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

4 And told her what he was to buy,
 * at which ſhe laugh'd his wife to ſcorn;

On board he went immediately
 * and ſail'd to ſea that very morn.

OW they are 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 beſtow'd
 * the cargo, which was outward bound,

He did his trading veſſel load,
 * with richer treaſure which he found,

As he his merchandiſe did vend,
 * they turn'd to gems and golden ore,

Which crown'd his labours 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,

For joy of which the merchant cried,
 * one merry bout my lads ſhall have;

A ſplendid ſupper I'll provide,
 * of all the danties you can crave;

Before you ſet to ſea again.
 * this ſaid, they to a tavern went,

Where they did feaſt and drink amain,
 * till many crowns and pounds were ſpent.

The merchant then with laughter mov'd,
 * ſaid he for wit had never ſought,

My Harlot's venture is improv'd,
 * but of my Wife's I never thought.

One ſingle penny and no more,
 * ſhe has a venture ſent with me,

I was to lay it out therefore,
 * in what you'll call a rarity.

She bid me uſe my utmost ſkill,