1 Lusty Youth should us ensue. <br />2 His merry heart shall sure all rue. <br />3 For whatsoever they do him tell, <br />4 It is not for him, we know it well. <br /> <br />5 For they would have him his Liberty refrain <br />6 And all merry company for to disdain, <br />7 But I will not so whatsoever they say, <br />8 But follow his mind in all that we may. <br /> <br />9 How should Youth himself best use <br />10 But all disdainers for to refuse? <br />11 Youth has, as chief assurance, <br />12 Honest Mirth with Virtue's pastance. <br /> <br />13 For in them consisteth great honour, <br />14 Though that disdainers would therein put error, <br />15 For they do sue to get them grace <br />16 All only riches to purchase. <br /> <br />17 With Good Order, Counsel, and Equity, <br />18 Good Lord, grant us our mansion to be! <br />19 For without their good guidance <br />20 Youth should fall in great mischance. <br /> <br />21 For Youth is frail and prompt to do, <br />22 As well vices as virtues to ensue. <br />23 Wherefore by these he must be guided <br />24 And Virtue's pastance must be therein used. <br /> <br />25 Now unto God this prayer we make, <br />26 That this rude play may well be take, <br />27 And that we may our faults amend, <br />28 An bliss obtain at our last end. <br />Amen.<br /><br />Henry VIII, King of England<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lusty-youth-should-us-ensue/
