Page:Penny-worth of wit (5).pdf/3

 When he had liv’d ſometime on ſhore,

he muſt go to the ſea again,

With traffic to increaſe his ſtore,

the wanton harlot to maintain.

To whom he ſaid, my joy, my dear,

with me, what venture wilt thou ſend ?

A good return thou need not fear,

I’ll be thy factor and thy friend.

In goods, my dear, I'll ſend above,

ten pounds, which you ſhall take on board,

I know that unto me, my love,

a treeple gain thou wilt afford.

This ſaid, next to his Wife he goes,

and aſk’d her in a ſcornful way,

What venture ſhe would now propoſe,

to fend with him for merchandize.

I'll ſend a penny, love, by thee,

be ſure you take good care of it;

When you’re in foreign parts, ſaid.fhe,

pray buy a penny-worth of wit.

She laid the penny in his hand,

and ſaid, I pray now, don't forget,

When you are in a foreign land,

to buy a penny-worth of wit.

He put the penny up ſecure,

and ſaid, I’ll take a ſpecial care,

To lay it out you may be ſure,

ſo to hjs Miſs he did repair.

And told her what he was to buy,

at which ſhe laugh’d his Wife to ſcorn;

On board he went immediately,

and ſet to ſea that very morn.

OW were they gone with merry hearts,

the merchant and his jovial crew,

From port to port in foreign parts,

to trade as they were won't to do.