Page:Penny-worth of wit's garland (2).pdf/4



Now were they gone with merry hearts,

The merchant and his jovial crew,

From port to port in foreign parts

To trade as they were wont to do.

At length when he had well bestowed

The cargo which was outward bound,

He did his trading vessel load

With rich treasures which he found.

As this merchandise did vend,

They turned the gems and golden ore,

Which crowned his labour with content,

He never was so rich before.

The wanton harlot’s venture then,

Did run to great account likewise,

For every pound she would have ten,

Such was their lucky merchandise.

Thc merchant then with laughter mov’d

Said he for wit had never sought,

My harlot’s venture is approved,

But of my wife's I never thought.

She bid me use my utmost skill

To buy a penny-worth of wit,

But I have kept the penny still

And ne’er so much as thought of it.

An aged father sitting by,

Whose venerable locks were grey,

Straight made the merchant this reply,

Hear me a word or two I pray.