And forasmuch as man's nature Is frail, and lightly to sin will assent, Either of purpose or on witting peradventure, There the said good Lord hath him sent, Again every sin, a remedy convenient. For He ne would have one soul to be lore Whom He hath dear bought, as I said before. The root of all sin is pride, ye know well; Which is mine adversary in all that he may; Where I am in place he may not dwell. His malicious power I can right well allay; And teach every creature the remedy and way How to subdue pride; which no man can do Without that I, Meekness, must help thereto. _Man._ Then your help and counsel is necessary to me: Whereof, I pray you, with all heart's affection! _Meek._ All ready at hand--whosoever it be That lusteth to have me for his consolation. _Man._ I myself have sinned in pride and elation: Show me your counsel what way shall I take A due satisfaction for that sin to make. _Meek._ Thou must, before all thing, set little prize By thine own self; and take no heed Whether the people do thee praise or despise. Be thou meek in heart, in word, and in deed; Think not that thou wouldst any man over lead; Be soft and lowly in speech to every wight; And use none array that staring is to sight! Lo! in these three things only standeth pride If thou commit the least of them three. _Man._ From this day forth I will set them aside And follow the counsel that ye give me. _Meek._ Do so, and I will clearly discharge thee: As for the sin of pride, my soul for thine, Thou shalt be all whole if thou take this medicine. _Then he goeth out._ _Man._ Yes, I shall take it; think not the contrary! Now am I well eased, yet have I not done all. [_Enter_ CHARITY. _Charity._ There is no living physician, no poticary That can devise so sovereign cordial Again the sore of envy, which is mortal. No man living, I you ensure, Without my help may undertake that cure. For, I am called Charity, the salve for that sickness, Whom th' Apostle Paul commandeth singularly, In divers his epistles: I can well repress The rancour of Envy and give therein good remedy. _Man._ Then is your counsel to me full necessary: If ye be Charity ye are bound, doubtless, To have some compassion of your neighbours' distress. _Char._ Why, hast thou been envious before this day? _Man._ Yes, as God knoweth well! and that I rue sore. _Char._ Well, this must be the remedy--mark what I say: There is no sin that displeaseth God more Than doth this sin of Envy; and, therefore, If so be thou wilt thine own soul safeguard, Be thou never envious from this day forward.