CUPIDITY

When Infidelity is in health, I can not be sad. Infidelity in our father's cause is occupied, As within a while it shall be verified. And somewhat to do with his now and then I have I allure his for his own profit always to save. I have dressed his so well truly I believe, That already for Gods sake nothing she will give. With thee I may boldly compare I trow, For as many vices in me as in thee do grow. You know that my name is called Cupidity, Whom Scripture calls the root of all iniquity, Infidelity in deed is the seed of all sin, But cupidity openeth the gate, and lets him in: I contain theft, deceate in selling and buying, Perjury, rapine, dissimulation, and lying. Hardiness of heart otherwise called inhumanity, Inquietness of mind falsehood and vanity, In me is all vengeance envy rancour and ire. Murder, war, treason, and greedy desire. I contain the wicked vices of usury, Dice and carded playing with all kind of injury. What mischief was there ever yet or sin, But that cupidity did it first of all Begin? Yea, there is impiety, the contempt of Gods law, His word is no more regarded than a vile straw. Very well, for these women that be vicious, Are always high minded and ambitious. Then hadst thou need to mend thy foolish cou ̄ tena ̄ ce For thou lookest Like one that hath lost his reme ̄ bram ̄ ce No, for I think she is ill enough of his self, She seems to be a proud little self. He hath been diligent to seek us together, And for your sake he hath caused us to come hither. If you embrace one, you must all embrace, For our use is to dwell all in one place. Man is the beginning of his own operation: Ergo then of none other gods creation, Man is his own God therefore with utility, Let him labour here to live in felicity. I doubt not but she will do right well his partly, By that time that all we be fast within his heart, If the colour of your hair begins for to fade, A craft you must have that yellow it may be made, With some Goldsmith you may your self acquaint, Of who ̄ you may have water your hair for to paint. If young gentlemen may see your white skin, It will allure them to love, and soon bring them in. Semper habent lights, altar que iurgia lectus, In quo nupta jacet minimum dormitur in illo, The bed wherein lies any married wife, Is never without chiding, brawling, and strife, That woman shall never sleep in Quiet, Which is married contrary to his diet. In any wise see that your lovers be young and gay, And such fellows as be well able to pay. Tush, your friends have left you honest possessio ̄ S, Which you may employ after such discretions, That a worshipful state you may maintain, Beside that, with the other feat you may gain. Oppress your tenants, take fines, and raise rents, Hold up your houses and lands with their contents. Buy by great measure, and fell by small measure, This is a way to amplify your treasure: Fell your beware for double more than it is worth, Though it be stark nought, yet put it forth. A thousand casts to enrich you I can tell, If you be content to use always my counsel. I will see that you shall have good in abundance, To maintain you in all pleasure and dalliance. Will you take the pain to go before thither? And mistress Marry and we will come together. The Triple you shall master Pleasure sing So freshly that for joy your heart shall Spring. Utility can sing the base full clean, And Noble Honour shall sing the mean. Yet from your sight at this time we will depart, Assuring you to remain Still in our heart.