Page:Penny worth of wit (2).pdf/5

5 :to buy a penny worth of wit. But I have kept the penny ſtill,
 * and n'er ſo much as thought of it.

Where shall I go to lay it out?
 * true wit is ſcarce and hard to find,

But came my lads lets drink about,
 * my Wife's ſmall venture we'll not mind.

There is a proverb often us'd,
 * wit's never good till bought to dear,

Where I right well may be excus'd,
 * there's little for a peony here.

An aged Father ſitting by,
 * whoſe venerable locks were gray,

Straight made the Merchant this reply,
 * hear me a word or two I pray.

Thy Harlot in proſperity,
 * ſhe will embrace the for thy gold,

But if in want and miſery,
 * you'll nought but frawns from her behold,

And ready to betray thy life,
 * When wretched naked poor and low,

But thy true hearted, faithful Wife,
 * will ſtand by thee in well or wo,

If thou wilt prove the truth of this,
 * ſtrip of thy gaudy rich array,

And ſo return to thy proud Miſs,
 * declare that thou waſt caſt away.

Thy riches buried in the main,
 * beſides as you paſſ'd through a wood,

One of your ſervant you had ſlain,
 * for which your life in danger ſtood.

Beſeech her for to ſhelter thee,
 * declare on her you do depen'd:

And then alas! full ſoon you'll ſee,
 * how far ſhe'd prove a faithful friend.

Then if ſhe frowns go to thy Wife;
 * tell her this melancholy thing.

Who labours moſt to ſave the life.