Page:Penny-worth of wit's garland (2).pdf/2



Here is a penny worth of wit,

For those that ever went astray,

If warning they will take by me

'Twill do them good some other day.

It is a touch stone of true love,

Betwixt a harlot and a wife;

The former doth destructive prove,

The latter yields the joys of life.

As in this book you may behold,

Set forth by William Lane,

A wealthy merchant, brave and bold,

Who did a harlot long maintain.

Although a virtuous wife he had,

Likewise a youthful daughter dear,

Which might have made his heart full glad,

Yet he seldom would them come near.

The finest silks that could be bought,

Nay, jewels, rubbies, diamonds, rings,

He to his wanton harlot bought,

With many other costly things.

She'd still receive them with a smile

When he came from the roaring seas,

And said, with words as smooth as oil,

My dearest come and take thy ease;

To my soft bed of linen fine,

Thou art right weleone love, said she,

Botli I and all that e'er was mine

Shall still at thy devotion be.