
Which I would be loath should be impaired,  
For once rich, and after in decay,  
Is a miserable thing, as Hyemes hath declared.  
Therefore I mean thy council to take,  
lest of that misery I know the smart,  
Then is it to late any moan to make,  
Or from such foolishness to revert.  
Therefore Courage adieu unto thee,  
For it behoveth me hence to depart. Exeunt.  Corage. 
¶ Adieu wealthiness till again we see,  
Adieu great greediness with all my heart,  
Hath not Courage contagious now showed his kind,  
By encouraging Greediness unto evil:  
Which late was drawing to a better mind,  
And now again doth follow the Devil.  Enter Help, and no good Neighbourhood. help. 
¶ Lo thee Neighbourhood, where Courage doth stand.  Corage. 
¶ What no good Neighbourhood, give me thy hand.  neighbour. 
¶ Those two first syllables, might be put out,  
And than thou hittest my name without doubt.  Corage. 
¶ Why is not no good Neighbourhood thy name?  neighbour. 
¶ Put away no good, and see how it will frame.  
For if thou do put away no good,  
There resteth no more but neighbourhood.  Corage. 
¶ Then is it neighbourhood, neither good nor bad,  
Nay though we leave the first, it is good the next we had.  
For leaving out no, put good to the rest,  
Then is it good neighbourhood, thus I think is best.  neighbour. 
¶ Nay I will have them both two left out,  
Because of my name men should stand in doubt:  
For if no good neighbourhood I be named,  
Then of all men I shall be blamed.  
And if that good, to neighbourhood I have,  
Men will say I do it praise to crave.  
So I will leave out both no and good,  
And will be indifferent sole Neighbourhood.  Corage. 
¶ Then Neighbourhood be it, if so it shall be,  
And neighbourhood, what is thine errand to me?  neighbour. 
¶ Sir my coming, is for occasions two,  
The first is for your council, what were best to do,  
In a matter which I have lately begun,  
If I shall proceed, or else leave it undone.  
The second is, if I shall proceed,  
That you will stand my friend if I need.  Corage. 
¶ Assure thyself thereof without doubt,  
Therefore show me the matter thou goest about.  Neighbour. 
¶ I thank you sir even with all my heart,  
And I trust also that Help will do his part.  Help. 
¶ Doubt not but that I to thee will be cleaving,  
Therefore proceed and show him thy meaning.  Neighbour. 
¶ Then sir this is the matter, if it shall please you give ear,  
I have a neighbour who dwelleth to me somewhat near.  
Who hath a Tenement, commodious and feat,  
To which Tenement I bear a love very great.  
This man my neighbour as far as I can learn,  
Hath in his Tenement but a short term,  
four or five years or there about,  
Which term you know, will soon be worn out.  
Now sir might I in reversion, a lease thereof have,  
I would give the Landlord, even what he would crave.  Corage. 
¶ And who is the Landlord, thereof can you tell?  Neighbour. 
¶ Master Greediness, a man whom you know right well,  
He is one which never did money hate.  Corage. 
¶ Why then speak in time, lest thou be too late,  
The Tide tarrieth no man the proverb hath said.  
Therefore see no time herein be delayed,  
Master Help here shallbe to thee a stay,  
For with master greediness, he beareth great sway.  Help. 
¶ I will do for him what lieth in me.  Neighbour. 
¶ And then to your pains I will gladly see.  Corage. 
¶ Doubt not then, but thou shalt have thy mind.  Neighbour. 
¶ As you say, I wish that I may it find,  
But I doubt that of my purpose I shall miss,  
By reason of one thing, and that is this:  
My foresaid neighbour which now holdeth the same,  
Hath been there a long dweller of good name and fame.  
And well he is beloved both of young and old,  
Wherefore not only the neighbours with him will hold.  
But also the Landlord, I am in great doubt,  
willbe therefore unwilling to put him out,  
And I but a stranger among them God wot.  Help. 
¶ Marry sir it is much the better for that,  
For if thou wert more strange, and borne out of the land.  
Thou shouldest sooner have it I dare take in hand,  
For among us now, such is our country zeal,  
That we love best with strangers to deal.  
To sell a lease dear, whosoever that will,  
At the french, or dutch Church let him set up his bill.  
And he shall have chapmen, I warrant you good store,  
Look what an English man bids, they will give as much more.  
We brokers of strangers, well know the gain,  
By them we have good rewards for our pain.  
Therefore though thou be strange, the matter is not great,  
For thy money is English, which must work the feat.  Neighbour. 
¶ In deed my money as a neighbour will agree,  
With any man wheresoever it be.  
And I myself would be a neighbour to,  
And therefore the father I do that I do,  
For if it were not to be a neighbour by them,  
I wiss I would not take a house so nigh them.  Help. 
¶ I dare say each man would be glad at his heart,  
To have all his neighbours such as thou art.  
What matter is it, if thou thyself be sped,  
Though thou take thy neighbour's house over his head.  Corage. 
¶ Tush that is no harm, but rather it is good,  
For he doth it only for pure neighbourhood.  
See yonder cometh one, if thou canst make him thy friend,  
Then mayest thou shortly bring thy purpose to end.  ¶ Furtherance entereth Further. 
¶ Now Master Courage how do you fare.  Corage. 
¶ Even glad to see that you so merry are:  
Furtherance you must pleasure a friend of mine.  Further. 
¶ Thereto I am ready at each tide and time,  
To do for him what in me doth lie.  
Therefore let me know your mind by and by.  Corage. 
¶ Serra, of thy master a lease he would have,  
And therein thy friendship it is, he doth crave.  Neighbour. 
¶ Sir, if that herein my friend you will stand,  
I will give you therefore even what you will demand.  Further. 
¶ Then Neighbourhood thou shalt shortly see,  
That I can do somewhat between my master and thee.  
Thou couldst never speak better to speed,  
For of money now he standeth in need.  
To pay for a purchase of certain land,  
Which needs he must discharge out of hand.  
Therefore this time for thee well doth fall,  
If that thou have money to tempt him withal.  Neighbour. 
¶ Tush man for money I will not spare,  Further. 
¶ Then needest thou no whit for to care,  
And if thou take pain now to walk home,  
There shalt thou find him sitting alone.  Corage. 
¶ Cocks passion man high thee away,  
Thou knowest the Tide for no man will stay.  Neighbour. 
¶ Why sir but will you not walk with us thither?  Further. 
¶ No, do Help and you go before together,  
And I warrant you I will not long be behind you,  
For though I be absent, yet I will mind you.  Neighbour. 
¶ Then sir adieu till we meet again,  
Doubt not but I will consider your pain.  
Come Help shall we go.  Help. 
¶ It is time I trow. Exiunt.  Further. 
¶ Ah sir this gear doth trimly fall out,  
I know this lease, which he goeth about:  
Wherefore I will work so on both the sides,  
That of both parties I will obtain bribes,  
I will show the old Tenant how one goeth about,  
To take his house and to thrust him out.  
Wherefore he will largely grease me in the hand,  
Because his friend therein I shall stand.  
The other here did promise me plain,  
That he would reward me for my pain.  
Therefore Courage farewell unto thee,  
For how this gear will frame, I will see.  Corage. 
¶ Farewell Furtherance, my gentle friend,  
A man may seek Hell, and such two not find.  
I mean a friend, so worthy to trust,  
And a neighbour, that is so honest and just.  
Of honesty I trow, he is meetly well sped,  
That will take his neighbour's house over his head.  
I think there is no man, within this place,  
But he would gladly such neighbours embrace.  
Where two such neighbours die out of one town,  
The Devil shall be sure, to have one black Gown.  
As well he is worthy, if I might be judge,  
For in their affairs, he daily doth trudge.  
Good council he gives them, both morning and evening,  
What means they shall work, to their neighbours grieving.  
He teacheth them how, to pill and to poll,  
In hope after death, to have body and soul.  
Tush what mean I thus, of soul for to speak,  
In vain with such talk, my brains I do break.  
For soul there is none, when the body is dead,  
In such kind of doctrine, my scholars I lead.  
Therefore say I, take time, while time is,  
For after this life, there is nothing but bliss.  
There is no soul, any pain to abide,  
The teacher's contrary, from truth are far wide.  Willing to win worship, enter courtier like. courtier. 
¶ Oh so my heart is filled with doubt,  
Which way I may work, my worship to win:  
Shall I leave of Courtiers, so jolly a rout,  
And eke of Ladies a company so trim.  
And shall I home to my cottage rude,  
There to live like a country clown:  
Truly I know not which way to conclude,  
To get myself worship and renown.  
To win worship I would be right glad,  
Therefore (willing to win worship) is my name:  
In the country there is none such to be had,  
And the Court doth ask, great cost for the same.  
So that what I shall do, I know not yet,  
I consider it is toward a good time:  
Wherein triumphing is used, as is most fit,  
And where Courtiers must show themselves, brave and fine.  
But this I conclude, as forced I am,  
The Court for to leave, and homeward to pack:  
For where is the money? here is the man.  
If man he may be, that money doth lack.  Corage. 
¶ Sir are you so foolish, the Court for to leave?  
When the time is, that worship you should win:  
For in times of triumphing, we always perceive,  
The Courtiers worship, doth first begin.  
Therefore do you from such foolishness stay,  
And Fortune may chance, give you as you wish.  courtier. 
¶ But the wheels of Fortune, as Socrates doth say,  
Are like the snares, wherewith men take fish.  
And in another place, Plautus doth show,  
A saying in Latin, and that is this:  
Festo die si quid prodigeris,  
Profesto egere liceat nisi pepereris.  
If on the Holiday, wasting thou do use,  
On the work day thou mayest beg, unless well thou get:  
So in triumphing, like effect ensues,  
That next after, waste, indigence is set.  Corage. 
¶ Then periander's words you account lest,  
Who unto honour, an encourager is:  
Honour (sayeth he) Immortalis est,  
Now sir I pray you, how like you this?  courtier. 
¶ Those words to be true, I must needs confess,  
For honour in deed, is an immortal fame:  
And now is the time the same to possess,  
But I have not wherewith to achieve the same.  
For money is he that the man must deck,  
And though I have attire both costly and gay,  
Yet unless it be new, I shall have but a geck,  
Therefore much better for me be away.  Corage. 
¶ Tush man for money be thou not sad,  
You Courtiers I know have jewels good store,  
And money for jewels will always be had,  
Therefore for that matter care thou no more.  courtier. 
¶ Yea but how it is had, I partly do know,  
And what excessive interest is paid,  
Therefore you may say the more is my woe,  
Would God that I had it never assayed,  Corage. 
¶ Well, whatever it cost, it must needs be had,  
Therefore withstand not thy fortunate chance,  
For I will count thee fool, worse than mad,  
If thou wilt not spend money, thyself to advance,  
Now is the time of hap good or ill:  
Venture it therefore while it is hot,  
For the Tide will not tarry for any man's will,  
Never shalt thou speed, if now thou speed not.  courtier. 
¶ Truly this talk doth encourage me so much,  
That to see the Court again, I do pretend,  
But I pray thee dost thou know any such,  
As use upon gauges money to lend?  Corage. 
¶ Why man for that matter you need not to doubt,  
Of such men there are enough everywhere,  
But see how luckily it doth fall out.  
See yonder two friends of mine do appear.  
There is a broker between man and man,  
whenas any bargains they have in hand,  
The other a merchants man now and than,  
In borrowing money, thy friends they may stand.  Help and Furtherance enter. Help. 
¶ So are we in deed, and what of that?  
Who is it that with by would any thing have?  courtier. 
¶ Even I a Gentleman whom money do lack,  
And therein your friendship would gladly crave.  Help. 
¶ Therein we can help you if your pleasure it be,  
And will do or else we were greatly to blame,  
Provided always that to our pains you do see,  
And also put in a good pawn for the same.  courtier. 
¶ A pawn sufficient I will therefore lay,  
And also your pains I will recompense well.  
But I must needs have it out of the way,  
Although my Lands therefore I do sell.  Help. 
¶ You shall have it sir so soon as you will,  
And therein you shallbe friendly used,  
For in friendly using this fellow hath skill, pointing to Furtherance.  
Therefore his counsel must not be refused.  
He is servant unto a Merchant man,  
Who is partly ruled after his mind.  courtier. 
¶ In deed as you say, help me he can,  
I doubt not but his friendship I shall find.  
Doubt you not sir, but in pleasuring me,  
I will recompense your pains with the most.  Further. 
¶ What I can do for you, soon you shall see,  
It is but folly thereof for to boast.  courtier. 
¶ Well then it is time that hence we were packing,  
For fain an end thereof I would know.  Help. 
¶ Why sir no diligence in us shallbe lacking,  
For we are ready, if that you be so.  courtier. 
¶ Why then that we go I think it were best,  
Think you your master is now at home?  Further. 
¶ Ye I know well at home he doth rest,  
And I guess that now he is sitting alone,  
Therefore no longer here let us stay.  courtier. 
¶ Then sir adieu for I will lead the way.  Speaking to Courage & goeth out with Furtherance, & Help. Corage. 
¶ Now may you see how Courage can work,  
And how he can encourage, both to good and bad:  
The Merchant is encouraged, in greediness to lurk,  
And the courtier to win worship, by Courage is glad.  
The one is good, no man will denay,  
I mean courage to win worship and fame:  
So that the other is ill, all men will say,  
That is courage to greediness, which getteth ill name.  
Thus may you see Courage contagious,  
And eke contrarious, both in me do rest:  
For I of kind, am always various,  
And change, as to my mind seemeth best.  
Between man and wife, sometimes I do show,  
Both my kindness, when my pleasure it is:  
The goodwife giveth her husband a blow,  
And he for reward, doth give her a kiss.  
The goodwife by Courage, is hardy and stout,  
The goodman contrary, is patient and meek:  
And suffereth himself to be called lout,  
Yea, and worse misused, thrice in a week.  
How say you good wives, is it not so?  
I warrant you, not one that can say nay:  
Whereby all men here, may right well know,  
That all this is true which I do say.  
But yet Courage tells you not all that he knows,  
For then he must tell, of each wife the name:  
Which is no great matter, the best are but shrews,  
But I will not say so, for fear I have blame.  Greediness enter. greediness 
¶ Now Courage I say, what news in the cost?  
What good tidings abroad, dost thou hear?  Corage. 
¶ Why what dost thou hear? high thee home in post,  
For I sent home a Gentleman, to seek for thee there.  greediness 
¶ And what is the matter that with me he would have?  Corage. 
¶ He must borrow some money, his worship to save.  Greediness 
¶ Tush then to tarry he will be glad,  
If that he come any money to borrow.  Corage. 
¶ Yea but take the time, while it is to be had,  
And defer not thy profit, until tomorrow.  
This Gentleman is a courtier brave,  
And now in need of money doth stand:  
Therefore thine own asking, of him thou mayest have,  
So that thou wilt pleasure him out of hand.  Greediness 
¶ And is he a courtier, and standeth in need,  
This to my purpose, doth rightly fall:  
For the needy Courtiers, my coffers do feed,  
And I warrant thee, that pinch him I shall.  
For since I know, his need to be such,  
That money he must needs occupy:  
I know I cannot ask him too much,  
If I his mind will satisfy.  
Therefore now Courage to thee adieu. Fayne a going out.  Corage. 
¶ Nay soft sir yet one word with you.  
You told me not yet how you did agree,  
With no good Neighbourhood, that good man grout.  Greediness 
¶ Marry sir he hath gone thorough with me,  
And the old Tenant he will thrust out.  
But I with that matter have nought to do,  
Let them two now for that agree:  
I know I should never have come unto,  
So much as therefore he hath paid to me.  
Therefore I might be counted mad,  
If I to his proffer would not have tended:  
This profitable lesson which of thee I had,  
The Tide tarrieth no Man, was not unremembered.  Profit entereth. Profit. 
¶ God speed sir, I pray you show me if you can,  
Did you not master wealthiness here about see.  Corage. 
¶ cocks passion this is the Gentleman's man,  Speaking to Greediness. 
Which at home doth tarry for thee,  
Sir wealthiness is not hence far away.  Turning to Profit. Greediness 
¶ I am he sir, what would you of me require?  Profit. 
¶ My master at home for your worship doth stay,  
And to speak with you he doth greatly desire.  
If it be your pleasure home to repair,  
Or if ye will, he shall hither come,  
Your masterships pleasure therefore declare,  
And I know incontinent it shallbe done.  Greediness 
¶ Nay I mean homeward to high,  
For that I suppose to be the best,  
And by all the means that in me doth lie,  
I will fulfil your masters request.  Profit. 
¶ I trust also you will consider my pain,  
Thereby I trust you shall not lose,  
For perchance I may prefer your gain,  
By mean which with my master I do use.  Greediness 
¶ As I find thee ready in furthering of me,  
So doubt thou not but thou shalt find,  
Me even as ready in pleasuring of thee,  
A word is enough, thou knowest my mind,  
Therefore hence let us now take the way.  Profit. 
¶ My master thinketh us long I dare say. Exiunt.  Corage. 
¶ I warrant you I will not be long behind,  
I know no cause why here I should stay,  
A company of my scholars I know where to find,  
Therefore toward them I will take the way. Exiunt.  The Tenant tormented entereth. tenant. 
¶ Whether shall I go, or which way shall I take,  
To find a Christian constant and just,  
Each man himself a Christian would make.  
Yet few or none, that a man may trust.  
But for the most part feigned, inclined to lust.  
As to insatiable covetousness, most abominable,  
Or some other vice, most vile and detestable.  
It is well known, what rigour doth reign,  
In that cruel tiger, my Landlord Greediness:  
Who in my house, would not let me remain,  
But hath thrust me out, with spiteful speediness.  
Having no respect, to my naked neediness,  
But altogether, regarding his gain,  
Hath bereaved my living from me, to my pain.  
What neighbourhood is, may also be seen,  
My neighbour supposed, is my deadly foe:  
What cruel chance, like to mine hath been,  
Both my house and living, I must now forego.  
What neighbour is he, that hath served me so?  
Thus cruelly to take my house, over my head,  
Wherein these forty years, I have been harboured and 〈◊〉  
And now being aged, must thus be thrust out,  
With mine impotent wife, charge, and family:  
Now how I shall live, I stand in great doubt,  
Leading and ending, my life in misery.  
But better do so, then as they live, by thee very,  
Catching and snatching, all that ever they can,  
Because that (say they) Tide tarrieth no Man.  
But God grant that they, in following that Tide,  
Lose not the tide of God's mercy and grace:  
I doubt that from them, away it will slide,  
If they still pursue the contrary race.  
As daily they do, God's laws to deface,  
To their own souls hurt, and to their neighbour's damage.  
Still following the instructions, of cursed Courage.  
I see whom I seek, is not here to be found,  
I mean Christianity, constant and just:  
I doubt that in bondage he lieth fast bound,  
Or else he is dead, and lieth buried in dust.  
But if he be living, to find him I trust,  
Therefore till I find him, I will nowhere stay,  
Neither in seeking of him, I will make delay.  Enter Courage. Corage. 
¶ Ah sirrah, I cannot choose but rejoice,  
When I remember my little pretty boys,  
My scholars I mean, who all with one voice,  
Cry we love Courage, without other choice.  
The young nymphs I encourage and lead,  
In riotous footsteps, so trimly to tread.  
That guilty, and unguilty, often they plead,  
And being found guilty, hang all save the head.  
The virgins which are but tender of age,  
Rather than their trim attire should suage.  
Their fails for new they will lay to gauge,  
To every slave, peasant, and page.  
The grand signiors, which in years are ripe,  
With covetous claws, like the greedy gripe.  
Their poor brethren, from their livings do wipe,  
And evermore dance, after courage's pipe.  
Courage never in quiet doth lie,  
But the Tide tarrieth no man, still he doth cry.  
Therefore work thy will by and by,  
That rich thou mayest be, whenever thou die.  The maid wilful Wanton enter. Wanton. 
¶ Of all misfortunes, mine is the worst,  
Truly I think I was accursed:  
When I was an infant, not fully nursed,  
Alas for grief, my heart it will burst.  
I daily see women as young as I,  
Which in white Caps, our door do go by:  
I am as able as they, with a man to lie,  
Yet my mother doth still, my wedding deny.  
She sayeth for wedding, that I am unfit,  
Maids of fourteen years she sayeth, hath no wit:  
And so every day she sayeth I shall tarry yet,  
That would God I were put quick in the pit.  
God wot we maids, abide much misery,  
And always kept in, from having liberty:  
Of evil tongues we walk in jeopardy,  
Most people are now so full of jealousy:  
If a youngman a maid do but kiss,  
Now (say the people) you may see what she is:  
Where if I were a wife, nothing I should miss.  
But live like a Lady, in all joyful bliss.  
I right well do know, the people's spite,  
Because that to be pleasant, I have delight:  
Therefore past grace, they say I am quite,  
And a wilful wanton, my name they do wright.  
Yet I trust in God, once to see the day,  
That to recompense their spite I may:  
For if ever I be married, and bear any sway,  
Than I know what I have to say.  
Therefore good God, make me shortly a wife,  
Or else shortly take away my life.  Corage. 
¶ Alas pretty parnel, you may soon end this strife,  
Young men fit for husbands, in this town are rife.  
And your mother's ill will, you may soon prevent,  
If you will follow my council, and intent.  Wanton. 
¶ Oh but if my mother would thereto consent,  
To be married this night, I could be content.  Corage. 
¶ But consent she or not, yet is it for thee,  
Unto thine own preferment to see.  
Dost thou with any young man so agree,  
That he would consent, thy husband to be.  Wanton. 
¶ divers there are, who gladly would have me,  
And being their wife, would trimly bebrave me.  
From all wrong they would defend and save me,  
Tush enough there are, which to wife do crave me.  Corage. 
¶ Then defer no time if that thou be wise,  
For now to preferment, thou art like to arise.  
The Tide tarrieth no man, else the proverb lies,  
In delaying comes harms, thou seest with thine eyes.  
But by marriage all thy grief shallbe eased,  
And thy joys shall manifold ways be increased.  Wanton. 
¶ But alas my mother will so be displeased,  
That I know her wrath will never be appeased.  Corage. 
¶ And wilt thou for displeasing of her,  
Thine own preferment and fortune defer?  
Now art thou youthful, thyself to prefer,  
And thy youthful beauty, men's hearts may steer.  
But youthful beauty will not always last,  
The Tide tarrieth no man, but soon it is past.  
Therefore to wedding, see thou make haste,  
For now much time thou dost lose in waste.  Wanton. 
¶ Oh what comfortable words are these,  
Truly your talk doth me greatly please,  
I will not stint but seek out always,  
Until that I have found some ease.  
I care not what my mother do say,  
This matter I will no longer delay.  
But a husband I will have out of the way,  
And then may I boldly dally and play.  
No man dare me then once to control,  
lest my husband chance for to scowl.  
If any man use to entreat me foul,  
My husband will lay him over the noll.  
It doth me good to think of the bliss,  
Which between new married couples is.  
To see their dalliance sometime iwis,  
It setteth my teeth an edge by gisse.  
Truly I would gladly give my best frock,  
And all things else unto my smock.  
To be married in the morning by vj. of the clock,  
I beshrew my heart if that I do mock.  
Sir you will not believe how I long,  
To be one of the wedded throng.  
My thinks it lieth in no tongue,  
To show the joys that is them among.  Corage. 
¶ It passeth joy which they embrace,  
They take their pleasure in every place.  
Like Angels they do run their race,  
In passing bliss, and great solace.  Wanton. 
¶ Well sir I will no longer tarry,  
But some man out of hand will marry.  
Although from my mother's mind I vary,  
Yet your words in mind I carry.  
Therefore good sir to you adieu,  
Until again I meet with you.  
If I speed well, a good coat new,  
To your part may chance ensue. Exiunt  Corage. 
¶ Alas wilful wanton, my pretty peat,  
My words have set her in such a heat.  
Now toward wedding her love is so great,  
That scarce she can neither drink nor eat.  
Now I Courage in her do begin,  
So that for her mother she cares not a pin.  
Now all her mind is a husband to win,  
To be unwedded she thinketh it sin.  
How say you my virgins every one.  
Is it not a sin to lie alone?  
When xii years of age is gone,  
I dare say you think so every one.  Help entereth. Help. 
¶ Nay now let him shift for himself if he will,  
Since I am paid the thing I did seek:  
Alas good Gentleman, he is served but ill,  
In faith he is in now by the week.  
He hath nought but that, for which he hath paid,  
The loan of his money he hath dearly bought,  
I warrant you it might be boldly said,  
His cards being told, he hath won right nought.  Corage. 
¶ And how so Help? is he so pinched I say?  
By my troth that is a sport for to hear.  help. 
¶ Serra, he stands bound forty pounds to pay,  
But little more than thirty away he did bear,  
For what with the merchants duty for loan,  
Item for writing unto the scribe:  
The third part into my pouch is gone,  
And the merchants man, hath not lost his bribe.  
So that amongst us four, almost ten pounds,  
Is clearly dispersed and spent:  
The Gentleman sweareth, heart, blood, and wounds,  
Repenting that after thy council he went.  Corage. 
¶ Yea but sirs, my part is the least,  
Who am the Captain of all the rout.  help. 
¶ Tush man for that matter, set thy heart at rest,  
For that which we have, thou shalt not be without,  
But sirrah, seest thou not who doth yonder appear,  
By my troth methinks two knaves they are.  Profit and Furtherance, enter together. Further. 
¶ Indeed whosoever unto thee is near,  
For a knave he needeth not to seek far.  Corage. 
¶ Sirs I will tell troth to make you agree,  
By guess I think, you are Knaves all three.  Further. 
¶ In deed three we are, we are no less,  
And you are the fourth to make up the mess.  Corage. 
¶ Well for that matter, we will not greatly strive,  
But sirs what wind now did you hither drive?  Further. 
¶ I faith to show thee what luck we have had,  
By (Willing to win Worship) that lusty lad.  
To make talk thereof, now it is no time,  
But if thou wilt go with us, we will give thee the wine.  Profit. 
¶ And as my master pleased you two, and the scribe,  
So of Greediness the Merchant, I had a bribe.  
So that none of us went vacant away,  
But of one of the parties, had honestly our pay.  Help. 
¶ Yea but of them both, I had my bribes,  
My masters, the Broker can play of both sides.  
He is almost paid as well for his trotting.  
As is the Scribe, for his writing or blotting.  
Yea and yet both parties are not content,  
For I dare say the gentleman, his bargain doth repent.  Further. 
¶ Marry sir can you blame him, that so hath been rung,  
He may say he hath paid, to hear a fair tongue.  
And now without his man he is gone,  
His man gives him leave for to walk alone.  Profit. 
¶ Let me alone, I warrant thee some excuse I will have,  
And the worst fall I know, I shallbe but called knave.  
But yet sirs after him, I will high,  
And by the way I will invent some lie.  Corage. 
¶ Nay soft Profit, you must not go so,  
You must help to sing a part or you go.  Profit. 
¶ So it be short, I am well content.  Corage. 
¶ And all the residue thereto do consent. 

The Song.  

WE have great gain, with little pain,  
And lightly spend it to:  
We do not toil, nor yet we moil,  
As other poor folks do.  
We are winners all three,  
And so will we be,  
wherever that we come a:  
For we know how,  
To bend and bow,  
And what is to be done a.   

¶ To kneel and crouch, to fill the pouch,  
We are full glad and fain:  
We ever still, even at our will,  
Are getters of great gain.  
We are winners. etc.   

¶ It is our will, to paul and pill,  
All such as do us trust:  
We bear in hand, good friends to stand,  
Though we be most unjust.  
We be winners. etc.   

¶ Full far abouts, we know the routs,  
Of them that riches had:  
Whom through deceit, as fish to bait,  
We made their thrift forth gad.  
We are winners. etc.   
Finis.    Corage. 
¶ Now Coal profit, in faith gramarcy for thy song.  profit. 
¶ Much good do it thee, but I am afeard I tarry to long.  
Therefore friends adieu, for I will be gone.  help. 
¶ Nay soft Profit, leave us not behind,  
For hence to depart, we also do mind.  Corage. 
¶ Then three knaves on a cluster, get you together,  
Needs knaves you must go, for so you came hither.  profit. 
¶ But here we found thee, a Knave most of all,  
And so we leave thee, as thou dost us call.  Corage. 
¶ Now so is the purpose, and this is the case,  
Good cozen Cutpurse, if you be in place.  
I beseech you now, your business to ply,  
I warrant thee I, no man shall thee espy.  
If they do, it is but an hours hanging,  
But such a purse thou mayest catch, worth a years spending.  
I warrant thee encouraging thou shalt not lack,  
Come hither, let me clap thee on the back.  
And if thou wilt now follow my request,  
At Tyburn I may chance clap thee on the breast.  
So that of clapping, thou shalt have store,  
Here clapping behind, and at Tyburn before.  
But cozen Cutpurse, if aught thou do get,  
I pray thee let me have part of thy cheat.  
I mean not of thy hanging fare,  
But of thy purse, and filched share.  
Well sirs it is time, that hence I do pack me,  
For I am afraid, that some men do lack me.  
For some are perhaps, about some good deed,  
And for lack of courage, they dare not proceed. Exiunt.  The courtier entereth. courtier. 
¶ As with the poison, which is most delectable,  
The heart of man, is soonest infected:  
So the foe most hurteth, who seemeth most amiable,  
And of all wise men, is to be detected.  
At this time this saying I have elected,  
For that they which friendship, to me professed,  
In stead thereof, my hurt have addressed.  
They promised me, my friends for to stand,  
And to help me to that which I did crave:  
Until that I had obligated my land,  
And then was I subject to every knave.  
Each man then a portion would have,  
The Merchant for loan, the Broker for his pain,  
And the scribe for writing, each man had a gain.  
Ninubula plwia imbrem parit,  
A mizzling shower engendereth great wet,  
Which saying officium proverbia non tarit,  
Many a little maketh a great.  
So every of them, by me wrought his feat,  
And every of these bribes, being cast to account,  
To a good portion I feel do amount.  
But what villainy is there in such,  
Who knowing a man, of their help to have need:  
Will encroach upon him, so unreasonable much,  
Their own greedy desires to feed.  
Juvenal I remember, doth teach them in deed,  
Whose words are these, both open and plain,  
The vicious man only, seeketh his own gain:  
Yea twice vicious, may they be named,  
Who do avarice so much embrace:  
But what is their answer, when they are blamed,  
Say they, we have here but a little space.  
Therefore we have need to be getting apace,  
Wherefore should we gaining lay away,  
The Tide tarrieth no Man, this is all they can say.  Courage entereth. Corage. 
¶ And as soon as she had supped up the broth,  
The ladle she laid upon his face:  
Woman quoth he, why art thou so wroth?  
Knave quoth she, get thee out of this place.  And smiteth the gentleman. courtier. 
¶ Why friend, art thou not well in thy wit,  
Wherefore smitest thou me in such sort?  Corage. 
¶ jesus Gentleman, are you here yet,  
I thought long or this you had been at the Court.  
Therefore you must pardon mine offence,  
For I little thought it had been you.  courtier. 
¶ Thy company is so good, I will get me hence,  
Therefore cursed Courage adieu.  Corage. 
¶ And in faith will you needs begone,  
What man you might tarry a while.  courtier. 
¶ In thy company I have tarried too long,  
For I perceive thou art full of guile. Exiunt.  Corage. 
¶ Farewell frost, will you needs be gone,  
adieu since that you will needs away:  
In faith this sport is trimsy alone,  
That I can thus, a gentlemán fray.  Greediness and Help enter together. Greediness 
¶ Oh Help, might I once see that day,  
Tush I would not care, who I did wrong.  Help. 
¶ Doubt not, you need not that for to fray.  
You shall see that day, or that it be long.  Corage. 
¶ What day is that, whereof you do speak?  
May not a body your council know.  Help. 
¶ Marry sir, this day whereof we do entreat,  
Is a day of some notable show.  
When the Courtiers in their bravery shallbe,  
Before their Prince, some show to make:  
If such a day, wealthiness might see,  
He hopeth then, some money to take.  
For without cost, they may not be brave,  
And many lack money, as he doth suppose:  
Wherefore at some, a good hand he would have,  
I warrant thee, by none he hopeth to lose.  Corage. 
¶ Tush man doubt not, such days there will come,  
That matter thou needest not to fear.  Greediness 
¶ To here of such days, I would ride and run,  
So glad I would be, of such days to hear.  
Oh with these Courtiers, I love to deal well,  
Or with other young Gentlemen, who have pounds or lands:  
For whether I do lend them, or my wares to them sell.  
I am sure to win largely, at their hands.  
And specially, where in need they do stand,  
Then in faith I do pinch them home:  
When I see they must needs have money out of hand,  
And that other shift, to work they have none.  Help. 
¶ Why that is the way sir to come aloft,  
Great wealth thereby, I know you do get.  Greediness 
¶ I warrant thee no time, I drive of,  
Neither for any man's saying, the same will I let.  
Well sirs I must now leave of this talk,  
And I must bid you both twain adieu. Fayne a going out.  Corage. 
¶ Soft master Greediness whether do you walk,  
What sir I pray you, one word with you.  Greediness 
¶ Towards Paul's Cross, from hence I do go,  
Perchance some profit there I may meet.  Corage. 
¶ To Paul's Cross, what there will you do,  
Do you the Preachers words so well like.  Greediness 
¶ Tush for the preaching I pass not a pin,  
It is not the matter wherefore I do go:  
For that goeth out whereas it comes in,  
But herein my meaning, to thee I will show.  
You know that many thither do come,  
Wherefore perchance, such may be my hap:  
Of my ill debtors there to spy some,  
Whom without delay, by the heels I will clap.  Help. 
¶ Why sir, and will you arrest them there?  
While they at sermon preaching be.  Greediness 
¶ Will I quoth you, wherefore should I fear,  
It is best taking them, while I may them see.  Corage. 
¶ Yea by'r Lady sir, full wisely you say,  
Take them while you may them get:  
Or else perchance it willbe many a day,  
Or on them again your eye you shall set.  Greediness 
¶ I remember what you have said,  
Tide tarrieth no man, mark you that:  
Wherefore no time herein shallbe delayed,  
Therefore sirs adieu too long I do chat. Exiunt.  Corage. 
¶ Now that here is none but you and I,  
I pray thee deliver to me my part,  
Dispatch and give me it by and by:  
And that I say with a willing heart.  Help. 
¶ I know no part I have of thine,  
Therefore of me thou gettest no part.  Corage. 
¶ I will make thee confess a part of mine,  
Or else I will make thy bones to smart.  Help. 
¶ When the residue do thereto agree,  
Then will I also give thee a part:  
But if they no part will give unto thee,  
If I give thee any, beshrew my heart.  Corage. 
¶ Yea friend Help, are you at that point,  
I will make you otherwise to say:  
Or else I will heat you in every joint,  
Now master Help, how like you this play.  And sighteth to prolong the time, while Wantonness maketh her ready. Help. 
¶ What hold thy hand man, art thou so mad,  Corage. 
¶ To confess me a part, I will make thee glad.  Help. 
¶ A part thou shalt have, when home we do come.  Corage. 
¶ Upon that condition mine anger is done.  
A sirrah think you, to make me your knave,  
And yet all the profit yourselves you would have.  Enter wastefulness the husband of Wantonness. Wasteful. 
¶ What joy is like the linked life?  
What hope might hold me from my wife?  
Can man his tongue so frame,  
Or eke dispose me from my dame?  
What doth my substance good to me,  
I will therefore be frank and free.  
Where couples young do meet,  
That pliant piece so sweet.  
My joy for to declare,  
Whose beauty is so rare.  
In coffers locked to lie,  
To serve my wife and I.  Corage. 
¶ Then do you wisely, I swear by S. Anne  
Take time while time is, for time will away:  
The niggard is never counted a man.  
Therefore remember to do as you say.  Wasteful. 
¶ I warrant thee, what I have said,  
Nothing I mean shallbe delayed.  
I will the same fulfil,  
To ease and please my will.  help. 
¶ Truly sir you do wisely therein,  
For what good of hoarding ensues:  
Undoubtedly I think it a sin,  
And beasts they are, which the same do use.  Wasteful. 
¶ Use it who list, for me he shall, I mean to hoard no store,  
I mean to serve my time withal, and then I seek no more.  Wantonness enter. Wanton. 
¶ jesus husband what do you mean,  
To run abroad, and leave me at home:  
You are such a man, as I have not seen,  
I see well, hereafter you will leave me alone.  
That so soon begin, from me to be straying,  
What man, it is yet but honey moon.  Wasteful. 
¶ What woman would you have me always playing?  
So may we shortly both be undone.  
As for pleasure there is a time,  
So for profit there is the like:  
Therefore I pray thee gentle wife mine,  
Be contented that my profit I seek.  Wanton. 
¶ Yea but husband I say consider in your mind,  
That now we are young, and pliant to play:  
But age approaching, makes us lame and blind,  
And lusty courage doth then draw away.  
Then what may substance us avail,  
For age no pleasure doth regard:  
Therefore good sweet heart do not quail,  
Think never that the world is hard.  Corage. 
¶ Undoubtedly most true it is.  
The woman herein doth truly say:  
Sir have not you heard before this,  
Tide tarrieth no man, but will away.  Wasteful. 
¶ But better it is hardly to begin,  
And after in better estate to be:  
Then first to be aloft full trim,  
And after to fall to lower degree.  Wanton. 
¶ Truly that is but a foolish toy,  
At the first to live hardly and bare:  
Many we see miss that hoped joy,  
And then it proveth, for others they spare.  
Have not many had, full sorrowful hearts,  
By losing of that which they did spare:  
Had they not better have taken their parts,  
Then so for others, themselves to make bare.  
And what know we, if we shall live,  
To take our parts of that we scrape:  
Would it not then your heart grieve,  
To leave your substance in such rate.  Wasteful. 
¶ Yea but sweet heart, if nought we shall have,  
When hereafter we shall aged war:  
Then had we better wish us in grave,  
Then needy poverty should us vex.  Wanton. 
¶ Doubt you that such chance shall befall,  
Truly you are greatly unwise:  
We are able to keep us from such thrall,  Wasteful. 
Spend, and God will send, else the proverb lies,  
¶ His sending woman, we daily do see,  
Is a staff and a wallet unto such:  
Who such excessive spenders be,  
Experience thereof we have too much.  Wanton. 
¶ Well husband this talk is in vain,  
Therefore cease so sharply to speak:  
For unless such talk you do refrain,  
I fear for unkindness my heart will break.  
I little thought that you would thus,  
Have now restrained me of my will:  
But now right well I may discuss, She weary.  
That you do love some other gill.  Wasteful. 
¶ Why woman dost thou think that I,  
Have thought all this while, as I have said:  
I did it only thy mind to try,  
For pleasure in me, shall not be delayed.  
While the time is, the time I will take,  
whatsoever I list to say:  
Of my goods no God I will make,  
Therefore good wife, do thy sorrow away.  Wanton. 
¶ A faith are you such a one indeed,  
By gisse you made me almost afeard:  
My heart in my belly was ready to bleed,  
When such foolish words in you I heard.  Help. 
¶ I would have counted him greatly unwise,  
If he were so foolish, as himself he made:  
Fools they are, which such pleasure despise,  
But I knew that therein he would not wade.  
And truly I am right glad to see,  
That so good an agreement between you is:  
For truly where couples do so well agree,  
It may not be chosen, but there is great bliss.  
I am sorry that thus we must part you fro,  
Courage it is time for us to depart.  Wanton. 
¶ But yet my friends before that you go,  
Of a song help us to sing a part.  
By my troth husband we must needs have a song,  
Will you not help to further the same?  Wasteful. 
¶ Yes by my troth, so it be not long,  
Or else you might count me greatly to blame.  Corage. 
¶ And I am content a part for to bear.  Help. 
¶ Then be sure I will help in with a share. 

The Song.  

THough wastefulness and wantonness,  
Some men have us two named:  
Yet pleasantness and pliantness,  
Our names we have now framed.  
For as I one is pleasant, to kiss and to cully,  
The other is pliant as ever was holly.  
As youth would it have,  
So will we be brave.   

¶ To live in bliss, we will not miss,  
What care we for men's sayings:  
What joy is this, to sport and kiss,  
But hurt comes in delayings.  
The one is full ready to the others becking,  
Between us there is neither chiding, nor checking.  
As youth will it have, etc.   

¶ Full brave and full fyne, we pass the time,  
Take time while time is biding:  
What joy is thine, the same is mine,  
My mind shall not be sliding.  
Our goods are our own, why should we spare,  
Or for time to come, why should we care.  
As youth would it have. etc.     Corage. 
¶ Now friends adieu for we must depart,  Wasteful. 
¶ Farewell my gentle friends with all my heart.  Wanton. 
¶ Well husband now I will home repair,  
To see that your dinner dressed be. Exiunt.  Wasteful. 
¶ Do so wife, and see we have good fare,  
I mean not long to tarry after thee. Pause.  
Whose joy may be compared to mine,  
I have a wife beautiful and gay:  
She is young, pleasant, proper and fine,  
And pliant to please me both night and day.  
For whom should I pinch, for whom should I spare,  
Why should I not be liberal and free,  
however the world go I do not care.  
I have enough for my wife and me,  
And if my substance chance to decay:  
I know my credit is not so ill,  
But that I can borrow twenty pound always.  
To serve me at my pleasure and will,  
For repayment thereof, no care I will take:  
No matter it is if the same I may get,  
While it lasteth, therewith I will merry make.  
What skills it though that I come in debt.  
While young I am, youthful I will be,  
And pass my time in youthful sort:  
For as my wife here said unto me.  
Age doth delight in no pleasant sport,  
Wherefore since pleasure I do love:  
In youth it behooves to take the same,  
Nothing there from my heart shall move.  
But I thereto my heart will frame.  
I fear me that I tarry to long,  
My wife do look for me before this:  
Therefore homeward I will be gone,  
For there is joy and heavenly bliss. Exiunt.  The Sergeant and the debtor rested entereth. Debtor. 
¶ What infidelity in him doth rest,  
Who no time forbeareth to take his prey:  
Most like the greedy or savage beast,  
Who in cruelty rageth both night and day.  
Might he not the space of one Sermon stay,  
What care or mind gave he to God's word,  
Who at preaching thereof did me so disturb.  
Is the Sabbath day, and Paul's Cross,  
A time and place to vex thy debtor?  
Or hast thou Greediness by me had any loss?  
Nay by me thou art a hundredth pound the better,  
I speak of the least and not of the greater.  
Yet I never denied, my debt for to pay,  
But in deed I required a longer day.  Sergeant. 
¶ Tush sir this talk is all but in vain,  
Mean you thus the time to delay?  
Dispatch therefore, and please me for my pain,  
And toward the Counter, let us away.  Debtor. 
¶ No haste but good, stay yet a while,  
Or else take the pain with me for to walk:  
About the quantity of half a mile,  
With a friend of mine, that I might talk.  Sergeant. 
¶ For a Royal I will not so far go,  
Therefore set your heart at quiet.  Debtor. 
¶ I mean to please no Sergeant so,  
I am no customer for your diet.  
But since to go, you do not intend,  
You must take pains here to tarry with me:  
Until for a friend of mine I do send,  
Which I trust shortly my bail will be.  Sergeant. 
¶ Neither will I with thee here remain,  
Therefore dispatch and let us away:  
Thinkest thou that I having nought for my pain,  
Will either go with thee, or hear for thee stay.  Debtor. 
¶ And what wilt thou ask, with me here to stay?  
At one word let me that understand.  Sergeant. 
¶ At one word ten groats thou shalt pay,  
Or else to the Counter we must out of hand.  Debtor. 
¶ That will I do with a right good will,  
Rather than so much thou shalt get:  
I will not so much thy mind fulfil,  
If that my heart, my hand may let.  Sergeant. 
¶ Why then with speed let us away,  
This deed thou wilt repent I trow.  Debtor. 
¶ Well, wherefore now do we stay,  
I am ready hence to go.  Sergeant. 
¶ Come on then.  They two go out. Christianity must enter with a sword, with a title of policy, but on the other side of the title, must be written gods word, also a Shield, whereon must be written riches, but on the other side of the Shield must be Faith. Christian. 
¶ Christianity I do represent,  
Muse not though the sword of policy I bear:  
Neither marvel not what is mine intent,  
That this failable shield of riches I wear.  
Greedy great, will have it so everywhere,  
Greedy great for this cause I have named,  
For that the greater part use greediness, which is to be blamed.  
As the greater part will, thereto must I yield,  
Their cruel force I may not withstand:  
Therefore I bear this deformed sword and shield,  
Which I may be ashamed to hold in my hand,  
But the Lord deliver me from their thraldom and band,  
For if the enemy assail me, then am I in thrall:  
Because I lack such Armour, as is taught by S. Paul.  
For in stead of God's word, and the shield of faith,  
I am deformed with policy, and riches vain:  
And still I say, as the greater part sayeth,  
I am still a christian, and so shall remain,  
My Christianity say they, no damage doth sustain:  
But alas they are deceived, their armour is not sure,  
For neither policy, nor riches, may long time endure.  
Yet upon those two, we greatly depend,  
We say by policy, ourselves we can save,  
Riches as a shield, we say will defend,  
And by riches we possess whatever we crave,  
So that for riches, we sell all that we have.  
Not only the body, and all things terrestrial,  
But also the soul, which ought be celestial.  Faithful few enter. faithful. 
¶ Alas I lament to hear the report,  
Which of us citizens in every place is spread:  
It is not long since I came from the court,  
Where I would have been glad to have hid my head.  
With the spoil of the simple, there they say were fed,  
So that for the covetous greediness, which some citizens use,  
A shameful ill report to the whole ensues.  
But I must needs confess some among us there be,  
For whose sakes the whole number beareth great blame:  
They abuse themselves so, towards every degree,  
As man without reason, and past worldly shame,  
Neither regard they their own, nor their ill name.  
So they may have the chassy treasure of the world,  
They pass not both with God and man to be abhorred.  
There is no time nor place, that they will forbear,  
When any of their help hath most need:  
Then shall he pay treble for his money or ware,  
Or else of them he is not like to speed.  
They nothing regard his poverty or need,  
But who is it which yonder doth stand? he goeth toward him  
Holding the Sword of Policy in his hand,  
Most certain I am, that face I should know,  
Sir is not your name Christianity?  Christian. 
¶ Yes undoubtedly, my name is so,  
As you are faithful few embracer of verity.  Faithful. 
¶ And shall the Sword of Policy, by Christianity be borne,  
Truly that is contrary to your nature and kind:  
Now are you deformed like a thing forlorn,  
Which maketh me suspect, of me in my mind.  Christian. 
¶ Oh Faithful few, of me have no doubt,  
I am Christianity, though thus deformed:  
And though thus abused, by the great rout,  
Yet by God I trust, my title shallbe turned.  faithful. 
¶ By the power of God I will not delay, he turneth the titles  
To turn this title most untrue and feigned,  
And I will endue thee, and that straight way,  
With such weapons, as Saint Paul hath ordained.  Christian. 
¶ Alas in vain this pain you do take,  
For as you faithful, in number are few,  
So the power is but small that you can make,  
To resist the greedy great ones, who are against you.  faithful. 
¶ Si Deus nobiscum, quis contranos,  
If God be with us, who may us resist,  
Weigh not then the number, but weigh his purpose,  
Who ruleth all things, as himself doth lift.  
I know how Greediness, with the great part is used,  
Their pilling, polling, pinching and spoiling:  
How both the simple and others, with them are abused,  
They live by the fruits of other men's toiling.  
But God is not dead, neither is he asleep,  
Although for a time his hand he doth hold:  
Yet doth he remember his little sheep,  
And will revenge the wrong done to his fold.  Courage and Greediness enter as though they saw not Christianity. Corage. 
¶ Let them say what they will, do thou as I told thee,  
Trust thou not to any knave of them all:  
Not a Preacher of them all, in thy need will uphold thee,  
Try them who will, their devotion is small.  Greediness 
¶ Thou wilt not believe how the Knave did prate,  
Ye citizens repent, thus he did cry,  
Look about in time quoth he, or it be too late,  
For the vengeance of God at hand is full nigh.  
As though he knew what were in God's mind,  
Surely it is a shame, they are so suffered to lie.  Corage. 
¶ But in my talk great profit thou dost find,  
They are all liars as their talk doth try,  
By my doctrine thou hast great profit and gain,  
Great riches and substance, thereby thou dost win:  
To instruct thee daily I take great pain,  
Which way thou shalt thy riches bring in.  Greediness 
¶ Thou dost so in deed, and thanks I thee give,  
But sirrah, now I remember a thing:  
Which made me not long since, to laugh in my sleeve,  
To me a young Gentleman the Broker did bring,  
Whose Father was dead of late as it seemed,  
And his lands in Mortgage to a Merchant was laid,  
Wherefore it behoved the same were redeemed,  
For the day was at hand, when the same should be paid,  
And I perceiving his need to be such,  
I thought I would pinch him or that I went,  
To give mine own asking, he did not greatly grudge,  
And when I had girded him, thence I him sent.  Faithful. 
¶ More shame for thee, and such as thou art,  
That with life thou art permitted, it is great pity,  
Thou art a Christian with a cankered heart,  
And the cause of reproach to a whole city.  
Christianity by thee is greatly abused,  
Of his righteous Armour, thou dost him bereave,  
And in stead thereof, by him to be used,  
The Armour of Sathan, with him thou dost leave.  Greediness 
¶ Why would you not have me, how to invent,  
Which way were best to bring in my gain?  Faithful. 
¶ But not in such sort, to set thine intent,  
That all the world of thee should complain.  Greediness 
¶ I cry you mercy, I know where you are now.  
In a courtiers behalf, this oration you make,  
Of late there was one, complained how,  
Excessive gain of him I did take.  
It is the cast of them all so to say,  
When prodigally their money is spent:  
Or if the Prince will them not pay,  
Then on the Merchant, some lies they invent.  Faithful. 
¶ Art thou not ashamed of thy Prince to speak ill?  
Thine own abused doing to excuse:  
No marvel though the city have all men's ill will,  
When both in word and deed, thyself thou dost misuse.  
Sed Reginum est male, audire cum besecerint,  
Antisthenes doth truly this saying recite,  
It is given to Princes (sayeth he) though they be benevolent,  
To be evil spoken of which is against all right.  Greediness 
¶ Sir you are best say no more, than you are able to prove,  
lest I make you to repent your boldness,  
For if my patience you too much do move,  
I may chance turn your heat into a coldness.  
Why I lend my money like a friend for good will,  
And thereby do help men at their need.  faithful. 
¶ A friend thou art in deed, though a friend but ill,  
Pythagoras thy friendship, hath plainly decreed,  
There be many sayth he, who no friends do lack,  
And yet of friendship they have but scant,  
So thou art a friend for their money's sake,  
And yet thy friendship they always shall want.  Christian. 
¶ Assuredly thou highly offendest,  
For that so double in dealing thou art:  
Aristotle sayeth, by the same thou pretendest,  
And not so to bear a dissembling heart.  
A Christian ought not unto riches to yield,  
For it is a thing but failable and vain,  
Riches is no perpetual shield,  
But the shield of Faith, shall ever remain.  
Take therefore faith, and God's word for thy sword,  
And arm Christianity in this wise.  Greediness. 
¶ Shall policy and riches then be abhorred,  
Sir they are fools that them will despise.  
I put case poverty should me assail,  
Can God's word and faith me any thing aid:  
Poverty against riches can never avail,  
I am sure sir this may not be denayed.  Faithful. 
¶ We deny not, but in this world, riches bear the sway,  
Yet, it not riches to be called sure:  
For in God's power it is to make riches decay,  
Whereas God's word and faith shall ever endure.  Greediness 
¶ But give me riches, take you God's word and faith,  
And see which of us shall have the better gain.  Christian. 
¶ Now Faithful few, you here what he sayth,  
Therefore to turn the titles I must be fain,  Faithful. 
¶ Well since it will no better be,  
To God let us the cause betake:  
Whom I trust, whenas time he doth see,  
He will for us, a deliverance make.  Corage. 
¶ Come Master wealthiness, let us away,  
What should we here any longer do?  Greediness 
¶ In deed I hold it best as you say,  
Therefore your saying I agree unto. They two go out.  Faithful. 
¶ Sorry I am, to see his estate,  
Now near he is, to the Fount of perdition:  
God grant him repentance, or it be too late,  
That of his sins he may have remission.  Christian. 
¶ But alas, he goeth the contrary way,  
For of his covetousness, he taketh no ruth:  
And Aristotle I remember doth say,  
The covetous man cannot learn the truth.  
Wherèfore he cannot, or will not know,  
The way to reform me Christianity:  
Therefore from this place now I will go,  
To pray unto God, to show him the verity.  
Now Faithful few adieu unto thee,  
I will pray unto God for thy comfort and aid:  
I beseech thee make like intercession for me,  
And that my reformation be not long delayed. Exiunt.  Faithful. 
¶ Doubt not thereof good Christianity,  
My endeavour herein shall not be delayed:  
Alas what is man not knowing the verity,  
No man, but a beast he may be said.  
Yet many there are, which in the world doth live,  
Who for Christians will needs accounted be:  
Though to all abominations, their selves they do give,  
And from no kind of vice be clear or free.  
Covetousness is accounted no sin,  
Usury is a science and art:  
All ways are good, whereby we may win,  
Although it be to our neighbour's smart.  
Whereby it appeareth, from love we are free,  
The words of the wise, we nothing regard:  
For without love, no virtue can perfect be,  
As Plato the wise, hath plainly declared.  
No good thing without love, it is possible to do,  
Seneca of that opinion hath been:  
Then how many good things, do they now think you,  
In whom no love at all there is seen.  
They watch their times, the simple to snare,  
No time they forbear, their pleasures to work:  
God grant we therefore of them may beware,  
For privily to snare us, they daily do lurk.  Enter Wastfulnesse poorly. wasteful. 
¶ Oh more than wretch, which so foolishly hast spent,  
Not only thine own goods, but also other men's:  
What account shall I make, for the goods to me lent,  
Which never I am able for to recompense.  
How wastefully have I, with wantonness my wife,  
Consumed our goods, substance and treasure,  
That would to God I were out of my life,  
For the remembrance thereof, is grief without measure.  
My wife and I now, are asunder dispersed,  
Each of us, to seek our living alone:  
Alas our woe may not be rehearsed,  
Unto whom now should we make our moan.  
In taking the time, to toward we wear,  
We were afeard to long to abide:  
courage's council in mind we did bear,  
He said that for no man would tarry the tide.  
But well away now, which way shall I run,  
I know it is folly unto God to call:  
For God I know my petition will shun,  
And into perdition I am now like to fall.  
Despair, despair.  Despair enter in some ugly shape, and stand behind him. 
Why should I despair, since God doth behold,  
The sinner with mercy as the Scripture doth say.  Despair. 
¶ But thy prodigal sins are so manifold,  
That God of mercy, doth thee utterly denay.  
Therefore to end thy life it is best,  
Thy calling for mercy, is all but in vain:  
By ending thy life, thou shalt be at rest,  
But if longer thou live, great shall be thy pain.  Wasteful. 
¶ Well then will I seek some place where I may,  
Finish my life with Cord, or with knife:  
The dispatch thereof, I will not delay?  
Farewell now all the world, but chiefly my wife. fain a going out.  Faithful few plucketh him again. Faithful. 
¶ Soft stay a while, and be not so rash,  
Thinkest thou God unmerciful to be:  
Wilt thou trust despair, even at the first dash,  
Hast thou no faith in God's mercy so free,  
Call upon god with repentance and faith,  
By such ways and means as I will instruct thee.  Wasteful. 
¶ I believe God is merciful, as the Scripture sayeth.  They both kneel, and wasteful sayeth after Faithful. Faithful. 
¶ Well follow me, and I will conduct thee.  
Oh heavenly Father pardon my offence.  Wasteful. 
¶ Oh heavenly father, pardon mine offence.  Faithful. 
¶ And grant that thy mercy may to me repair.  Wasteful. 
¶ And grant that thy mercy may to me repair,  Faithful. 
¶ Also O Father banish thou hence.  Wasteful. 
¶ Also O Father banish thou hence.  Faithful. 
¶ That wicked Monster of Despair,  Wasteful. 
¶ That wicked Monster of Despair.  Despair flieth, and they arise. Faithful. 
¶ How feelest thou now, thy conscience and mind.  
Hoyest thou not, of God's mercy and grace?  Wasteful. 
¶ Well God be praised that here I thee find,  
How happy was I to approach this place.  
Despair is now fled, I perfectly know,  
And in God's mercy I firmly do trust,  
Therefore O Lord deliver me from thrall:  
And pardon me a sinner, most vile and unjust.  faithful. 
¶ That is very well said, if so thou do think,  
And now frame thyself, thy life to amend,  
Let despair no more into thy mind sink:  
But to be a new man, do thou now pretend.  
And as heretofore thy mind for to please,  
Thou hast learned the Tide will tarry no man,  
So now it behoveth for thy greater ease,  
That saying, after Gods will for to scan.  
Take time while time is, thus I do mean,  
Amend thy life whilst here thou hast space:  
To God's merciful promises see that thou lean,  
So shalt thou enjoy the Tide of his grace.  Wasteful. 
¶ To follow your council, I will do my endeavour,  
I will seek the same in all points to perform:  
The effect of your words I will forget never,  
And now I will hence, my wife to reform.  
That she and I, in manner now,  
May amend our lives, to God's glory and praise:  
Wherefore good sir unto you adieu,  
I beseech the Lord to send thee good days. Exiunt.  faithful. 
¶ See how the time takers their fact doth repent,  
Who no time will spare in pleasing their will:  
And although the beginning have a pleasant sent,  
Yet of the ending, the taste is as ill.  
For whoever it be that without measure,  
Doth consume his substance in prodigal sort:  
Although he had abundance of treasure,  
Yet will he be a beggar, and that in time short.  
I marvel where Authority is,  
Who should see a help for the simple oppressed:  
Many things there are greatly amiss,  
Which by his means must needs be redressed.  
His absence greatly disquieteth my mind,  
I will not cease seeking, until him I do find. Exiunt.  Enter Courage weeping. Corage. 
¶ Out alas this tidings are ill,  
My friend master Greediness, hath ended his days,  
Despair upon him hath wrought his will,  
And desperately now he is gone his ways.  
As one enraged and out of his wit,  
No remembrance of God he would have:  
Alas poor man he had a great fit,  
Before that well he was laid in his grave.  
Why but is Greediness dead in good sadness, reasoning with himself.  
My thinks these news are not true which you tell:  
Yes truly he died in a great madness,  
And went with the Tide boat straight into hell.  
Why fool, Greediness will never die,  
So long as covetous people do live:  
Than you belike do think that I do lie,  
I am as honest a man as any in your sleeve.  
I am sure he is dead, or one in his likeness,  
For when he was buried I stood by:  
And some said he died of the new sickness,  
Therefore sir think not that I do lie.  
For I am as sorry for the death of the man,  
As any man that liveth this day:  
Wherefore I must needs weep if I can.  
But hushed somebody is coming this way.  Enter Authority and Faithful few. Faithful. 
¶ Surely Authority the same is even he,  
I warrant you sir, you need not to doubt.  Authori. 
¶ Then will we handle him kindly thou shalt see.  
Therefore see that from us he escape not out.  Corage. 
¶ God save your honour, and prosper your estate,  
I am glad to see you approach this place:  
Those which say ill of you, I utterly do hate,  
I answer for your honour in every case.  Autho. 
¶ Ah crafty caitiff, why dissemblest thou so?  
Dost thou think that us thou mayest so blind,  
Thy contagious doings we right well do know,  
And eke thy property, nature and kind.  
Thou art an encourager to all kinds of vice,  
The Aged to avarice, and greedy desire,  
The younger sort lack none of thine advice,  
To all such acts as the Devil doth require.  Corage. 
¶ Lo Sir, I thought you did me mistake,  
I know right well, the man whom you mean,  
To fetch him heather, good speed I will make,  
I warrant you, I will shortly be here again. Fain to go out  faithful. 
¶ Nay soft he is here, whom that we would have,  
Therefore you need not him for to fetch.  Corage. 
¶ Yes I will fetch him, for he is a very knave,  
And alms it is, that a rope he should stretch. Still fain to go out.  Authori 
¶ Upon thyself, just judgement thou dost give,  
Juvenal sayeth, Cities are well governed,  
Whereas such rebels are now suffered to live,  
But after their deserts, are justly punished.  Corage. 
¶ They which are Rebels, it behoveth in deed,  
That they be corrected and punished so,  
For they do much harm in every steed,  
But I am none such, I would you should know.  Authori 
¶ Thou shalt know what thou art, or hence we depart,  
Faithful few upon him lay hold.  Corage. 
¶ By gis sir, than I will cause him to smart,  
Therefore to touch me, be not so bold.  Faithful 
¶ Sir see where cometh Correction also.  Correction enter. Autho. 
¶ Draw near Correction and thine office do,  
Take here this caitiff unto the jail.  Correcti. 
¶ Sir to do your commandment I will not fail,  
Come on sirrah and let us away.  Corage. 
¶ Nay soft a while your wisdom stay.  
Hold me when you have me, but you have me not yet,  
And perchance ere you have me, your nose I will slit.  Correcti. 
¶ Think it thou with brags to make me afeard.  And beginneth to lay hands on him. Corage. 
¶ You are best stand further, lest I shave your beard.  They strive, he draweth his dagger and fighteth. Correcti. 
¶ In faith sir, now I will give you the check, & catcheth him  Corage. 
¶ Oh God's passion, wilt thou break my neck?  
Is there no man here that hath a cursed wife,  
If he will in my stead, he shall end his life.  Correcti. 
¶ Tush let us hence, thy talk is in vain.  Corage. 
¶ sithence there is no remedy, best is a short pain. Exit.  Faithful 
¶ When all malefactors are duly thus punished,  
According to the good and godly laws,  
Then shall Christianity duly be burnished,  
And to praise God, we shall have cause.  Autho. 
¶ O Faithful few, doubt not but as we,  
Are able Christianity's estate to reform:  
So his reformation in short time thou shall see,  
For we for his estate do lament and mourn.  
Of ourselves we are not able to compass this thing,  
But by this sword of God's power, which to us is lent:  
Wherefore Faithful few, have thou no doubting,  
But we thereunto do gladly consent.  
For to Socrates saying, some respect we have,  
Who sayeth a city is not to be praised,  
For he greatness or buildings, gorgeous and brave,  
But for the good inhabitants, which therein are placed.  
So we account those countries but ill,  
Which vicious persons doth maintain and nourish,  
Although they have all things at their will,  
And although in treasure they abundantly flourish.  Faithful 
¶ Oh noble Authority, by this your occasion,  
Great tranquillity to us shall befall:  
We shallbe a joy to each godly nation,  
When Christianity is delivered from thrall.  
For better it were unchristened to be,  
Than our Christianity for to abuse:  
The jewish Infidel to God doth more agree,  
Than such as Christianity do so misuse.  
But see yonder where he doth appear,  
Whom abused armour doth greatly oppress.  Christianity enter in as at the first. author. 
¶ O Christianity unto us draw near,  
That we thy abused estate may redress.  
And as freely as this power unto us is lent,  
Here we now by force of the same:  
To thee faithful few do here condiscent,  
That thou Christianity's estate shalt frame.  
In such good form, fashion, and shape,  
As the same shall not be turned again:  
But shall continue in a Godly rate,  
From henceforth evermore to remain.  faithful. 
¶ God grant that so it may be kept,  
As all Christians it may become:  
And for my part it shall not be slept,  
But my duty shall straight way be done. he turneth the titles.  Christian. 
¶ Now God be praised who thus again,  
Hath restored me to my former estate:  
And hath extinguished from me all pain,  
God grant that now I be not found ungrate.  
And God grant that all Christians may me duly embrace,  
In such sort as Gods will it is:  
So shall they be sure of a resting place,  
In Heaven where reigneth all joy and bliss.  
FINIS.