University of Virginia Library

Scena. 1.

Lamia the Curtizan.
La.
The match goes harde, which rayseth no mans gaine,
The vertue rare, that none to vice maye wreast:
And sure, the Lawe, that made me late complaine:
Allureth me, many a wanton geast:
Dames of my Trade, shutte vp their shoppes for feare,
Their stuffe prou'd Contra formam Statuti,
Then I, which lycenst am, to sell fine ware:
Am lyke to be well customed perdy:
And nowe Tyme serues, least custome after fayle,
At hyest rate, my Toyes I vallue must:
Let me alone, to set my Toyes to sale:
Yong Ruflers I, in faith, wyll serue of trust.
Who wayes me not, him wyll I fayne to loue,
Who loues me once, is lymed to my heast:
My cullers some, and some shall weare my gloue,
And he my harte, whose payment lykes me best.
And here at hande are customers I trowe,
These are the friendes, of Phallax, my sweete friende:
Nowe wyll I go, and set my wares to showe,
But let them laugh, that wynneth in the ende.

Exit.