_Man._ No, parde! Nor yet thy brother Sensuality: I have followed you too long.
_Man._ Yea, doubtless! And now will I seek Shamefacedness, By whom I trust I shall redress All my misdeed.
_Wor. Aff._ And, sith thou wilt needs to Shame bow, I pray God send thee shame enow. And yet I trust, make God avow! Once thou shalt have need To call me again to thy service.
_Man._ Nay, nay, on warrantise! Now, sirs! who can me advise What is best to do?
_Shame._ Sir! if ye lust to have mine acquaintance I am ready to give you attendance; Happily my service shall you advance: I am called Shamefacedness.
_Shame._ Yea, forsooth! that is my name. Almsdeeds I can atame; And help for to repress When ye have done offence or sin; If ye will mercy and grace win With Shamefacedness ye must begin: This way must ye take.
_Man._ Ye be the man, without feigning, That I wished for or ye came here; And glad am I now of your coming, Praying you with heart entire When I have need thus to come near.
_Shame._ So will I do; ye may trust it, verily! Whensoever ye call ye shall find me ready.
_He goeth out_ [_and_ REASON _cometh forward_.]
_Rea._ Sir! is it your mind to do as ye say?
_Man._ Yea, that is it, as God me speed! Heard ye all this matter--yea or nay?
_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.