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Table of Contents

Illvstr. XXII. Book. 1.

MY hopefull Friends at thrice five yeares and three,

Without a Guide (into the World alone)

To seeke my Fortune, did adventure mee;

And, many hazards, I alighted on.

First, Englands greatest Rendevouz I sought,

Where Vice and Vertve at the highest sit;

And, thither, both a Minde and Bodie brought,

For neither of their Services unfit.

Both, woo'd my Youth: And, both perswaded so,

That (like the Young man in our Emblem here)

I stood, and cry'd, Ah! which way shall I goe?

To me so pleasing both their Offers were.

Vice, Pleasures best Contentments promist mee,

And what the wanton Flesh desires to have:

Quoth Vertve, I will Wisdome give to thee,

And those brave things, which noblest Mindes doe crave.

Serve me said Vice, and thou shalt soone acquire

All those Atchievements which my Service brings:

Serve me said Vertve, and Ile raise thee higher,

Then Vices can, and teach thee better things.

Whil'st thus they strove to gaine me, I espyde

Grim Death attending Vice; and, that her Face

Was but a painted Vizard, which did hide

The foul'st Deformity that ever was.

Lord, grant me grace for evermore to view

Her Vglinesse: And, that I viewing it,

Her Falsehoods and allurements may eschew;

And on faire Vertve my Affection set;

Her Beauties contemplate, her Love embrace,

And by her safe Direction, runne my Race.