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

 A PENNY WORTH OF WIT.

PART. I.

ERE iſ a penny worth of wit,
 * for thoſe that never went aſtray

If warnining they will take by it,
 * 'twill do them good another day.

It is a touchſtone of the love,
 * betwixt a harlot and a Wife.

The former doth deſtruction prove,
 * the latter yields the joy of life.

As in this book you may behold,
 * ſet forth by famious Willian 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 wou'd he them come near.

The treaſure which he tradded for,
 * on the tempeſtious ocean wide,

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

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

He to his wanton Harlot 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 linnen 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.