TIME

The ancient Greeks have called me Chronos Which in our vulgar tongue signifies time. I am entered in presently for a certainly purpose, Even to turn treasure to rust and to slime, And Lust which hath long disdained the Just, Ensuing his filthy and vile inclination, Shall immediately be turned to Dust, To the example of all the whole congregation, For time brings both these matters to pass, As experience hath taught in every age, And you shall behold the same in this glass, As a document both profitable and sage, Both Lust and treasure come forth with speed Into the shop of the most mighty God, There shall you be beaten to powder in deed, And for your abusion, feel his scourge and rod. You know that all such things are subject to time Therefore me to withstand is no reason nor rhyme, For Like as all things in time their beginning had, So must all things in time vanish and fade. Nay, I must carry you into Vulcan's fire, Where you shall be tried unto the uttermost, Sing Lust against Just did daily conspier, To dust he shall turn for all his great boast, Both of you shall have one rigorous host, Come therefore with speed time can not tarry, To the end of your felicity I will you carry. yea forsooth. Behold here how Lust is converted to Dust, This is his Image, his wealth and prosperity, And Treasure in Like case is turned to rust, Whereof this example shows the verity. The trial of Treasure this is no doubt, Let all men take heed that trust in the same, Considering what things I time bring about, And quench out the ungodly their memory and fame. Remember that time turns all things about Time is the Touchstone the Just for to try, But where as lust & Treasure in time is come to nought Just possessing Trust, remaineth constantly, So that as I Time hath revealed their infamy, So have I showed the Consolation and gain, That the Just shall receive that justly do reign.