Page:Penny-worth of wit (4).pdf/5

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 * to buy a penny-worth of wit.

But I have kept the penny ſtill,
 * and ne'er ſo much as thought of it.

Where ſhall I go to lay it out?
 * true wit is ſcarce and hard to find;

But come my lads let's drink about.
 * my wife's ſmall venture we'll not mind.

There is a proverb often us'd,
 * wit's never good till bought too dear,

Where I right well may be excus'd
 * there's little for a penny here.

An aged Father ſiting by,
 * whoſe venerable locks were gray,

Straight made the merchant this reply,
 * hear me a word or two I pray.

Thy Harlot in proſperity,
 * ſhe will embrace for thy gold,

But if in want and miſery,
 * you'll nought but frowns from her behold,

And ready to betray thy life,
 * when wretched, naked, poor and low

But thy true hearted faithful wife,
 * will ſtand by thee in well or woe;

If thou wilt prove the truth of this,
 * ſtrip off thy gaudy rich array,

And ſo return to thy proud Miſs,
 * declare that thou was caſt away.

Thy riches buried in the main;
 * beſides, as you paſs'd through a wood,

One of your ſervants you had ſlain,
 * for which your life in danger ſtood.

Beſeech her for to ſhelter thee,
 * declare on her you do depend:

And then, alas! full ſoon you'll ſee.
 * how far ſhe'd prov'd a faithful friend,

Then if ſhe frowns go to thy Wife;
 * tell her this melancholy thing.

Who labours moſt to ſave thy life,