Volume Vi Part 11 (1/2)

But my conscience crieth out, and bids me take heed To love my Lord G.o.d above all earthly gain; Whereby all this while I stand in great dread, That if I should G.o.d's statutes disdain, In wretched state then I should remain.

Thus crieth my conscience to me continually, Which if you can stay, I will yield to you gladly.

CARDINAL.

I can say no more than I have done already.

Thou heardest that I called thee heretic and fool: If thou wilt not consent to me, and that speedily, With a new master thou shalt go to school.

HYPOCRISY.

Thou hast no more wit, I see, than this stool, Far unfit to dispute and reason with my lord: He can subdue thee with fire and sword quite with one word.

TYRANNY.[49]

Come follow apace, Sensual Suggestion, Or else I will leave you to come all alone.

SUGGESTION.

You go in haste, you make expedition: Nay, if you run so fast, I will none.

This little journey will make me to groan.

I use not to trouble myself in this wise, And now to begin I do not advise.

TYRANNY.

Have I not plied me, which am come again so soon, And yet have finished such sundry business?

I have caused many pretty toys to be done, So that now I have each thing in readiness.

CARDINAL.

What, Master Zeal, you are praiseworthy, doubtless.

Art thou prepared this gentleman to receive?

He will roast a f.a.got, or else he me deceive.

TYRANNY.

In simple manner I will him entertain, Yet must he take it all in good part; And though his diet be small, he may not disdain, Nor yet contemn the kindness of my heart: For though I lack instruments to put him to smart, Yet shall he abide in a h.e.l.lish black dungeon: As for blocks, stocks, and irons, I warrant him want none.

HYPOCRISY.

Well, farewell Philologus, you hear of your lodging.

I would yet do you good, if that I wist how.

CARDINAL.

Let him go, Hypocrisy; stand not all day dodging: You have done too much for him, I make G.o.d avow.

HYPOCRISY.

Stay; for Suggestion doth come yonder now.

Come on, lazy lubber, you make but small haste: Had you stayed a while longer, your coming had been waste.

SUGGESTION.

You know of myself I am not very quick, Because that my body I do so much tender; For Sensual Suggestion will quickly be sick, If that his own ease he should not remember.

Thus one cause of my tarriance to you I do render: Another I had as I came by the way, Which did me the longer from your company stay.

HYPOCRISY.

What was that, Suggestion? I pray thee to us utter, For I am with child, till that I do it hear.

SUGGESTION.

A certain gentlewoman did murmur and mutter, And for grief of mind her hair she did tear: She will at last kill herself, I greatly do fear.

HYPOCRISY.