Chapter 42

_Enter_ MONEY.

MON. _Liberty, liberty_! now I cry _liberty_! Catch me again, when you can, Prodigality! Never was there poor soul so cruelly handled. I was at the first, like a cockney[398] dandled, Strok'd on the head, kiss'd and well cherished, And so thought surely I should have continued: But now, how my case is altered suddenly! You would not believe, unless you saw it apparently. I'faith, since ye saw me, I have been turmoiled From post to pillar: see how I am spoiled. The villains among them provided the roast; But Money was forced to pay for the cost Both of their feasting and of their chamber cheer. Yea, in every place they have fleec'd me so near: He a fleece, and she a fleece, that nothing could I keep, But glad to run away like a new-shorn sheep. And though I have been pinched very near, I am glad to see you in good health, every one here: And now I have escaped the traitorous treachery Of such a thriftless, roisting company, To my mother in haste again I will get me, And keep at home safely: from thence let them fet me. [_Exit_.