The Worst is past. OR,  
A merry new Song that lately was penned,  
Which when these things alter, the times will amend:  
It's merry and harmless, free from all distaste,  
Vnd when these changes come, the worst is past.  
To a pleasant new Tune.  
 

MY masters all give ear awhile  
I'll do the best to make you smile,  
Hoping to give no man distaste,  
But tell them when the worst is past.   

And therefore now to please you all,  
To pen and ink I did befall,  
And casting up my sum at last,  
I told them how the worst is past.   

When Merchants they leave over-buying,  
And Lawyers some give over lying,  
And all Precistans are grown chaste,  
Why then I hope, etc,   

When I and lords do leave taking rent,  
And with good words will be content,  
And millers turn good fellows in haste,  
Why then I think, &c.   

When Turnbull-stréet has never a whore,  
And thieves their stealing trade give o'er,  
And wanton wenches all live chaste,  
Why then I hope, &c.   

When high-way robbers will refuse  
To take a purse, knowing what ensues,  
And recantation make in haste,  
Why then I think, &c.   

When all will live by honest means,  
Hating dice, cards, and cozening quean,  
And all eschew ill ways in haste,  
Why then I hope, &c.   

Now seamen are brave fellows all,  
They'll drink the strong and leave the small  
And then the reckonings paid at last,  
Why then I hope, &c.   

When northern cloth gives over shrinking  
And all good fellows leave off drinking,  
And Brewers all have brewed their last,  
Why then I hope, &c.   

When Paritors will take no fee,  
And foe with fo will all agree,  
And spend no coin in Law at waste,  
Why then I hope, &c.   

When Tapsters will not thrive by froth  
And to score two for one are loath,  
And all old scores are paid in haste,  
Why then I think the worst is past.   

Thus wishing all may mend apace,  
Let all are ill turn from the race,  
And learn with speed to mend in haste,  
And then w'are sure the worst is past.    

The second part  
to the same tune.  
 

When Tailors will not use a bell,  
And travellers no lies will tell,  
And all's that spoke, prove true at last,  
Why then I think the worst is past.   

When some inquirers after news,  
Whose ears do itch for what ensues,  
Will be content to know at last,  
Why then I think the worst is past.   

When Knights o'th' post will swear no lie.  
And truth is known from flattery.  
Then need no Pillories up be placed,  
For than I think, &c.   

When as Joan slattern cleanly grows,  
Doth cut her nails, and pare her toes,  
And will turn cleanly at the last,  
Why then I think the worst is past,   

When Prodigals will save their coin,  
And will at once but two pence join,  
And cross the mercer's book in haste,  
Why then I think, &c.   

When Gossips to no feast will range,  
Nor some like to the Moon still change,  
Their tattling tales will all lie waste,  
And then I think. &c.   

And when new fashions are not used,  
And in some trades truth's not abused,  
Than we shall see good days at last,  
And surely think, &c.   

When Gallants in their drink not swear,  
And all poor men are free from care,  
And spend not all in lustful waste,  
Why then I think, etc,   

When thieves leave off their stealing trade,  
And Cheats to rook men are afraid,  
And are inclined to good at last,  
Why then I think the worst is past   

When Brokers will refuse a pawn,  
And Parasites will leave to fawn,  
And bankrupts pay all men in haste,  
Why then I hope, &c.   

When horse couriers will leave to swear,  
And thieves to Newgate none repair,  
And Doctor Stories Cap stands waste,  
Why then I think &c.   

When Mistress midnight-walker will  
Turn from her courses which are ill,  
And roam no more unto men's waste,  
Why then I think, &c.   

And thus for to conclude in haste,  
Hoping none virtuous in distaste,  
When all our reckonings paid at last,  
Why then I hope the worst is past.   
FINIS   

LONDON, Printed for Richard Harper in Smithfield