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And told her what he was to buy,
at which she laugh'd his wife to scorn;
On board he went immediately,
and set to sea that very morn.
PART II
NOW were they gone with merry hearts
the Merchant and his jovial crew,
From port to port in foreign parts
to trade as they were want to do,
At length when he had well bestow'd,
the cargo which was outward bound,
He did his trading vessel load,
with richer treasure which he found,
As he his merchandise did vend,
they turn'd to gems and golden ore,
Witch crown'd his labours with content,
he never was so rich before.
The wanton Harlot's venture then,
did run to great account like wife.
For ev'ry pound she would have ten,
such was their lucky marchandise
For joy of which the Merchant cry'd,
one merry bout my lads shall have;
A splendid supper I'll provide,
of all the dainties you can crave.
Before you set to sea again,
this said they to a tavern went,
Where they did feast and drink amaim,
till many crowns and pounds were spent.
The Merchant then with laughter mov'd,
said, he for wit had never fought,
My Harlot's venture is improv'd,
but of my Wife's I never thought.
One single penny and no more,
she has a venture sent with me,
I was to lay it out therefore,
in what you'd call a rarity
She bid me use my utmost skill.
