So it is now that ye be hither sent; This country, as yet, to you unknown. In mine opinion it is expedient To take some other counsel than your own, Of well inured men, such as have grown In worldly experience, and have thereof the drift, And can best for you in time of need shift. _Homo._ Certes! ye move right well and prudently; And I am well content that it so be; But, as yet, have I not the policy To know which men have most ability. _Mun._ Dare ye commit the matter unto me? _Homo._ Yea, sir! right well; I am fully content That all thing be done by your assignment. _Mun._ Then thus I will, that above all thing, From henceforward, ye be like and conformable Unto other persons in all your demeaning; Namely, to such as be companable, Be they never so vicious or abominable; For every man clepeth him wise That doth after the common guise. And, as for men that should do you service, I know divers persons that be right honourable That can you serve, alway point device. In all the world be there none so able, So wise, so politic, nor yet so profitable. Lo! here is one of them that I speak for; And he himself can tell you where ye shall have more. Worldly Affection is this man's name; He is well brained, and wondrous of invention; A forecasting man and, payne of shame! Ye shall not find in any Christian region A wiser fellow in things to be done; Specially of matters that be concerning Worldly pleasure, that is for you according. Suffer him, therefore, never to depart; But, if it be for matters of great substance, And for sensuality, I pray you with all my heart To accept him to your favour and tendrance. He hath been long of mine acquaintance; And, on my faith! my heart cannot but grudge To think that ye should use him as a drudge. Do as he adviseth you, hardely now and then; And despise not utterly his counsel Think that ye be here a worldly man; And must do as men that in the world dwell. Ye are not bound to live like an angel; Nor to be as God, alway immutable: Man's nature of himself is full miserable. I have told you now my counsel and advice; And ye have promised to be ruled thereby. Now, let each man execute his office; And see how wisely ye can them occupy To increase the world, and it thereto ye must apply. Now, address you thereto; and demean you thus: I shall be to you ever good and prosperous. _Man._ Sir! I thank you of this courtesy, Undeserved as yet; but, be ye sure, I shall myself endeavour busily To do that may be to your pleasure. And, for the season that I shall here endure, I shall them cherish; and to my power maintain That unto you in anywise do pertain.