Will you not see them, sir? And then, they dance.

 "Ay," said the Prince, "and thankful for the chance. So thankful, that these bags of gold shall buy Leave for all comers to be glad as I. And yet, I know not if the Court permits. [Pg 58]King's pleasures must be sifted through the wits Or want of wit of many a courtly brain. I get the lees and chokings of the drain, Not the bright rippling that I perish for." 

[Pg 58]

King Cole:

Sir, I will open the forbidden door,

Which, opened, they will enter all in haste.

The life of man is stronger than good taste.

The Prince:

Custom is stronger than the life of man.

King Cole:

Custom is but a way that life began.

The Prince:

A withering way that makes the leafage fall,

Custom, like Winter, is the King of all.

King Cole:

Winter makes water solid, yet the spring,

That is but flowers, is a stronger thing.[Pg 59]

[Pg 59]

Custom, the ass man rides, will plod for years,

But laughter kills him and he dies at tears.

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