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?