_Sens._ No more would I, for forty shilling: Let me alone hardely! [MANKIND _comes forward_. _Sens._ Sir! if it please you, here is come a stranger That never was acquainted with you ere; Somewhat shamefaced, and half in fear To put himself in prese; A goodly person, be ye sure, Both of countenance and of feature If he were drawn in portraiture; And a good man, doubtless! Yea, and a wise man at all-- Will it please you that I him call To speak with you? _Man._ Bid him come! _Sens._ I shall. Sir! will ye come near? [_To_ MANKIND. Sir! bid him welcome for the manner sake; Another day I am sure he will crake And say, such a gentleman did him make Very great cheer. Desire him for to dwell with you; I tell you he is a man for your prow, And knoweth the world well; I know No man better than he. _Man._ Sir! ye be welcome to this place. _Pride._ I thank you, sir! but I do you trespass To come thus homely. _Sens._ Yea, a parlous case! God wot ye are welcome hither. On my faith, by my will Ye shall dwell with us still. Go near to him and talk your fill: I leave you together. [_He goeth forth._ _Man._ Now, sir! what have ye to say to me? _Pride._ No great thing, sir! but I come to see And to know what manner man ye be That all men praiseth so much. _Man._ Praise! whom praise they? _Pride._ Marry, you! _Man._ Me? _Pride._ Yea, sir! I make mine avow They give you a praising good I know; I heard never none such. And, surely, ye be right worthy! I see well now they do not lie; And, therefore, I did me hither hie To acquaint me with you-- But ye may say that I am bold. _Man._ Nay, ye are worth thy weight of gold! Methinketh me to you much behold; I pray you what is your name? _Pride._ My name is Worship. _Man._ Worship? now, surely, The world told me it was my destiny To come to Worship or I die. _Pride._ Truly, I am the same. _Man._ Now, Worship, I pray you me tell Your wisdom and also counsel; Ye can advertise me passing well In things that I have to do. _Pride._ In good faith! anything that I May do to your pleasure it is ready; I am your own, and pray you, heartily, That ye accept me so. But where ye ask counsel of me Meseemeth ye save not your honesty! _Man._ Mine honesty? Wherefore, let see; I pray you show me why!