_Man._ Yea, that is it, as God me speed! Heard ye all this matter--yea or nay? _Rea._ Yes, that I did, in very deed! _Man._ O ghostly Reason! I have greater need Of your help than ever I had before: Help me now and I shall never forsake you more. Sith I forsook your company I have committed much folly; I am ashamed, certainly, When I think thereon. But now have I refused utterly All such manner of company; And thus have I done, verily! Of mine own motion. _Rea._ Then my help shall be ready as oft as ye me call; It is my duty so for to do. And of your offences will I make no rehearsal; But whatsoever ye have done, hitherto, To me ward let it pass and go: Against God your offence is great; Of the which matter I will not long treat. But this comfort of me ye shall have: If ye be contrite, as ye pretend, God is merciable if ye lust to crave; Call for grace and soon He will it send. And be not in purpose hereafter to offend; Accustom yourself in the ways of virtue, And--be not in doubt--grace will ensue. _Man._ Sir! it is my mind and intent Hereafter to be your true obedient; And never more to assent To such folly again. _Rea._ And, upon that condition, I take thee unto my tuition With all heart's affection, Never to part atwain. And, for this season, Here we make an end Lest we should offend This audience; as, God defend! It were not to be done. Ye shall understand, nevertheless, That there is much more of this process; Wherein we shall do our business, And our true endeavour To show it unto you, after our guise: When my lord shall so devise I shall be at his pleasure. _Thus endeth the first part._] [Illustration] THE SECOND PART. REASON _and_ MAN _come in._ _Rea._ I assemble the life of mortal creature To the assiege again a strong town or castle: In which there is much busy endeavour; Much worldly policy; with diligent travail, On every side, which part shall prevail By sleight of engines, or by strong power, That other to subdue and bring into danger. In such case and manner of condition Is wretched man, here in this life earthly, While he abideth within the garrison Of the frail carcase and caronous body; Whom to impugn laboureth incessantly The world, the flesh, the enemy--these three-- Him to subdue and bring into captivity. And, for to show you what wise they us impugn, First doth the world give us an allective To covet riches and worldly renown, With other vanities that be used in this life. Next, that our flesh, which ever is in strife, Again our spirit doth provoke and excite Us to accomplish our sensual appetite.