Chapter 41

_Enter to_ LIBERALITY _a_ COURTIER.

COUR. Sir, I humbly beseech you help to prefer my suit.

LIB. What is it?

COUR. There is an office fall'n, which I would gladly execute.

LIB. Who be you?

COUR. A servant here in court.

LIB. Do you serve the prince?

COUR. No, and please you.

LIB. Whom then?

COUR. A nobleman near about her majesty.

LIB. In what degree?

COUR. Forsooth, sir, as his secretary.

LIB. How long have you served?

COUR. A year or twain.

LIB. And would you so soon be preferred? In sooth, my friend, I would be glad, as I may, To do you any good: but this I say: Who seeks by virtue preferment to attain, In virtuous proceeding must take more pain, Than can be well taken in a year or twain. For time gives experience of every man's deeds, And each man by merit accordingly speeds. Go forward, my friend, in virtue with diligence, And time, for your service, shall yield you recompence. Your lord and master is very honourable, And him in your suits you shall find favourable: And as for my part, as erst I did say, I never will hinder, where further I may. Let this for this time be your answer.

COUR. Sir, with my boldness, I beseech you to bear.

LIB. God be with you. [_Exit_ COURTIER. Some men deserve, and yet do want their due; Some men, again, on small deserts do sue, It therefore standeth princes' officers in hand, The state of every man rightly to understand, That so by balance of equality Each man may have his hire[397] accordingly. Well, since dame Virtue unto me doth charge of many things refer, I must go do that best beseems a faithful officer.

[_Exit_.