University of Virginia Library

Vice reproues Wickednes.

There is no sinner in so vilde a kinde,
But with some Vices he a fault will finde.
The Prodigall, with Couetous man being met,
Said to him, Fie, base wretch, thou art in debt
Vnto thy belly and thy backe, for both
Doe want the vse of meat, and drinke, and cloth:
And thou do'st onely pinch, and pine, and spare,
To hord vp money, keeping body bare,
To cramme thy bags, and fill thy gaping purse,
Foole, beast, base-minded, none so vile, none worse.
Quoth Couetousnes, Thou spend-thrift of thy state,
VVhom I detest with a most deadly hate,
Thy fleshly carrion all consumes, and spends,
(Besides thine owne) what thou canst catch of friends.
To eate and drinke thy selfe in endlesse Debt,
And in the end thou wilt a lodging get
In Ludgate, or the Counter, there to lye,
Till lothsome life constraine thee wish to dye.
Then came a Drunkard, that could scarcely goe,
And he vpon a Broker did bestowe
Outragious raylings, cursing him to hell,
VVith all that euer he should buy and sell:
Vnworthy wretch, to liue in Commonwealth,
That dar'st not doe as I doe, drinke a health
To all good fellowes, that by Sea and Land
VVill pledge carouse, as long as legs can stand.
Sirra (quoth Broker) looke you fetch your pawne,
I will vnto no longer day be drawne:
You haue had time enough to pay me in,
And now I'le plague thee for thy drunken sinne.
Base Knaue, I hate a Drunkard with my heart,
Though I, with Vsury will neuer part.
It is the trade by which my liuing's got,
I'le vse it still, honest, or honest not.
Drunkard, reele on, vntill the Stocks possesse thee,
Broker (quoth Drunkard) Brandons Halter blesse thee.