_Good Occupation._ The sin of sloth I can well repress; And I shall teach thee to do the same. _Man._ How should I do it? _Good Occ._ By mean of me, Good Business, And so am I called, for that is my name. Idleness is never without sin or blame; By mean thereof much sin cometh in: For it is the very mother and mistress of sin. In eschewing thereof thou must ever use Some good occupation, in body or mind; And if thou do this my counsel refuse, So that the devil in idleness thee find, Then according to his property and kind He laboureth fast, by mean of temptation, To bring thy soul unto endless damnation. Therefore do some good occupation alway, As well with the body as with mind inward. And if thou do not this counsel obey, Thou shalt thine own soul greatly enjeopard. On that other side thou mayst be no coward, Nor fearful of penance, or other good deed, Sith thou shalt be sure to have heaven to thy meed. _Man._ This counsel is good; I thank you, therefore; My mind is well eased therein, be ye sure! _Good Occ._ Is there anything else that I can do more? _Man._ None to my knowledge, for ye have done your cure. _Good Occ._ See that ye wisely now put in ure. _Then he goeth out_ [_and_ LIBERALITY _cometh in_]. _Man._ Yes, hardely think not the contrary! Sith it is to me so behoveful and necessary. _Liberality._ I am Liberality, the virtue cardinal; By whom is confounded the sin of avarice. Whosoever lusteth on me to call I am ready therein to give mine advice. _Man._ Sir! I pray you, in my most hearty wise, [Help] to reform and order my mind. _Lib._ First, thou must be sorry for the abusing Of temporal goods, before this day; Next, that I will advise thee, before all thing, If thou hast wrongfully taken away Any man's good, go without delay And thereof to thy power make due restitution; For erst shalt thou have of thy sin no remission. _Man._ Why, trow ye that I shall not be excused By alms deed of that offence? _Lib._ No, no, hardely! thou art greatly abused: Think not thereby to make recompense; For, by that alms, thou doest great offence And displeasure to God. _Man._ Why say ye so? Christ Himself bade that we should alms do. _Lib._ Yea, fore God! but that should be do Of well-gotten goods; else it is nought. _Man._ Well, I assent gladly thereto; As in that one point I am fully taught: Wit is nothing worth till it be dear bought! But what other amends shall I make, The foul sin of avarice to suage and a-slake? _Lib._ Thou must have compassion, and also be liberal Unto thy neighbour at his necessity. _Man._ I trow ye would have me to give away all, And leave myself nought!