Youth will needs have dalliance,
Of good or ill some pastance;
Company methinks the best
All thoughts and fancies to digest,
For idleness
Is chief mistress
Of vices all;
Then who can say
But pass the day
The best of all?

For idleness
Is chief mistress
Of vices all;
Then who can say
But pass the day
The best of all?

Pastime with good company
I love, and shall until I die;
Grudge who will, but not deny,
So God be pleas'd this life will I;
For my pastance
Hunt, sing, and dance;
My heart is set,
All goodly sport
To my comfort,
Who shall me let?

For idleness
Is chief mistress
Of vices all;
Then who can say
But pass the day
The best of all?

Company with all honesty
Is virtue, and vice to flee;
Company is good or ill,
But ev'ry man hath his free will.
The best I sue,
The worst eschew;
My mind shall be
Virtue to use;
Vice to refuse
I shall use me.

For idleness
Is chief mistress
Of vices all;
Then who can say
But pass the day
The best of all?