Page:Pennyworth of wit, or, The deluded merchant, and his harlot.pdf/6

( 6 ) The merchant then with laughter mov'd, ſaid he for wit had never ſought, My harlot's venture is improv'd, but of my wife's I never thought. One ſingle penny, and no more, ſhe has on venture ſent with me, I was to lay it out therefore on what you'll think a raritie:

She bid me uſe my outmoſt ſkill to buy a pennyworth of wit; But 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 get; But come, my lads, let's drink about, my wife's ſmall venture we'll not mind:

There is a proverb often us'd, 'Wit's never good till bought too dear:' And I may well now be excus'd, there's little for a penny here. An aged father ſitting by, whoſe venerable looks were grey, Straight made the merchant this reply, hear me a word or two, I pray.

Thy harlot in proſperity ſhe will embrace thee for thy gold;