A Select Collection of Old English Plays, vol 2 | Page 9

Well, seeing they are gone, I do not greatly pass;[40] Another time I will hold them as much, Seeing they break[41] promise, and keep not the tweche.[42]
What shall I do now to pass away the day? Is there any man here that will go to game? At whatsoever he[43] will play, To make one I am ready to the same: Youth full of pleasure is my proper name. To be alone is not my appetite,[44] For of all things in the world I love merry company.
Who knoweth where is e'er a minstrel? By the mass, I would fain go dance a fit[45] My companions[46] are at it, I know right well; They do not all this while in a corner sit: Against another time they have taught me[47] wit: I beshrew their hearts for serving me this,[48] I will go seek them, whether I hit or miss.
Here entereth GOOD COUNSEL, to whom YOUTH yet speaketh.
Well i-met, father, well i-met: Did you hear any minstrels play, As you came hitherward upon your way? And if you did, I pray you wish[49] me thither, For I am going to seek them, and, in faith, I know not whither.
GOOD COUNSEL. Sir, I will ask you a question by your favour: What would you with the minstrel do?
JUVENTUS. Nothing but have a dance or two, To pass the time away in pleasure.
GOOD COUNSEL. If that be the matter, I promise you sure, I am the more sorrier that it should so be; For there is no such passing the time appointed in the Scripture, Nor yet thereunto it doth not agree! I wish that ye would so use your liberty, To walk as you are bound to do, According to the vocation which God hath called you to.
JUVENTUS. Why, sir, are you angry, because I have spoken so? By the mass, it is alone for my appetite.
GOOD COUNSEL. Show me your name, I pray you heartily, And then I will my mind express.
JUVENTUS. My name is called Juventus, doubtless: Say what you will, I will give you the hearing.
GOOD COUNSEL. For as much as God hath created you of nothing, Unto his own likeness by spiritual illumination, It is unmeet that ye should lead your living Contrary to his godly determination. Saint Paul unto the Ephesians giveth good exhortation, Saying, walk circumspectly, redeeming the time; That is, to spend it well, and not to wickedness incline.
JUVENTUS. No, no, hardily none of mine; If I would live so strait, you might count me a fool; Let them keep those rules, which are doctors divine, And have be brought up all their days in school.
GOOD COUNSEL. Moses in the law exhorteth his people, As in the book of Deuteronomy he doth plainly write, That they should live obedient and thankful; For in effect[50] these words he doth recite: All ye this day stand before the Lord's sight, Both princes, rulers, elders, and parents, Children, wives, young, and old; therefore obey his commandments.
JUVENTUS. I am too young to understand his documents;[51] Wherefore did all they stand before his presence?
GOOD COUNSEL. To enter with God peace and alliance, Promising that they would him honour, fear, and serve: All kind of people were bound in those covenants, That from his law they should never swerve; For God useth no partiality.
JUVENTUS. What, am I bound, as well as the clergy, To learn and follow his precepts and law?
GOOD COUNSEL. Yea, surely, or else God will withdraw His mercy from you, promised in his covenant; For, except you live under his obedience and awe, How can you receive the benefits of his Testament? For he that[52] submitteth himself to be a servant, And his master's commandment will not fulfil nor regard, According as he hath done, is worthy his reward.
JUVENTUS. It is as true a saying as ever I heard; Therefore your name, I pray you[53] now tell, For, by my truth, your communication I like wonders well.
GOOD COUNSEL. My name is called Good Counsel.
JUVENTUS. Good Counsel? Now, in faith, I cry you mercy: I am sorry that I have you thus offended; But, I pray you, bear with me patiently, And my misbehaviour shall be amended: I know my time I have rudely spended, Following my own lust, being led by ignorance; But now I hope of better knowledge through your acquaintance.
GOOD COUNSEL. I pray God guide you with his gracious assistance Unto the knowledge of his truth, your ignorance to undo, That you may be one of those numbered Christians, Which followeth the lamb whither he doth go: The lamb Jesus Christ my meaning is so, By sure faith and confidence in his bitter death and passion, The only price of our health and salvation.
JUVENTUS. Sir, I thank you for your hearty oration: And now, I pray you, show