<P_7>

<heading>

THE FYRST ACTE . (STEVENSO-E1-H,7.3)

THE THYRD SCEANE . (STEVENSO-E1-H,7.4)

</heading>

<font> HODGE . TYB . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-H,7.6)

<font> Hodge </font> $Ch $am {TEXT:Cham} agast by the masse ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,7.7)

ich wot not what to do (STEVENSO-E1-H,7.8)

$Ch $ad {TEXT:Chad} nede blesse me well before ich go them to
(STEVENSO-E1-H,7.9)

Perchaunce some felon sprit may haunt our house indeed ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,7.10)

And then $ch $were {TEXT:chwere} but a noddy to venter where $ch $a
{TEXT:cha} no neede , (STEVENSO-E1-H,7.11)

<font> Tib </font> $Ch $am {TEXT:Cham} worse then mad by the masse to
be at this staye (STEVENSO-E1-H,7.12)

<P_8>

$Ch $am {TEXT:Cham} chyd , (STEVENSO-E1-H,8.14)

$ch $am {TEXT:cham} blamd , and beaton all thoures on the daye , Lamed
and hunger storued , prycked vp all in Jagges Hauyng no patch to hyde
my backe , saue a few rotten ragges . (STEVENSO-E1-H,8.15)

<font> Hodge </font> I say Tyb , if thou be Tyb , as I trow sure thou
bee , What deuyll make a doe is this , betweene our dame and thee .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,8.16)

<font> Tyb </font> Gogsbreade Hodg thou had a good turne thou warte not
here this while . (STEVENSO-E1-H,8.17)

It had ben better for some of vs to haue ben hence a myle
(STEVENSO-E1-H,8.18)

My Gammer is so out of course , and frantyke all at ones That Cocke our
boy , & I poore wench , haue felt it on our bones .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,8.19)

<font> Hodge </font> What is the matter , say on Tib wherat she taketh
so on . (STEVENSO-E1-H,8.20)

<font> Tyb </font> She is vndone (STEVENSO-E1-H,8.21)

she sayth <paren> alas , </paren> her ioye and life is gone If shee
here not of some comfort , (STEVENSO-E1-H,8.22)

she is sayth but dead (STEVENSO-E1-H,8.23)

Shall neuer come within her lyps , one inch of meate ne bread .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,8.24)

<font> HODGE </font> $By $r {TEXT:Byr} Ladie $ch $am {TEXT:cham} not
very glad , to see her in this dumpe (STEVENSO-E1-H,8.25)

$Ch $olde {TEXT:Cholde} a noble her stole hath fallen , & shee hath
broke her rumpe (STEVENSO-E1-H,8.26)

<font> Tyb </font> Nay and that were the worst , we wold not greatly
care For bursting of her huckle bone , or breakyng of her Chaire ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,8.27)

But greatter , greater , is her grief , as hodge we shall all feele .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,8.28)

<P_9>

<font> Hodge </font> Gogs woundes Tyb , my gammer has neuer lost her
Neele ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,9.30)

<font> Tyb </font> Her Neele . (STEVENSO-E1-H,9.31)

<font> Hodge </font> Her Neele ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,9.32)

<font> Tib </font> Her neele (STEVENSO-E1-H,9.33)

by him that made me , it is true HODGE I tell thee .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,9.34)

<font> HODGE </font> Gogs sacrament , I would she had lost , tharte out
of her bellie The Deuill or els his dame , (STEVENSO-E1-H,9.35)

they ought her sure a shame (STEVENSO-E1-H,9.36)

How a murryon came this chaunce , <paren> say Tib </paren> vnto our
dame ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,9.37)

<font> Tyb </font> My ga~mer sat her downe on her pes ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,9.38)

& bad me reach thy breeches (STEVENSO-E1-H,9.39)

And by & by , a vengea~ce in it or she had take two stitches To clap a
clout vpon thine ars , by chaunce a syde she leares
(STEVENSO-E1-H,9.40)

And gyb our cat in the milke pan , she spied ouer head and eares
(STEVENSO-E1-H,9.41)

Ah hore , out thefe , she cryed aloud , (STEVENSO-E1-H,9.42)

& swapt the breches downe (STEVENSO-E1-H,9.43)

Up went her staffe , (STEVENSO-E1-H,9.44)

and out leapt gyb , at doors into the towne (STEVENSO-E1-H,9.45)

And synce that time was neuer wyght , cold set their eies vpo~ it
(STEVENSO-E1-H,9.46)

Gogs malison chaue Cocke and I , byd twenty times light on it .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,9.47)

<font> Hodge </font> And is not the~ my breches sewid vp , to morow
y=t= I shuld were (STEVENSO-E1-H,9.48)

<font> Tyb </font> No in faith hodge thy breeches lie , for al this
neuer the nere . (STEVENSO-E1-H,9.49)

<font> Hodge </font> Now a ve~geance light on al y=e= sort , y=t=
better shold haue kept it , The cat , the house , and tib our maid ,
y=t= better shold haue swept it (STEVENSO-E1-H,9.50)

<P_10>

Se where she co~meth crawling , (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.52)

come on in twenty deuils way (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.53)

Ye haue made a fayre daies worke , haue you not ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.54)

pray you say . (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.55)

THE FYRSTE ACTE . (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.56)

THE .IIII. SCEANE . (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.57)

</heading>

<font> GAMMER . HODGE . TYB . COCKE . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.59)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Alas hoge , alas I may well cursse and ban This
daie that euer I saw it , with gyb and the mylke pan
(STEVENSO-E1-H,10.60)

For these and ill lucke to gather , as knoweth Cocke my boye Haue
stacke away my deare neele , and robd me of my ioye My fayre longe
strayght neele that was myne onely treasure (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.61)

The fyrst day of my sorow is , and last end of my pleasure .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,10.62)

<font> HODGE </font> Might ha kept it when ye had it ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,10.63)

but fooles will be fooles styll . (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.64)

Lose that is vast in your handes , ye neede not (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.65)

but ye will . (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.66)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Go hie thee tib , (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.67)

and run thou hoore , to thend here of the towne (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.68)

Didst cary out dust in thy lap , (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.69)

seeke wher thou porest it downe (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.70)

And as thou sawest me roking , in the asshes where I morned So see in
all the heape of dust , thou leaue no straw vnturned .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,10.71)

<font> Tyb </font> That $ch $al {TEXT:chal} gammer swythe and tyte ,
and sone be here agayne . (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.72)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Tib stoope (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.73)

& loke downe to y=e= ground to it , (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.74)

& take some paine . (STEVENSO-E1-H,10.75)

<P_11>

<font> Hodge </font> Here is a prety matter , to see this gere how it
goes By gogs soule (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.77)

I thenk you wold loes your ars , (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.78)

and it were loose Your neele lost , (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.79)

it is pitie you shold lack care and endlesse sorow Gogs deth
(STEVENSO-E1-H,11.80)

how shall my breches be sewid , (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.81)

shall I go thus to morow (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.82)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Ah hodg , hodg , if that ich cold find my neele
by the reed $Ch $ould {TEXT:Chould} sow thy breches ich promise y=e= ,
w=t= full good double threed And set a patch on either knee , shuld
last this monethes twaine (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.83)

Now god & good Saint Sithe I praye , to send it home againe .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,11.84)

<font> Hodge </font> Wherto serued your hands & eies , but this your
neele to kepe (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.85)

What deuill had you els to do , (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.86)

ye kept ich wot no sheepe (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.87)

$Ch $am {TEXT:Cham} faine a brode to dyg and delue , in water , myre
and claye Sossing and possing in the durte , (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.88)

styll from day to daye A hundred thinges that be abrode , $ch $am
{TEXT:cham} set to see them weele (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.89)

And foure of you syt idle at home , (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.90)

and can not keepe a neele . (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.91)

<font> Ga~mer </font> My neele alas ich lost it hodge , what time ich
me vp hasted To saue the milke set vp for the , which gib our cat hath
wasted (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.92)

<font> Hodge </font> The Deuill he burst both gib , and Tib , with all
the rest (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.93)

$Ch $am {TEXT:Cham} alwayes sure of the worst end , who euer haue the
best (STEVENSO-E1-H,11.94)

<P_12>

Where ha you ben fidging abrode , since you your neele lost
(STEVENSO-E1-H,12.96)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Within the house , and at the dore , sitting by
this same post Wher I was loking a long howre , before these folks came
here , (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.97)

But welaway , all was in vayne , (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.98)

my neele is neuer the nere . (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.99)

<font> Hodge </font> Set me a candle , (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.100)

let me seeke and grope where euer it bee (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.101)

Gogs hart ye be so folish <paren> ich thinke </paren> you knowe it not
when you it see (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.102)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Come hether Cocke , (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.103)

what Cocke I say . (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.104)

<font> Cocke </font> Howe Gammer . (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.105)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Goe hye thee soone , (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.106)

and grope behynd the old brasse pan , Whych thing when thou hast done
Ther shalt thou fynd an old shooe , wher in if thou looke well Thou
shalt fynd lyeng an inche of a whyte tallow candell ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,12.107)

Lyght it , (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.108)

and brynge it tite awaye {COM:sic} . (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.109)

<font> Cocke </font> That $shall $be {TEXT:shalbe} done anone .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,12.110)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Nay tary hodg til thou hast light ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,12.111)

and then $we $'ll {TEXT:weele} seke eche one . (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.112)

<font> Hodge </font> Cum away ye horson boy , (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.113)

are ye a slepe ; (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.114)

ye must haue a crier . (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.115)

<font> Cocke </font> Ich $can $not {TEXT:cannot} get the candel light
(STEVENSO-E1-H,12.116)

here is almost no fier . (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.117)

<font> Hodge </font> $Ch $il {TEXT:Chil} hold the a peny
(STEVENSO-E1-H,12.118)

$ch $il {TEXT:chil} make y=e= come if y=t= ich may catch thine eares
(STEVENSO-E1-H,12.119)

Art deffe thou horson boy ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.120)

cocke I say , why canst not heares . (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.121)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Beate hym not HODGE (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.122)

but help the boy (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.123)

and come you two together . (STEVENSO-E1-H,12.124)

<P_13>

<heading>

THE .I. ACTE . (STEVENSO-E1-H,13.127)

THE .V. SCEANE . (STEVENSO-E1-H,13.128)

</heading>

<font> GAMMER . TYB , COCKE . HODGE . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-H,13.130)

<font> Ga~mer </font> How now Tyb , (STEVENSO-E1-H,13.131)

quycke $let $'s {TEXT:lets} here , what newes thou hast brought hether
. (STEVENSO-E1-H,13.132)

<font> Tyb </font> $Ch $aue {TEXT:Chaue} tost and tumbled yender heap
our & ouer againe And winowed it through my fingers , as me~ wold winow
grain (STEVENSO-E1-H,13.133)

No so much as a hens turd but in pieces I tare it
(STEVENSO-E1-H,13.134)

Or what so euer clod or clay I found , I did not spare it Lokyng within
and eke without , to fynd your neele (STEVENSO-E1-H,13.135)

<paren> alas </paren> But all in vaine and without help ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,13.136)

your neele is where it was . (STEVENSO-E1-H,13.137)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Alas my neele we shall neuer meete , adue , adue
for aye . (STEVENSO-E1-H,13.138)

<font> Tyb </font> Not so gammer , we myght it fynd if we knew where it
laye . (STEVENSO-E1-H,13.139)

<font> Cocke </font> Gogs crosse Gammer if ye will laugh looke in but
at the doore (STEVENSO-E1-H,13.140)

And see how Hodg lieth tomblynge and tossing amids the floure Rakyng
there some fyre to find amonge the asshes dead Where there is not one
sparke , so byg as a pyns head , (STEVENSO-E1-H,13.141)

At last in a darke corner two sparkes he thought he sees Which were
indede nought els but Gyb our cat two eyes (STEVENSO-E1-H,13.142)

<P_14>

Puffe quod hodg thinking therby to haue fyre without doubt
(STEVENSO-E1-H,14.144)

With that Gyb shut her two eyes , (STEVENSO-E1-H,14.145)

& so the fyre was out (STEVENSO-E1-H,14.146)

And by and by them opened , euen as they were before ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,14.147)

With that the sparkes appered euen as they had done of yore ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,14.148)

And euen as HODGE blew the fire as he did thincke Gyb as she felt the
blast strayght way began to wyncke , Tyll HODGE fell of swering , as
came best to his turne , The fier was sure bewicht and therfore wold
not burne : (STEVENSO-E1-H,14.149)

At last Gyb vp the stayers , among the old postes and pinnes ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,14.150)

And HODGE he hied him after till broke were both his shinnes : Cursynge
and swering othes , were neuer of his makyng , That Gyb wold fyre the
house , if that shee were not taken . (STEVENSO-E1-H,14.151)

<font> Ga~mer </font> See here is all the thought that the foolysh
Urchyn taketh , (STEVENSO-E1-H,14.152)

And Tyb me thinke at his elbowe almost as mery maketh
(STEVENSO-E1-H,14.153)

This is all the wyt ye haue when others make their mone ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,14.154)

Come downe HODGE , (STEVENSO-E1-H,14.155)

where art thou (STEVENSO-E1-H,14.156)

and let the Cat alone . (STEVENSO-E1-H,14.157)

<font> Hodge </font> Gogs harte , help (STEVENSO-E1-H,14.158)

and come vp , (STEVENSO-E1-H,14.159)

Gyb in her tayle hath fyre , (STEVENSO-E1-H,14.160)

And is like to burne all if shee get a lytle hier :
(STEVENSO-E1-H,14.161)

Cum downe <paren> quoth you , </paren> (STEVENSO-E1-H,14.162)

nay then you might count me a patch , (STEVENSO-E1-H,14.163)

<P_15>

The house co~meth downe on your heads if it take ons y thatch .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,15.165)

<font> Ga~mer </font> It is the cats eyes foole that shineth in the
darke . (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.166)

<font> Hodge </font> Hath the Cat do you thinke in euery eye a sparke .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,15.167)

<font> Ga~mer </font> No , but they shyne as lyke fyre as euer man see
. (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.168)

<font> Hodge </font> By the masse and she burne all , $you $sh
{TEXT:yoush} beare the blame for mee (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.169)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Cum downe (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.170)

& help to seeke here our neele that it were found
(STEVENSO-E1-H,15.171)

Downe Tyb on the knees I say , (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.172)

downe Cocke to the ground . (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.173)

To God I make a vowe , and so to good Saint Anne A candell shall they
haue a peece , get it where I can , If I may my neele find in one place
or in other . (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.174)

<font> Hodge </font> Now a vengeaunce on gib light , on gyb and gybs
mother And all the generacyon of Cats both far and nere
(STEVENSO-E1-H,15.175)

Looke on the ground horson (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.176)

thinks thou the neele is here . (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.177)

<font> Cocke </font> By my trouth gammer me thought your neele here I
saw (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.178)

But when my fyngers toucht it , I felt it was a straw .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,15.179)

<font> Tyb </font> See Hodge (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.180)

$what $'s {TEXT:whats} thys , (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.181)

may it not be within it , (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.182)

<font> Hodge </font> Breake it foole with thy hand
(STEVENSO-E1-H,15.183)

and see and thou canst fynde it . (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.184)

<font> Tyb </font> Nay breake it you Hodge accordyng to your word .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,15.185)

<font> Hodge </font> Gogs sydes , fye it styncks ;
(STEVENSO-E1-H,15.186)

it is a Cats tourd , (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.187)

It were well done to make thee eate it by the masse .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,15.188)

<font> Ga~mer </font> This matter amendeth not (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.189)

my neele is still where it wasse (STEVENSO-E1-H,15.190)

<P_16>

Our candle is at an ende (STEVENSO-E1-H,16.192)

let vs all in quight And come another tyme , when we haue more lyght
(STEVENSO-E1-H,16.193)

<P_53>

<heading>

THE V. ACTE . (STEVENSO-E1-H,53.196)

THE II SCEANE , (STEVENSO-E1-H,53.197)

</heading>

<font> M. BAYLY . CHAT . D. RAT . GAMMER . HODGE . DICCON . </font>
(STEVENSO-E1-H,53.199)

<font> Bayly </font> Dame Chat , master doctor vpon you here complained
That you & your maides shuld him much misorder . (STEVENSO-E1-H,53.200)

And taketh many an oth , that no word he fained , Laying to your charge
, how you thought him to murder : (STEVENSO-E1-H,53.201)

And on his part againe , that same man saith furder He neuer offended
you in word nor intent , (STEVENSO-E1-H,53.202)

To heare you answer hereto , we haue now for you sent .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,53.203)

<font> Chat </font> That I wold haue murdered him , fye on him wretch ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,53.204)

And euil mought he thee for it , our Lord I besech ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,53.205)

I will swere on al the bookes that opens and shuttes He faineth this
tale out of his owne guttes , (STEVENSO-E1-H,53.206)

<P_54>

For this seuen weeks with me , I am sure he sat not downe ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,54.208)

Nay ye haue other minions , in the other end of the towne , Where ye
were liker to catch such a blow , Then any where els , as farre as I
know . (STEVENSO-E1-H,54.209)

<font> Baily </font> Belike then master Doctor , yon stripe there ye
got not ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,54.210)

<font> D. Rat </font> Thinke you I am so mad , that where I was bet , I
wot not ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,54.211)

Will ye beleue this queane , before she hath tryd it ?
(STEVENSO-E1-H,54.212)

It is not the first dede she hath done and afterward denide it .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,54.213)

<font> Chat </font> What man , will you say I broke your head ?
(STEVENSO-E1-H,54.214)

<font> D. Rat </font> How canst thou proue the contrary ?
(STEVENSO-E1-H,54.215)

<font> Chat </font> Nay , how prouest thou that I did the deade .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,54.216)

<font> D. Rat </font> To plainly , by S. Mary . (STEVENSO-E1-H,54.217)

This profe I trow may serue , though I no word spoke .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,54.218)

<font> Showing his broken head . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-H,54.219)

<font> Chat </font> Bicause thy head is broken , was it I that it broke
? (STEVENSO-E1-H,54.220)

I saw thee Rat I tel thee , not once within this fortnight ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,54.221)

<font> D. Rat </font> No mary , thou sawest me not , for why thou hadst
no light , (STEVENSO-E1-H,54.222)

But I felt thee for al the darke , beshrew thy smothe cheekes ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,54.223)

And thou groped me , (STEVENSO-E1-H,54.224)

this wil declare , any day this six weekes <font> Showing his heade .
</font> (STEVENSO-E1-H,54.225)

<font> Baily </font> Answere me to this M. Rat , when caught you this
harme of yours ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,54.226)

<font> D. Rat </font> A while a go sir , god he knoweth , w=t=in les
the~ these ii. houres . (STEVENSO-E1-H,54.227)

<P_55>

<font> Baily </font> Dame Chat was there none with you :
(STEVENSO-E1-H,55.229)

<paren> confesse I faith </paren> about that season .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,55.230)

What woman , let it be what it wil , (STEVENSO-E1-H,55.231)

$'t $is {TEXT:tis} neither felony nor treason <font> Chat </font>
(STEVENSO-E1-H,55.232)

Yes by my faith master Bayly , there was a knaue not farre Who caught
one good Philup on the brow , with a dore barre (STEVENSO-E1-H,55.233)

And well was he worthy , as it semed to mee , (STEVENSO-E1-H,55.234)

But what is that to this man , since this was not hee .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,55.235)

<font> Baily </font> Who was it then ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,55.236)

$let $'s {TEXT:lets} here . (STEVENSO-E1-H,55.237)

<font> D. Rat </font> Alas sir , aske you that ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,55.238)

Is it not made plain inough <paren> by the owne mouth of dame chat
</paren> (STEVENSO-E1-H,55.239)

The time agreeth , (STEVENSO-E1-H,55.240)

my head is broken , (STEVENSO-E1-H,55.241)

her tong can not lye , Onely vpon a bare , (STEVENSO-E1-H,55.242)

nay she saith it was not I . (STEVENSO-E1-H,55.243)

<font> Chat </font> No mary was it not indeede (STEVENSO-E1-H,55.244)

ye shal here by this one thing , (STEVENSO-E1-H,55.245)

This after noone a fre~d of mine , for good wil gaue me warning
(STEVENSO-E1-H,55.246)

And bad me wel loke to my ruste , and al my Capons pennes ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,55.247)

For if I toke not better heede , a knaue wold haue my hennes ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,55.248)

Then I to saue my goods , toke so much pains as him to watch
(STEVENSO-E1-H,55.249)

And as good fortune serued me , it was my chau~ce hi~ for to catch
(STEVENSO-E1-H,55.250)

What strokes he bare away , or other what was his gaines I wot not ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,55.251)

but sure I am , he had something for his paines (STEVENSO-E1-H,55.252)

<font> Baily </font> Yet telles thou not who it was .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,55.253)

<P_56>

<font> Chat </font> Who it was a false theefe , That came like a false
Foxe , my pullaine to kil and mischeefe . (STEVENSO-E1-H,56.255)

<font> Baily </font> But knowest thou not his name ?
(STEVENSO-E1-H,56.256)

<font> Chat </font> I know it (STEVENSO-E1-H,56.257)

but what than , It was that crafty cullyon HODGE my gammer gurtons man
. (STEVENSO-E1-H,56.258)

<font> Bailie </font> Cal me the knaue hether , (STEVENSO-E1-H,56.259)

he shal sure kysse the stockes . (STEVENSO-E1-H,56.260)

I shall teach him a lesson , for filching hens or cocks
(STEVENSO-E1-H,56.261)

<font> D. Rat </font> I maruaile master bayly , so bleared be your eyes
. (STEVENSO-E1-H,56.262)

An egge is not so ful of meate , as she is ful of lyes :
(STEVENSO-E1-H,56.263)

When she hath playd this pranke , to excuse al this geare , She layeth
the fault in such a one , as I know was not there .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,56.264)

<font> Chat </font> Was he not thear (STEVENSO-E1-H,56.265)

loke on his pate , (STEVENSO-E1-H,56.266)

that $shall $be {TEXT:shalbe} his witnes . (STEVENSO-E1-H,56.267)

<font> D. Rat </font> I wold my head were half so hole ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,56.268)

I wold seeke no redresse . (STEVENSO-E1-H,56.269)

<font> Baily </font> God bless you gammer Gurton .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,56.270)

<font> Ga~mer </font> God dylde you master mine .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,56.271)

<font> Baily </font> Thou hast a knaue w=t=in thy house , hodge , a
seruant of thine . (STEVENSO-E1-H,56.272)

They tel me that busy knaue , is such a filching one , That Hen , Pig ,
goose or capon , thy neighbour can haue none , (STEVENSO-E1-H,56.273)

<font> Ga~mer </font> By god $ch $am {TEXT:cham} much ameued , to heare
any such reporte : (STEVENSO-E1-H,56.274)

HODGE was not wont ich trow , to baue him in that sort .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,56.275)

<font> Chat </font> A theeuisher knaue is not on liue , more filching ,
nor more false (STEVENSO-E1-H,56.276)

<P_57>

Many a truer man then he , hase hanged vp by the halse .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,57.278)

And thou his dame of al his theft , thou art the sole receauer
(STEVENSO-E1-H,57.279)

For hodge to catch , and thou to kepe , I neuer knew none better
(STEVENSO-E1-H,57.280)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Sir reuerence of your masterdome ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,57.281)

and you were out adoore , (STEVENSO-E1-H,57.282)

$Ch $old {TEXT:Chold} be so bolde for al hir brags , to cal hir arrant
whoore , (STEVENSO-E1-H,57.283)

And ich knew HODGE so bad as tow , ich wish me endlesse sorow And $ch
$ould {TEXT:chould} not take the pains , to hang him vp before to morow
? (STEVENSO-E1-H,57.284)

<font> Chat </font> What haue I stolne fro~ the or thine : thou
ilfauored olde trot . (STEVENSO-E1-H,57.285)

<font> Ga~mer </font> A great deale more <paren> by Gods blest ,
</paren> then $ch $euer {TEXT:cheuer} by the got ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,57.286)

That thou knowest wel (STEVENSO-E1-H,57.287)

I neade not say it . (STEVENSO-E1-H,57.288)

<font> Baily </font> Stoppe there I say , (STEVENSO-E1-H,57.289)

And tel me here I pray you , this matter by the way :
(STEVENSO-E1-H,57.290)

How chaunce hodge is not here (STEVENSO-E1-H,57.291)

him wold I faine haue had . (STEVENSO-E1-H,57.292)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Alas sir , $he $'ll {TEXT:heel} be here anon , ha
be handled to bad . (STEVENSO-E1-H,57.293)

<font> Chat </font> Master bayly , sir ye be not such a foole wel I
know , (STEVENSO-E1-H,57.294)

But ye perceiue by this lingring , there is a pad in the straw .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,57.295)

<font> Thinking that Hodg , his head was broke , and that gammer Wold
not let him come before them . </font>

<font> Ga~mer </font> $Ch $il {TEXT:Chil} shew you his face , ich
warrant the , (STEVENSO-E1-H,57.297)

lo now where he is . (STEVENSO-E1-H,57.298)

<font> Bailie </font> Come on fellow (STEVENSO-E1-H,57.299)

it is tolde me thou art a shrew iwysse , (STEVENSO-E1-H,57.300)

<P_58>

Thy neighbours hens y=u= takest , (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.302)

and playes the two legged foxe (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.303)

Their chikens & their capons to , & now and then their Cocks .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,58.304)

<font> Hodge </font> Ich defy them al that dare it say ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,58.305)

$ch $am {TEXT:cham} as true as the best . (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.306)

<font> Baily </font> Wart not y=u= take~ within this houre , in dame
chats hens nest ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.307)

<font> Hodge </font> Take~ there ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.308)

no master $ch $old {TEXT:chold} not $do $'t {TEXT:dot} , for a house
ful of gold . (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.309)

<font> Chat </font> Thou or the deuil in thy cote , sweare this
(STEVENSO-E1-H,58.310)

I dare be bold . (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.311)

<font> D. Rat </font> Sweare me no swearing quean ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,58.312)

the deuill he geue the sorow , (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.313)

Al is not worth a gnat , (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.314)

thou canst sweare till to morow , (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.315)

Where is the harme he hath ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.316)

shew it by gods bread , (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.317)

Ye beat him with a witnes , (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.318)

but the stripes light on my head . (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.319)

<font> Hodge </font> Bet me ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.320)

gogs blessed body , $ch $old {TEXT:chold} first ich trow haue burst the
Ich thinke and $ch $ad {TEXT:chad} my hands loose callet $ch $ould
{TEXT:chould} haue crust the . (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.321)

<font> Chat </font> Thou shitte~ knaue I trow y=u= knowest y=e= ful
weight of my fist (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.322)

I am fowly deceiued , onles thy head & my doore bar kyste .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,58.323)

<font> Hodge </font> Hold thy chat whore (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.324)

y=u= criest so loude , can no man els be hard (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.325)

<font> Chat </font> Well knaue , & I had the alone , I wold surely rap
thy costard . (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.326)

<font> Bayly </font> Sir answer me to this , (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.327)

is thy head whole or broken ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,58.328)

<font> Chat </font> Yea master Bayly , blest be euery good token .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,58.329)

<P_59>

<font> Hodge </font> Is my head whole ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,59.331)

ich warra~t you , $'t $is {TEXT:tis} neither scuruy nor scald
(STEVENSO-E1-H,59.332)

What you foule beast , does think $'t $is {TEXT:tis} either pild or
bald . (STEVENSO-E1-H,59.333)

Nay ich thanke god : (STEVENSO-E1-H,59.334)

$ch $il {TEXT:chil} not for al that thou maist spend That $ch $ad
{TEXT:chad} one scab on my narse , as brode as thy fingers end .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,59.335)

<font> Bayly </font> Come nearer heare . (STEVENSO-E1-H,59.336)

<font> Hodge </font> Yes That ich dare . (STEVENSO-E1-H,59.337)

<font> Bayly </font> By our Lady her is no harme ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,59.338)

Hodges head is hole ynough , for al dame Chats charme .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,59.339)

<font> Chat </font> By gogs blest , how euer the thing he clockes or
smolders , I know the blowes he bare away , either-2 w=t= head or
shoulders , (STEVENSO-E1-H,59.340)

Camest y=u= not knaue within this houre , creping into my pens And
there was caught within my hous , gropi~g among my hens .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,59.341)

<font> Hodge </font> A plage both-1 on thy hens & the ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,59.342)

a carte whore , a carte , (STEVENSO-E1-H,59.343)

$Ch $ould {TEXT:Chould} I were ha~ged as hie as a tree , & $ch $ware
{TEXT:chware} as false as y=u= art (STEVENSO-E1-H,59.344)

Geue my ga~mer again her washical , y=u= stole away in thy lap .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,59.345)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Yea maister baily there is a thing , you know not
on may hap (STEVENSO-E1-H,59.346)

This drab she kepes away my good , (STEVENSO-E1-H,59.347)

y=e= deuil he might her snare (STEVENSO-E1-H,59.348)

Ich pray you that ich might haue , a right action on her .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,59.349)

<font> Chat </font> Haue I thy good old filth , or any such old sowes ?
(STEVENSO-E1-H,59.350)

I am as true , I wold thou knew , as skin betwene thy browes
(STEVENSO-E1-H,59.351)

<P_60>

<font> Ga~mer </font> Many a truer hath be~ hanged , though you escape
the daunger (STEVENSO-E1-H,60.353)

<font> Chat </font> Thou shalt answer by gods pity , for this thy foule
slaunder . (STEVENSO-E1-H,60.354)

<font> Baily </font> Why , what ca~ ye charge hir withal ?
(STEVENSO-E1-H,60.355)

to say so , ye do not well . (STEVENSO-E1-H,60.356)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Mary a ve~geance to hir hart ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,60.357)

y=t= whore hase stoln my neele . (STEVENSO-E1-H,60.358)

<font> Chat </font> Thy nedle old witch , how so ?
(STEVENSO-E1-H,60.359)

it were almes thy scul to knock (STEVENSO-E1-H,60.360)

So didst thou say , the other day , that I had stolne thy Cock And
rosted him to my breakfast , which shal not be forgotten ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,60.361)

The deuil pul out thy lying tong , and teeth that be so rotten .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,60.362)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Geue me my neele , (STEVENSO-E1-H,60.363)

as for my cocke , $Ch $ould {TEXT:Chould} be very loth That $ch $uld
{TEXT:chuld} here tel he shuld hang , on thy fals faith and troth .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,60.364)

<font> Baily </font> Your talke is such , I can scarse learne who shuld
be most in fault (STEVENSO-E1-H,60.365)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Yet shal ye find no other wight , saue she , by
bred & salt (STEVENSO-E1-H,60.366)

<font> Baily </font> Kepe ye content a while , (STEVENSO-E1-H,60.367)

se that your tonges ye holde , (STEVENSO-E1-H,60.368)

Me thinkes you shuld remembre , this is no place to scolde ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,60.369)

How knowest thou ga~mer gurton , dame Chat thy nedle had ?
(STEVENSO-E1-H,60.370)

<font> Ga~mer </font> To name you sir the party , $ch $ould
{TEXT:chould} not be very glad . (STEVENSO-E1-H,60.371)

<font> Baily </font> Yea but we must nedes heare it ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,60.372)

& therfore say it boldly . (STEVENSO-E1-H,60.373)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Such one as told the tale , full soberly and
coldly , (STEVENSO-E1-H,60.374)

Euen he that loked on , wil sweare on a booke : <P_61> What time this
drunken gossip , my faire long neele vp tooke (STEVENSO-E1-H,61.375)

Diccon <paren> master </paren> the Bedlam , $ch $am {TEXT:cham} very
sure ye know him . (STEVENSO-E1-H,61.376)

<font> Bailie </font> A false knaue by Gods pitie ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,61.377)

ye were but a foole to trow him , (STEVENSO-E1-H,61.378)

I durst auenture wel the price of my best cap , That when the end is
knowen , all wil turne to a iape , (STEVENSO-E1-H,61.379)

Tolde he not you that besides she stole your Cocke that tyde ?
(STEVENSO-E1-H,61.380)

<font> Ga~mer </font> No master no indede , (STEVENSO-E1-H,61.381)

for then he shuld haue lyed , (STEVENSO-E1-H,61.382)

My cocke is I thanke Christ , safe and wel a fine .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,61.383)

<font> Chat </font> Yea but that ragged colt , that whore that tyb of
thine Said plainly thy cocke was stolne , & in my house was eaten ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,61.384)

That lying cut is lost , that she is not swinged and beaten ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,61.385)

And yet for al my good name , it were a small amendes I picke not this
geare <paren> hearst thou </paren> out of my fingers endes
(STEVENSO-E1-H,61.386)

But he that hard it told me , who thou of late didst name Diccon whom
al men knowes , (STEVENSO-E1-H,61.387)

it was the very same . (STEVENSO-E1-H,61.388)

<font> Baily </font> This is the case , (STEVENSO-E1-H,61.389)

you lost your nedle about the dores (STEVENSO-E1-H,61.390)

And she answeres againe , she hase no cocke of yours ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,61.391)

Thus in your talke and Action , from that you do intend , She is whole
fiue mile wide , from that she doth defend : (STEVENSO-E1-H,61.392)

Will you saie she hath your Cocke ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,61.393)

<P_62>

<font> Ga~mer </font> No mery sir that $ch $il {TEXT:chil} not ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,62.395)

<font> Bayly </font> Will you confesse hir neele ?
(STEVENSO-E1-H,62.396)

<font> Chat </font> Will I ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,62.397)

no sir I will not . (STEVENSO-E1-H,62.398)

<font> Bayly </font> Then there lieth all the matter .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,62.399)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Soft master by the way , Ye know she could do
litle , and she cold not say nay . (STEVENSO-E1-H,62.400)

<font> Bayly </font> Yea but he that made one lie about your Cock
stealing , Wil not sticke to make another , (STEVENSO-E1-H,62.401)

what time lies be in dealing I weene , the ende wil proue ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,62.402)

this brawle did first arise , Upon no other ground , but only Diccons
lyes . (STEVENSO-E1-H,62.403)

<font> Chat </font> Though some be lyes as you belike haue espyed them
, Yet other some be true , (STEVENSO-E1-H,62.404)

by proof I haue wel tryed them . (STEVENSO-E1-H,62.405)

<font> Bayly </font> What other thing beside this dame Chat .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,62.406)

<font> Chat </font> Mary syr euen this , (STEVENSO-E1-H,62.407)

The tale I tolde before , the selfe same tale it was his , He gaue me
like a frende , warning against my losse , (STEVENSO-E1-H,62.408)

Els had my hens be {COM:sic} stolne , eche one , by Gods crosse :
(STEVENSO-E1-H,62.409)

He tolde me Hodge wold come , (STEVENSO-E1-H,62.410)

and in he came indeede , But as the matter chaunsed , with greater hast
then speede , (STEVENSO-E1-H,62.411)

This truth was said , and true was found , as truly I report .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,62.412)

<font> Bayly </font> If Doctor Rat be not deceiued , it was of another
sort . (STEVENSO-E1-H,62.413)

<font> D. Rat </font> By Gods mother thou and he , be a cople of suttle
foxes , (STEVENSO-E1-H,62.414)

<P_63>

Betweene you and HODGE , I beare away the boxes ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,63.416)

Did not dicco~ apoynt the place , wher y=u= shuldst sta~d to mete him .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,63.417)

<font> Chat </font> Yes by the masse , (STEVENSO-E1-H,63.418)

& if he came , bad me not sticke to speet hym . (STEVENSO-E1-H,63.419)

<font> D. Rat </font> Gods sacrament the villain knaue hath drest vs
round about , (STEVENSO-E1-H,63.420)

He is the cause of all this brawle , that dyrty shitten loute :
(STEVENSO-E1-H,63.421)

When gammer gurton here complained , & made a ruful mone I heard him
sweare y=t= you had gotten , hir nedle that was gone ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,63.422)

And this to try he furder said , he was ful loth how be it He was
content with small adoe , to bring me where to see it .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,63.423)

And where ye sat , he said ful certain , if I wold folow his read Into
your house a priuy way , he wold me guide and leade , And where ye had
it in your hands , sewing about a clowte , (STEVENSO-E1-H,63.424)

And set me in the backe hole , therby to finde you out :
(STEVENSO-E1-H,63.425)

And whiles I sought a quietnes , creping vpon my knees , I found the
weight of your dore bar , for my reward and fees ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,63.426)

Such is the lucke that some men gets , while they begin to mel In
setting at one such as were out , minding to make al wel .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,63.427)

<font> HODGE </font> Was not wel blest ga~mer , to scape y scoure ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,63.428)

& $ch $ad {TEXT:chad} ben there <P_64> The~ $ch $ad {TEXT:chad} ben
drest be like , as ill by the masse , as gaffar vicar .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,64.429)

<font> Bayly </font> Mary sir , here is a sport alone ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,64.430)

I loked for such an end (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.431)

If diccon had not playd the knaue , this had ben sone amend
(STEVENSO-E1-H,64.432)

My gammer here he made a foole , (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.433)

and drest hir as she was (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.434)

And goodwife Chat he set to scole , till both partes cried alas ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,64.435)

And D. Rat was not behind , whiles Chat his crown did pare ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,64.436)

I wold the knaue had be~ starke blind , if hodg had not his share .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,64.437)

<font> HODGE </font> $Ch $am {TEXT:Cham} meetly wel sped alredy amongs
, (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.438)

$ch $am {TEXT:cham} drest like a coult (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.439)

And $ch $ad {TEXT:chad} not had the better wit , $ch $ad {TEXT:chad}
bene made a doult . (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.440)

<font> Bayly </font> Sir knaue make hast diccon were here ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,64.441)

fetch him where euer he bee (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.442)

<font> Chat </font> Fie on the villaine , fie , fie , y=t= makes vs
thus agree , (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.443)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Fie on him knaue , with al my hart ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,64.444)

now fie , and fie againe . (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.445)

<font> D. Rat </font> Now fie on him may I best say , whom he hath
almost slaine . (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.446)

<font> Bayly </font> Lo where he commeth at hand ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,64.447)

belike he was not fare (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.448)

Diccon heare be two or three , (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.449)

thy company can not spare . (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.450)

<font> Diccon </font> God blesse you , (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.451)

and you may be blest so many al at once (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.452)

<font> Chat </font> Come knaue , (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.453)

it were a good deed to geld the by cockes bones (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.454)

Seest not thy handiwarke ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.455)

sir Rat can ye forbeare him ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,64.456)

<P_65>

<font> Diccon </font> A ve~geance on those hands lite ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,65.458)

for my ha~ds cam not nere hym (STEVENSO-E1-H,65.459)

The horsen priest hath lift the pot , in some of these ale wyves
chayres That his head wolde not serue him , belyke to come downe the
stayres . (STEVENSO-E1-H,65.460)

<font> Baily </font> Nay soft , thou maist not play y=e= knaue , & haue
this language to (STEVENSO-E1-H,65.461)

If thou thy tong bridle a while , (STEVENSO-E1-H,65.462)

the better maist thou do , (STEVENSO-E1-H,65.463)

Confesse the truth as I shall aske , (STEVENSO-E1-H,65.464)

and cease a while to fable . (STEVENSO-E1-H,65.465)

And for thy fault I promise the , thy handling $shall $be {TEXT:shalbe}
reasonable (STEVENSO-E1-H,65.466)

Hast thou not made a lie or two , to set these two by the eares ?
(STEVENSO-E1-H,65.467)

<font> Diccon </font> What if I haue ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,65.468)

fiue hundred such haue I seene within these seuen yeares :
(STEVENSO-E1-H,65.469)

I am sory for nothing else but that I see not the sport Which was
betwene them whe~ they met , as they the~ selues report
(STEVENSO-E1-H,65.470)

<font> Bayly </font> The greatest thing master rat ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,65.471)

ye se how he is drest . (STEVENSO-E1-H,65.472)

<font> Diccon </font> What deuil nede he be groping so depe , in
goodwife Chats he~s nest (STEVENSO-E1-H,65.473)

<font> Bayly </font> Yea but it was thy drift to bring him into y=e=
briars . (STEVENSO-E1-H,65.474)

<font> Diccon </font> Gods bread , hath not such an old foole , wit to
saue his eares ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,65.475)

He showeth himselfe herein ye see , so very a coxe ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,65.476)

The Cat was not so madly alured by the Foxe , To run into the snares ,
was set for him doubtlesse , (STEVENSO-E1-H,65.477)

For he leapt in for myce , and this sir Iohn for madnes .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,65.478)

<P_66>

<font> D. Rat </font> Well and ye shift no better ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,66.480)

ye losel , lyther , and lasye , I will go neare for this , to make ye
leape at a Dasye . (STEVENSO-E1-H,66.481)

In the kings name master Bayly , I charge you set him fast .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,66.482)

<font> Diccon </font> What fast at cardes , or fast on slepe ?
(STEVENSO-E1-H,66.483)

it is the thing I did last . (STEVENSO-E1-H,66.484)

<font> D. Rat </font> Nay fast in fetters false varlet , according to
thy needes . (STEVENSO-E1-H,66.485)

<font> Bayly </font> Master doctor ther is no remedy ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,66.486)

I must intreat you needes Some other kinde of punishment ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,66.487)

<font> D. Rat </font> Nay by all Halowes , His punishme~t if I may iudg
, $shall $be {TEXT:shalbe} naught els but the gallous .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,66.488)

<font> Bayly </font> That were to sore , a spiritual man to be so
extreame . (STEVENSO-E1-H,66.489)

<font> D. Rat </font> Is he worthy any better , sir
(STEVENSO-E1-H,66.490)

how do ye iudge and deame ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,66.491)

<font> Bayly </font> I graunt him worthie punishment , but in no wise
so great . (STEVENSO-E1-H,66.492)

<font> Ga~mer </font> It is a shame ich tel you plaine ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,66.493)

for such false knaues intreat He has almost vndone vs al ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,66.494)

that is as true as steele : (STEVENSO-E1-H,66.495)

And yet for al this great ado ' $ch $am {TEXT:cham} neuer the nere my
neele . (STEVENSO-E1-H,66.496)

<font> Bayly </font> Canst y=u= not say any thing to that diccon , with
least or most ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,66.497)

<font> Diccon </font> Yea mary sir , thus much I can say wel ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,66.498)

the nedle is lost , (STEVENSO-E1-H,66.499)

<font> Bayly </font> Nay canst not thou tel which way , that nedle may
be found <font> Diccon </font>

No by my fay sir , though I might haue an hundred pound .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,66.501)

<P_67>

<font> Hodge </font> Thou lier lickdish , didst not say the neele wold
be gitten ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.503)

<font> Diccon </font> No HODGE , by the same token , you where that
time beshitten ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.504)

Forfeare of Hobgobling , (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.505)

you wot wel what I meane , (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.506)

As long as it is sence , I feare me yet ye be scarce cleane .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,67.507)

<font> Bayly </font> Wel master rat , you must both learne , & teach vs
to forgeue Since Diccon hath confession made , & is so cleane shreue ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,67.508)

If ye to me conscent , to amend this heauie chaunce , I wil inioyne him
here , some open kind of penaunce : (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.509)

Of this condition , where ye know my fee is twenty pence For the
bloodshed , I am agreed with you here to dispence ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,67.510)

Ye shal go quite , so that ye graunt , the matter now to run , To end
with mirth emong vs al , euen as it was begun . (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.511)

<font> Chat </font> Say yea master vicar , (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.512)

& he shal sure confes to be your detter (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.513)

And al we that be heare present , wil loue you much the better
(STEVENSO-E1-H,67.514)

<font> D. Rat </font> My part is the worst , (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.515)

but since you al here on agree . Go euen to master Bayly ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,67.516)

let it be so for mee , <font> Bayly </font> (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.517)

How saiest thou diccon , (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.518)

art content (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.519)

this shal on me depend (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.520)

<font> Diccon </font> Go to M. Bayly (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.521)

say on your mind , (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.522)

I know ye are my frend ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,67.523)

<font> Bayly </font> Then marke ye wel , to recompence this thy former
action Because thou hast offended al , to make them satisfaction ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,67.524)

<P_68>

Before their faces , here kneele downe , & as I shal the teach .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,68.526)

For thou shalt take on othe , of hodges leather breache First for
master Doctor , vpon paine of his cursse , Where he wil pay for al ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,68.527)

thou neuer draw thy pursse , (STEVENSO-E1-H,68.528)

And when ye meete at one pot , he shal haue the first pull ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,68.529)

And thou shalt neuer offer him the cup , but it be full .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,68.530)

To goodwife chat thou shalt be sworne , euen on the same wyse If she
refuse thy money once , neuer to offer it twise .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,68.531)

Thou shalt be bound by the same here , as thou dost take it
(STEVENSO-E1-H,68.532)

When thou maist drinke of free cost , thou neuer forsake it :
(STEVENSO-E1-H,68.533)

For gammer gurtons sake , againe sworne shalt thou bee To helpe hir to
hir nedle againe if it do lie in thee And likewise be bound : by the
vertue of that To be of good abering to Gib hir great Cat :
(STEVENSO-E1-H,68.534)

Last of al for HODGE , the othe to scanne , (STEVENSO-E1-H,68.535)

Thou shalt neuer take him , for fine gentleman . (STEVENSO-E1-H,68.536)

<font> HODGE </font> Come on fellow Diccon (STEVENSO-E1-H,68.537)

$ch $al $be {TEXT:chalbe} euen with thee now . (STEVENSO-E1-H,68.538)

<font> Bayly </font> Thou wilt not sticke to do this Diccon I trow .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,68.539)

<font> Diccon </font> No by my fathers skin , my hand downe I lay it ?
(STEVENSO-E1-H,68.540)

Loke as I haue promised , I wil not denay it , (STEVENSO-E1-H,68.541)

But HODGE take good heede now , thou do not beshite me .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,68.542)

<font> And gaue him a good blow on the buttocke . </font>
(STEVENSO-E1-H,68.543)

<font> Hodge </font> Gogs hart thou false villaine dost thou bite me ?
(STEVENSO-E1-H,68.544)

<font> Bayly </font> What HODGE doth he hurt the or euer he begin .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,68.545)

<P_69>

<font> Hodge </font> He thrust me into the buttocke , with a bodkin or
a pin , I saie Gammer , Gammer ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.547)

<font> Ga~mer </font> How now Hodge , how now : (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.548)

<font> HODGE </font> Gods malt Gammer gurton . (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.549)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Thou art mad ich trow . (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.550)

<font> Hodge </font> Will you see the deuil Gammer .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,69.551)

<font> Ga~mer </font> The deuil sonne , god blesse vs .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,69.552)

<font> Hodge </font> $Ch $ould {TEXT:Chould} iche were hanged Gammer .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,69.553)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Mary so ye might dresse vs .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,69.554)

<font> Hodge </font> $Ch $aue {TEXT:Chaue} it by the masse Gammer
(STEVENSO-E1-H,69.555)

<font> Ga~mer </font> What not my neele HODGE ? (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.556)

<font> Hodge </font> Your Neele Gammer , (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.557)

your neele . (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.558)

<font> Ga~mer </font> No fie , dost but dodge . (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.559)

<font> HODGE </font> $Ch $a {TEXT:Cha} found your neele Gammer ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,69.560)

here in my hand be it . (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.561)

<font> Ga~mer </font> For al the loues on earth HODGE ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,69.562)

let me see it . (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.563)

<font> Hodge </font> Soft Gammer . (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.564)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Good HODGE . (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.565)

<font> Hodge </font> Soft ich say , (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.566)

tarie a while . (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.567)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Nay sweete Hodge say truth ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,69.568)

and do not me begile . (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.569)

<font> HODGE </font> $Ch $am {TEXT:Cham} sure on it ich warrant you :
(STEVENSO-E1-H,69.570)

it goes no more a stray (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.571)

<font> Ga~mer </font> HODGE when I speake so faire : wilt stil say me
nay : (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.572)

<font> Hodge </font> Go neare the light gammer , (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.573)

this wel in faith good lucke : (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.574)

$Ch $was {TEXT:Chwas} almost vndone : (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.575)

$'t $was {TEXT:twas} so far in my buttocke <font> Ga~mer </font>
(STEVENSO-E1-H,69.576)

$'T $is {TEXT:Tis} min owne deare neele Hodge , (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.577)

sykerly I wot (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.578)

<font> Hodge </font> Cham I not a good sonne gammer ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,69.579)

cham I not , (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.580)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Christs blessing light on thee ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,69.581)

hast made me for euer (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.582)

<font> Hodge </font> Ich knew that ich must finde it ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,69.583)

els $ch $oud {TEXT:choud} a had it neuer . (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.584)

<font> Chat </font> By my troth Gossyp gurton , I am euen as glad As
though I mine owne selfe as good a turne had : (STEVENSO-E1-H,69.585)

<P_70>

<font> Bayly </font> And I by my concience , to see it so come forth ,
Reioyce so much at it , as three nedles be worth .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,70.587)

<font> D. Rat </font> I am no whit sory to see you so reioyce .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,70.588)

<font> Diccon </font> Nor I much the gladder for al this noyce :
(STEVENSO-E1-H,70.589)

Yet say gramercy Diccon , for springing of the game .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,70.590)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Grammercy Diccon twenty times ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,70.591)

o how glad $ch $am {TEXT:cham} , It that $ch $ould {TEXT:chould} do so
much , your masterdome to come hether , Master Rat , goodwife Chat ,
and Diccon together : (STEVENSO-E1-H,70.592)

$Ch $a {TEXT:Cha} but one halfpeny , as far as iche know it ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,70.593)

And $ch $il {TEXT:chil} not rest this night , till ich bestow it .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,70.594)

If euer ye loue me , let vs go in and drinke . (STEVENSO-E1-H,70.595)

<font> Bayly </font> I am content if the rest thinke as I thinke ?
(STEVENSO-E1-H,70.596)

Master Rat it $shall $be {TEXT:shalbe} best for you if we so doo ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,70.597)

Then shall you warme you and dresse your self too .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,70.598)

<font> Diccon </font> Soft syrs , take vs with you ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,70.599)

the company $shall $be {TEXT:shalbe} the more , (STEVENSO-E1-H,70.600)

As proude coms behinde they say , as any goes before ,
(STEVENSO-E1-H,70.601)

But now my good masters since we must be gone And leaue you behinde vs
, here all alone : Since at our last ending thus mery we bee , For
Gammer Gurtons nedle sake , let vs haue a plaudytie .
(STEVENSO-E1-H,70.602)

<font> Finis , (STEVENSO-E1-H,70.603)

Gurton . (STEVENSO-E1-H,70.604)

Perused and alowed , &c. </font> (STEVENSO-E1-H,70.605)

