Page:Penny worth of wit (1).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 set to sea that very morn.

PART II 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 want 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,

Witch crown'd his labours with content,
 * he never was so rich before.

The wanton Harlot's venture then,
 * did run to great account like wife.

For ev'ry pound she would have ten,
 * such was their lucky marchandise

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

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

The Merchant then with laughter mov'd,
 * said, he for wit had never fought,

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'd call a rarity

She bid me use my utmost skill.