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

 A PENNY WORTH OF WIT.

I

ERE is a penny worth of wit,
 * for thoſe that never went aſtray,

If warning they will take by it,
 * 'twill do them good another day.

It is a touch ſtone of true love,
 * between a Harlot and a Wife.

The former doth deſtruction prove,
 * the latter yields the joys of life.

As in this book you may behold,
 * ſet forth by famous William Lane;

A wealth merchant brave and bold,
 * who did a harlot long maintain;

Although a virtuous wife he had,
 * likewiſe a youthful daughter dear,

Which have made his heart full glad,
 * yet ſeldom would he them come near.

The treaſure which he traded for,
 * on the tempeſtuous ocean wide,

His harlot had, he brought it her,
 * but nothing to his virtuous bride.

The fineſt ſilks that could be bought,
 * nay, jewels, robes, diamonds, rings,

He to his wanton harlot brought,
 * with many other coſtly things.

She ſtill receiv'd him with a ſmile,
 * when he came from the raging ſeas,

And ſaid with words as ſmooth as oil,
 * my deareſt come and take thy eaſe,

To thy ſoft bed of linen fie,
 * thou art welcome, love, ſaid ſhe,

Both I and all that e'er was mine,
 * ſhall ſtill at thy devotion be.

He brought two hundred pounds of gold,
 * and after that two hundred more,