Page:Penny worth of wit (1).pdf/2

( 2 ) A PENNY-WORTH OF WIT.

PART I.

ERE is a penny worth of wit,
 * for those that ever went astray;

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

It is a touchstone of true love,
 * betwixt 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 Wealthy Merchant brave and bold,
 * Who did a Harlot long maintain.

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

Which might have made his heart full glad
 * yet seldom would be them come near.

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

His Harlot had, he brought it her,
 * but nothing to his virtuous Bride.

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

He to his wanton Horlot 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 fine,
 * 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,