WATER

The pure stream of my affection: o how I am troubled! I am not yet recovered. Do not talk of fighting, is it not time that Uva ter should come to quench the fire of such contention. I tell you, the care of your preservation made me break my banks to come to you, that you might see the overflowing love I bear you: your quarrel hath echoed unto me; I know your ambition for superiority: you are all my kinsmen, near all lied to Water, and though I say it, sometime not a little be holding to Water, even for your very makings. Will you refer your selves to me, and wade no further in these dis contentment's, I will undertake your reconcilement and quam lification. Then without further circumlocution or insinua cion, Water runs to the matter: you shall no more contend for excellency, for Water shall allow each of you a singulari tie. First, you Wine, shall be in most request among Cour tiers, Gallants, Gentlemen, and Poetical wits, Qui melioris luti homines, being of a refined mould, shall choose as a more nimble and active watering, to make their brains fruitful, Fecundi calices quem non? but so as not confined to them, nor limiting them to you, more then to exhilarate their spirits, and acuate their inventions. You Beer, shall be in most grace with the Citizens, as being a more stayed Liquour, fit for them that purpose retire meant and gravity, that with the Snail carries the cares of a house and family with them, tied to the attendance of and illi berall profession, that neither trot nor amble, but have a sure pace of their own, Bos lassus fortius figit pedem, The black Ox has trod upon their foot: yet I bound you not with the City, though it be the common entertainment, you may be in credit with Gentlemens Sellers, and carry reputation before you from March to Christmas—tide I should say; that Water should forget his Tide. You Ale I remit to the Country, as more fit to live where you were bred: your credit shall not be inferior, for people of all sorts shall desire your acquaintance, specially in the mor ning, though you may be allowed all the day after: the Parson shall account you one of his best Parishioners, & the Church wardens shall pay for your company, and drawing their Bills all the year long, you shall be loved and maintained at the Parish charge till you be old, be allowed a Robin-hood, or Mother Red-cap, to hang at your door, to beckon in Custo mers: and if you come into the City, you may be drunk with pleasure, but never come into the fashion. At all times you shall have respect, but ith Winter Morning's without comparison. How do you Like my censure now? Let my fear ebb a little. And yet the world says sometime Water is shallow: nay, I'll see you shake hands, and tie a new knot of friendship. What's the matter? Godamercy Sugar with all my heart, I shall love thy company, for I am solitary, and thou wilt make me plea sant. Stay. Hark Music? O some friends of mine, I know they, they often come upon the Water: let's entertain the air a little, never a voice among you? Hold, hold, hold. I, I, all friends on my word, Tossed. Why, now could I dance for joy.