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

 At length when he had well beſtow’d,

the cargo which was outward bound,

He did his trading veſſel load,

with richer treaſures which he found.

As he his merchandize did vend,

they turn’d to gems and golden bar,

Which crown’d his labour with content,

he never was ſo rich before.

The warton Harlot's venture then,

did run to great account likewiſe,

For every pound ſhe would have ten,

ſuch was their lucky merchandize.

For joy of which the merchant cry’d,

one merry bout my lads ſhall have;

A ſplendid ſupper I’ll provide,

of all the dainties you can crave.

Before we 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

faid, he for wit had never fought,

My Harlots venture is improv’d,

but of my Wife's I never thought.

One fingle penny and no more,

ſhe has a venture ſent with me,

I was to lay it out therefore,

in wher you’ll think a raritie.

She bid me oſe my utmoſt ſkill,

to buy a penny-worth of wit,

Bur I have kept the penny ſtill,

and ne’er ſo much as thought of it.

Where ſhall I go and lay it out?

true wit is ſcarce and hard to find,

But come my lads lets drink about,

my Wife's ſmall venture we'll pot mind.