Now, forasmuch as in these latter days, Throughout the whole world in every land, Vice doth encrease, and virtue decays, Iniquity having the upper hand; We therefore intend, good gentle audience, A pretty short interlude to play at this present: Desiring your leave and quiet silence To show the same, as is meet and expedient.[295] The sum whereof, matter and argument, In two or three verses briefly to declare, Since that it is for an honest intent, I will somewhat bestow my care. In the city of London there was a rich man Who, loving his son most tenderly, Moved him earnestly now and then, That he would give his mind to study, Saying that by knowledge, science and learning, Is at the last gotten a pleasant life, But through the want and lack of this thing Is purchased poverty, sorrow and strife. His son, notwithstanding this gentle monition, As one that was clean devoid of grace, Did turn to a mock and open derision Most wickedly with an unshamefast[296] face; Insomuch that, contrary to his father's will, Unto a young woman he did consent, Whereby of lust he might have his fill, And married the same incontinent.[297] Not long after that, the child began To feel his wife's great frowardness, And called himself unhappy man, Oppressed with pains and heaviness: Who, before that time, did live blessedly, Whilst he was under his father's wing; But now, being wedded, mourning and misery Did him torment without ending. But now it is time for me to be going, And hence to depart for a certain space, For I do hear the Rich Man coming With the wanton boy into this place. [_Here the Prologue Speaker goeth out, and in cometh the Rich Man and his son_. SON. Father, I beseech you, father, show me the way, What thing I were best to take in hand, Whereby this short life so spend I may, That all grief and trouble I might withstand. FATHER. What is the meaning, my child, I thee pray, This question to demand of me? For that thing to do I am glad alway, Which should not be grievous to thee. SON. Marry, but therefore of you counsel I take, Seeing now my childhood I am clean past, That unto me ye plainly do make What to a young man is best for to taste. FATHER. I see nothing truly, my son, so meet, And to prove so profitable for thee, As unto the school to move thy feet, With studious lads there for to be. SON. What, the school! nay, father, nay! Go to the school is not the best way. FATHER. Say what thou list, for I cannot invent A way more commodious to my judgment.[298]