_The Wor[ld]._ Then, to begin withal, I will advise you To put this man from your company. I tell you every man will despise you As long as ye be ruled by Innocency: To follow such counsel it is but folly; For, he can neither good, neither evil; And, therefore, he is taken but for a drivel. _Man._ By my faith! even as ye say: It liketh me not right well With Innocency long to dwell; Therefore, according to your counsel, I will not, after this day, With his company myself affere; As mute as it were a grey friar. I suppose there is no man here, Whatsoever he be, That could in his mind be content Always to be called an innocent. Wherefore, it is mine intent To do as ye advise me. _The World._ Yea, hardely, do even so! _Inno._ Forsooth, and I hold me well content To depart at your commandment, Ye shall find me obedient Whatsoever ye bid me do. [_Here_ INNOCENCY _goeth out_. _Sens._ So, the company is well amend; Let him go the devil of hell! He is but a boy, I warn you well; And, should ye follow his counsel, Almighty God defend! If ever ye lust to play the man It is time that ye now began. Marry! to play the boy, now and then, For your disport and solace, It forceth not though ye do When ye may have leisure thereto; And among I will help you also In due time and place. _The World._ Yea, that ye will indeed! But now, sir! will ye anything Command me before my departing? _Man._ Nothing at all, to my witting; But our Lord have you in His keeping, And send you well to speed! [_He goeth out._ MANKIND _calls to_ WORLDLY AFFECTION.] Worldly Affection, come hither! ye are politic; And much better inured in this world than I. I pray you dispose for me, as ye think most like, That I may live here well and honourably. [_Wor. Affec._] Yea, sir! I shall. Doubt ye not, hardely! If it like you to put me in so great trust, And I trow ye shall find me true and just. _Man_. I wot well I shall. Surely you be bound To the world that hath given you so great commendation? [_Wor. Affec._] Yea, sir! some men had liever than a thousand pound They might be commended of the same fashion. But, sir! let pass all this commendation; And answer to me, I pray you, fruitfully, In that I shall move you substantially. Sir! at few words I you exhort, Sith that ye be come to your own, Cast yourself to bear such a port That, as ye be, ye may be known; Eke it is necessary, for that behove, That there be made some manner of purveyance Whereby ye may bear out your countenance.