LIBERALITY

The more a man with virtuous dealing does himself in use, The less with worldly business, he is molested sure, Which makes proof, that as turmoils still toss the worldly mind: So minds exempt from worldly toil, desired quiet find. And chiefly where the life is led in virtuous exercise, There is no toil, but ease, and contentation to the wise: But what account, how sleight regard, is had of virtue here, By actions on this worldly stage, most plainly does appear. Men see without most joust desert, of virtue nought is God, To Fortune therefore fly they still, that gives all by lot; And finding Fortune's gifts, so pleasant, sweet and savoury, They built thereon, as if they should ondure perpetually. But this is sure, and that most sure, that Fortune is unsure, Her self most frail, her gifts as , to every shewre: And in the end, who builds most upon her surety, Shall find himself cast headlong down, to depth of . Then having felt the crafty sleights of Fortune's fickle train, Is forced to seek by virtues aid, to be relieved again. This is the end, run how he list, thus man of force must do, Unless his life be clean cut off, this man must come unto: In time therefore man might do well, to for his estate, Lest letted by extremity, repentance come too late. Who be you, my friend? What is your name, sir? Are you Captain Weldon? Give me your hand, Captain Weldon, for your fame, In feats of Arms, and service of your Country, I have herd oft, you have deserved greatly: Therefore think this, that as you much, So the consideration thereof shall be such, As duly does pertain to your desert. Trust me, the Prince her self, of my partly, dutiful service hath specially regarded, And expressly commands that it be well rewarded: Wherefore you shall not needs to seek service abroad. I exhort you at home still to make your abode: That if in this realm occasion of wars be offered, You and others your Like may be employed. Then for this time you shall not needs to stay. As for your I will remember it, And see it helped too as shall be fit. Truly, if I should not have care of this men necessity, I should both swerve from virtue and from honesty. What is it? Who be you? Do you serve the Prince? Whom then? In what degree. How long have you served? God be with you. Some men deserve, and yet do want their endue; Some men again, on small deserts do sue, It therefore stands Princes Officers in hand, The state of every man rightly to understand, That so by balance of equality, Each man may have his hire accordingly. Well, since dame virtue, unto me, does charge of many things refer, I must go do that best beseems a faithful officer. Yes, Lady, stay awhile, and hear of strange adventures. Master Sheriff, of that is happened, do you make show. What, Money? how come you to be so fat and foggy? How so? Well, Money, will you bide with him that can devise, To rid you and keep you from these extremities? Even my self, Liberality. I warrant thee. First, from thy bans I'll set thee free, And after, thy sickness cured shall be, Have you brought your bill? Give it me. I'll be your mean unto the Prince, that it may dispatched be: The while take here, these hundred crowns to relieve you. What, do you serve without fee? Hold, pray for the Queen. Where have you served? Under whom? Hold, pray for the Queen. In good time. Now, Equity, how falls the matter out? I'll wait upon you. And would you so soon be preferred? In , my friend, I would be glad, as I may, To you any good: but this I say, Who seeks by virtue, ; In virtuous proceeding must , Then can be well taken in a : For time gives experience of every men deeds, And each man by merit accordingly speeds. Go forward, my friend, in virtue with diligence, And time, for your service, shall yield you recompense. Your Lord and Master is very honourable, And him in your suits you shall find favourable: And as for my partly, as erst I did say, I never will hinder, where further I may. Let this for this time be your answer.