_Wealth._ Why is there no courtesy now I am come? I trow that all the people be dumb; Or else, so God help me and halidom! They were almost asleep. No words I heard, nor yet no talking; No instrument went, nor ballats singing; What ails you all, thus to sit dreaming? Of whom take ye care? Of my coming ye may be glad; Therefore, I pray you be not sad, For all your desire shall be had: I can amend your cheer. By God! I think ye have forgotten me. I am Wealth of this realm; look upon me! For I am to every man loving and friendly: For Wealth hath no peer. _Health._ Brother Wealth! have ye not yet done? Ye praise yourself above the moon. Every man may perceive thereby, soon, That you lack discretion. _Wealth._ Wherefore? by God! I cannot say too much. I am so wealthy of substance and rich; In all the world where is one such As I am of comparison? _Health._ Wealth is good, I cannot denay; Yet praise yourself too much ye may; For wealth, oftentimes, doth decay: And wealth is nothing sure. _Wealth._ Wealth hath been ever in this country; A2,_v._ And here I purpose still for to be; For this is the land most meet for me, And here I will endure. _Health._ Therein ye speak full lovingly; For, in this realm, wealth should be; Yet, no displeasure, I pray you heartily! But in the way of communication, And for pastime, I would speak some ways, Of no comparison, nor to you no dispraise-- I do not intend that manner always-- But for a recreation. _Wealth._ Brother! whatsoever ye say to me I will hear you patiently. I am content, and I thank you heartily; Begin, and say your pleasure. _Health._ I thank you heartily; then will I Somewhat unto my purpose apply: Though Wealth be praised marvellously, Yet to mine understanding Wealth is mutable, and that in shame; And Wealth is haughty and proud of name; Wealth is cruel and in great blame; For Wealth is ever wavering. _Wealth._ To whom have I done any harm--can ye say? Ye slander me now; yet I trust I may Answer for myself in every manner way; Ye will not deny that? _Health._ God forbid but ye should do so! And ye may do it whether I will or no. In like wise I must answer you, also, When ye say not true. Though I be but to you a poor man, A3,_r._ Yet Health I hight; the same I am: That is desired universally than-- Some calls me as good as you! _Wealth._ As I? marry! there, indeed, ye do compare; Such words might bring you soon in care. Lewd person! thou art not ware Of what substance I am.