20 He in a stall did lie all night, In this most sad and w[r]etched plight; Then thought it was high time for he His father’s legacy to see. 21 Next morning, then, opprest with woe, This young man got an iron crow, And, as in tears he did lament, Unto this little cottage went. 22 When he this door had open got, This poor distressëd drunken sot, Who did for store of money hope, He saw a gibbet and a rope. 23 Under this rope was plac’d a stool, Which made him look much like a fool, Crying, Alas, what shall I do! Destruction now appears in view. 24 ‘As my father foresaw this thing, What sottishness to me would bring, As moneyless and free of grace, This legacy I will embrace.’ 25 So then, opprest with discontent, Upon the stool he sighing went, And then, his precious life to check, Did place this rope about his neck. 26 Crying, Thou God, who sittst on high, Who on my sorrows hast an eye, But thou knowst I have not done well, Preserve my precious soul from hell. 27 ‘’Tis true the slighting of thy grace Brought me to this most wretched case, And as thro folly I’m undone, I’ll now eclipse my morning sun.’ 28 When he with sigh had these words spoke, Jumpt off, and down the gibbet broke; In falling, as it plain appears, Droppd down about this young man’s ears, 29 In shining gold, a thousand pound, Which made the blood his ears surround: Tho in amaze, he cry’d, I’m sure This golden salve will heal the sore. 30 ‘Blest be my father,’ then he cry’d, ‘Who did this portion for me hide, And while I do alive remain I never will be drunk again.’ Part III 31 Now by [the] third part you will hear This young man, as it does appear, With care he then secur’d his chink, And to this vintner went to drink. 32 When the proud vintner did him see, He frownd on him immediately, And said, Begone, or else with speed I’ll kick thee out of doors indeed. 33 With smiles the young man he did say, Thou cruel knave, tell me, I pray, As I have here consum’d my store, What makes thee kick me out of door? 34 To me thou hast been too severe; The deeds of eight-score pounds a year I pawnd them for three hundred pound; Which I spent here; what makes thee frown? 35 The vintner said unto him, Sirrah, Bring me one hundred pounds tomorrow By nine o’clock, take them again: So get you out of doors till then. 36 He answerd, If this chink I bring, I fear thou wilt do no such thing; He said, I’ll give under mine hand A note that I to this will stand. 37 Having the note, away he goes, And straightway went to one of those Who made him drink when moneyless, And did the truth to him confess.