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The route, he soon shall know it well

As I do, who in youth-tide fell

Therein. And you shall likewise learn

Its ways, if you have lust to turn

Your footsteps thither, seen that you

Command such wealth as may pursue

Unbounded Largess, but to me

That path is barred by Poverty.

My patrimony I dispersed;

And now, in heavy debt immersed,

Without one penny to restore

To creditors I filched of yore,

I best had hang or drown myself.

Quoth she: If you are bare of pelf,

Hither return no more.

Richesse

Alone can gain for you ingress,

But from her guidance, as I trow,

Much ill and little good doth grow;

In going will she use much care

To please you, but her pains will spare

To help you back, and if your way

You make therein, through night and day

You there must bide, until you be

Thrust thence by stern-hand Poverty,

Who oft on lovers brings distress.

Within remaineth Mad-Largess,

Who hath no thought except of play

And riot through the livelong day,

And scattereth coin around as she

Possessed thereof a granary.

No count she keepeth, doubting never

But what her wealth will dure for ever.