EARTH. Ask me not, Theodore. Alas, I fear Thou art too much my son; my bad example Has done thee much more harm than all the large Increase of treasure I shall leave behind Can recompence. But leave those wretched thoughts, And let me teach thee a new lesson now: But thou art learned, Theodore, and soon Wilt find the reasons of it. THEO. Do you please To speak it, sir, and I will strive to frame Myself to follow. EARTH. Where are all the poor? Jasper, go call them in. Now, prythee, learn (For this late accident may truly teach A man what value he should set on wealth) Fire may consume my houses; thieves may steal My plate and jewels; all my merchandise Is at the mercy of the winds and seas; And nothing can be truly term'd mine own, But what I make mine own by using well. Those deeds of charity which we have done, Shall stay for ever with us; and that wealth Which we have so bestowed, we only keep: The other is not ours. THEO. Sir, you have taught me Not to give anything at all away. EARTH. When I was blind, my son, and did miscall My sordid vice of avarice true thrift: But now forget that lesson; I prythee, do. That cosening vice, although it seem to keep Our wealth, debars us from possessing it, And makes us more than poor. THEO. How far beyond All hope my happy project works upon him! _Enter_ NEIGHBOURS. EARTH. Y' are welcome, neighbours; welcome heartily! I thank you all, and will hereafter study To recompence your undeserved love. My house shall stand more open to the poor, More hospitable, and my wealth more free To feed and clothe the naked hungry souls. I will redeem the ill that I have done (If heaven be pleas'd to spare my life awhile) With true unfeigned deeds of charity. 1ST NEIGH. We thank your worship. 2D NEIGH. We know full well Your worship has a good heart toward us. EARTH. Alas! you do not know it; but have had Too sad a cause to know the contrary. Pray do not thank me, till you truly find How much my heart is chang'd from what it was; Till you, by real and substantial deeds, Shall see my penitence, and be fully taught How to forget or pardon all the errors Of that my former miserable life. Jasper, go in with them; show them the way Into my house. JAS. I think I had need to show 'em; No poor folks heretofore have us'd this way. EARTH. And I'll come to you, neighbours, presently. 1ST NEIGH. Long may you live. 2D NEIGH. All happiness betide you. 3D NEIGH. And a reward fourfold in th' other world.