<P_36>

<heading>

A ROGE . (HARMAN-E1-H,36.3)

CAP. 4 . (HARMAN-E1-H,36.4)

</heading>

A Roge is neither so stoute or hardy as the vpright man .
(HARMAN-E1-H,36.6)

Many of them will go fayntly and looke piteously when they see , either
meete any person , hauing a kercher , as white as my shooes , tyed
about their head , with a short staffe in their hand , haltinge ,
although they nede not , requiring almes of such as they <P_37> meete ,
or to what house they shal com . (HARMAN-E1-H,37.7)

But you may easely perceiue by their colour that thei cary both health
and hipocrisie about them , wherby they get gaine , when others want
that $can $not {TEXT:cannot} fayne and dissemble . (HARMAN-E1-H,37.8)

Others $there $be {TEXT:therebee} that walke sturdely about the
countrey , and faineth to seke a brother or kinsman of his , dwelling
within som part of the shire ; - ether that he hath a letter to deliuer
to som honest housholder , dwelling out of an other Shyre , and will
shewe you the same fayre sealed , with the superscription to the partye
he speaketh of , because you shall not thinke him to runne idelly about
the countrey ; (HARMAN-E1-H,37.9)

- either haue they this shyfte , (HARMAN-E1-H,37.10)

they wyll cary a cirtificate or pasport about them from som Iusticer of
the peace , with his hand and seale vnto the same , howe hee hath bene
whipped and punished for a vacabonde according to the lawes of this
realme , and that he muste returne to .T. , where he was borne or last
dwelt , by a certayne daye lymited in the same , whiche $shall $be
{TEXT:shalbe} a good longe daye . (HARMAN-E1-H,37.11)

And all this fayned , bycause without feare they woulde wyckedly wander
, and wyll renue the same where or when it pleasethe them ;
(HARMAN-E1-H,37.12)

for they haue of their affinity that can wryte and read .
(HARMAN-E1-H,37.13)

These also wyll picke and steale as the vpright men ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,37.14)

and hath their women and metinges at places apoynted ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,37.15)

and nothinge to them inferiour in all kynde of knauery .
(HARMAN-E1-H,37.16)

There bee of these Roges Curtales , wearinge shorte clokes , that wyll
chaunge their aparell , as occation seruethe . (HARMAN-E1-H,37.17)

And their end is eyther hanginge , whiche they call trininge in their
language , or die miserably of the pockes . (HARMAN-E1-H,37.18)

There was not long sithens two Roges that alwaies did associate them
selues together , and would neuer seperat them selues , vnles it were
for some especiall causes , (HARMAN-E1-H,37.19)

for they were sworn brothers , (HARMAN-E1-H,37.20)

and were both of one age , and much like of favour :
(HARMAN-E1-H,37.21)

these two , trauelinge into east kent , resorted vnto an ale house
there , being weried with traueling , saluting with short curtisey ,
when they came into the house , such as thei sawe sitting there , in
whiche company was the parson of the parish ; (HARMAN-E1-H,37.22)

and callinge for a pot of the best ale , sat downe at the tables ende :
(HARMAN-E1-H,37.23)

the lykor liked them so well , that they had pot vpon pot ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,37.24)

and sometyme , for a lytle good maner , would drinke and offer the cup
to such as they best fancied ; (HARMAN-E1-H,37.25)

and to be short , they sat <P_38> out al the company ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,38.26)

for eche man departed home aboute their busines . (HARMAN-E1-H,38.27)

When they had well refreshed them selues , then these rowsy roges
requested the good man of the house wyth his wyfe to sit downe and
drinke with them , of whome they inquired what priest the same was ,
and where he dwelt : (HARMAN-E1-H,38.28)

then they fayninge that they had an vncle a priest , and that he should
dwel in these partes , which by all presumptions it should be he , and
that they came of purpose to speake with hym , (HARMAN-E1-H,38.29)

but because they had not sene hym sithens they were sixe yeares olde ,
they durst not be bold to take acquayntance of him vntyl they were
farther instructed of the truth , (HARMAN-E1-H,38.30)

and began to inquier of his name , and how longe he had dwelt there ,
and how farre his house was of from the place they were in :
(HARMAN-E1-H,38.31)

the good wyfe of the house , thynkinge them honest men without disceit
, because they so farre enquyred of their kinseman , was but of a good
zelous naturall intent , (HARMAN-E1-H,38.32)

shewed them cherefully that hee was an honest man and welbeloued in the
parish , and of good welth , and had ben there resident xv. years at
the least ; (HARMAN-E1-H,38.33)

" but , " saith she , " are you both brothers ? " (HARMAN-E1-H,38.34)

" yea , surely , " said they , (HARMAN-E1-H,38.35)

" we haue bene both in one belly , (HARMAN-E1-H,38.36)

and were twinnes . " (HARMAN-E1-H,38.37)

" Mercy , god ! " quoth this folish woman ; (HARMAN-E1-H,38.38)

" it may wel be , (HARMAN-E1-H,38.39)

for ye be not much vnlike , " - (HARMAN-E1-H,38.40)

and wente vnto her hall windowe , callinge these yong men vnto her ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,38.41)

and loking out therat , pointed with her fingar (HARMAN-E1-H,38.42)

and shewed them the house standing alone , no house nere the same by
almoste a quarter of a myle ; (HARMAN-E1-H,38.43)

" that , " sayd she , " is your vncles house . " (HARMAN-E1-H,38.44)

" Nay , " saith one of them , " he is not onely my vncle , but also my
godfather . " (HARMAN-E1-H,38.45)

" It may well be , " quoth she , (HARMAN-E1-H,38.46)

" nature wyll bind him to be the better vnto you . "
(HARMAN-E1-H,38.47)

" Well , " quoth they , " we be weary , (HARMAN-E1-H,38.48)

and meane not to trouble our vncle to-night ; (HARMAN-E1-H,38.49)

but to-morowe , god willinge , we wyll see him and do our duty :
(HARMAN-E1-H,38.50)

but , I pray you , doth our vncle occupy husbandry ?
(HARMAN-E1-H,38.51)

what company hath he in his house . " (HARMAN-E1-H,38.52)

" Alas ! " saith she , " but one old woman and a boy ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,38.53)

he hath no occupying at al : (HARMAN-E1-H,38.54)

tushe , " quoth this good wife , " you be mad men ; (HARMAN-E1-H,38.55)

go to him this night , (HARMAN-E1-H,38.56)

for hee hath better lodging for you then I haue , (HARMAN-E1-H,38.57)

and yet I speake folishly against my own profit , (HARMAN-E1-H,38.58)

for by your taring here I should gaine the more by you . "
(HARMAN-E1-H,38.59)

" Now , by my troth , " quoth one of them , " we thanke <P_39> you ,
good hostes , for your holsome councel , (HARMAN-E1-H,39.60)

and we meane to do as you wyll vs : (HARMAN-E1-H,39.61)

we wyl pause a whyle , (HARMAN-E1-H,39.62)

and by that tyme it $will $be {TEXT:wylbe} almost night ;
(HARMAN-E1-H,39.63)

and I praye you geue vs a reckeninge , " - (HARMAN-E1-H,39.64)

so , manerly paying for that they toke , bad their hoste and hostes
farewell with takinge leaue of the cup , (HARMAN-E1-H,39.65)

marched merelye out of the dores towardes this parsones house ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,39.66)

vewed the same well rounde about , (HARMAN-E1-H,39.67)

and passed by two bowshotes of into a younge wodde , where they laye
consultinge what they shoulde do vntyll midnight . (HARMAN-E1-H,39.68)

Quoth one of them , of sharper wyt and subtyller then the other , to
hys fellowe , " thou seest that this house is stone walled about , and
that we $can $not {TEXT:cannot} well breake in , in any parte thereof ;
(HARMAN-E1-H,39.69)

thou seest also that the windowes be thicke of mullions , that ther is
no kreping in betwene : wherefore we must of necessytie vse some
policye when strength wil not serue . (HARMAN-E1-H,39.70)

I haue a horse locke here about me , " saith he ; (HARMAN-E1-H,39.71)

" and this I hope shall serue oure turne . " (HARMAN-E1-H,39.72)

So when it was aboute xii. of the clocke , they came to the house
(HARMAN-E1-H,39.73)

and lurked nere vnto his chamber wyndowe : (HARMAN-E1-H,39.74)

the dog of the house barked a good , that with $the noise , this priest
waketh out of his sleepe , and began to cough and hem :
(HARMAN-E1-H,39.75)

then one of these roges stepes forth nerer the window
(HARMAN-E1-H,39.76)

and maketh a ruful and pityful noise , requiring for Christ sake some
reliefe , that was both hongry and thirstye , and was like to ly with
out the dores all nighte and starue for colde , vnles he were releued
by him with some small pece of money . (HARMAN-E1-H,39.77)

" Where dwellest thou ? " quoth this parson . (HARMAN-E1-H,39.78)

" Alas ! sir , " saithe this roge , " I haue smal dwelling ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,39.79)

and haue com out of my way ; (HARMAN-E1-H,39.80)

and I should now , " saith he , " go to any towne nowe at this time of
night , they woulde set me in the stockes and punishe me . "
(HARMAN-E1-H,39.81)

" Well , " quoth this pitifull parson , " away from my house ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,39.82)

either lye in some of my out houses vntyll the morning ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,39.83)

and holde , (HARMAN-E1-H,39.84)

here is a couple of pence for thee . " (HARMAN-E1-H,39.85)

" A god rewarde you , " quoth this roge ; (HARMAN-E1-H,39.86)

" and in heauen may you finde it . " (HARMAN-E1-H,39.87)

The parson openeth his wyndowe , (HARMAN-E1-H,39.88)

and thrusteth out his arme to geue his almes to this Roge that came
whining to receiue it , and quickly taketh holde of his hand , and
calleth his fellowe to him , whiche was redye at hande with the horse
locke , and clappeth the same about the wrest of his arme , that the
mullions standing so close together for strength , that for his <P_40>
life he could not plucke in his arme againe , (HARMAN-E1-H,40.89)

and made him beleue , vnles he would at the least geue them .iii. li. ,
they woulde smite of his arme from the body . So that this poore parson
, in feare to lose his hand , called vp his olde woman that lay in the
loft ouer him , and wylled her to take out all the money he had , which
was iiij. markes , which he saide was all the money in his house ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,40.90)

for he had lent vi. li. to one of his neighbours not iiij daies before
. (HARMAN-E1-H,40.91)

" Wel , " quoth they , " master parson , if you haue no more , vpon
this condicion we wil take of the locke , that you will drinke .xij.
pence for our sakes to-morow at the alehouse wher we found you , and
thank the good wife for the good chere she made vs . "
(HARMAN-E1-H,40.92)

He promised faithfully that he would so do ; (HARMAN-E1-H,40.93)

so they toke of the locke , (HARMAN-E1-H,40.94)

and went their way so farre ere it was daye , that the parson coulde
neuer haue any vnderstanding more of them . (HARMAN-E1-H,40.95)

Now this parson , sorowfully slumbering that night betwene feare and
hope , thought it was but folly to make two sorrowes of one ;
(HARMAN-E1-H,40.96)

he vsed contentacion for his remedy , not forgetting in the morning to
performe his promise , (HARMAN-E1-H,40.97)

but went betims to his neighbour that kept tiplinge ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,40.98)

and asked angerly where the same two men were that dranke with her
yester daye . (HARMAN-E1-H,40.99)

" Which two men ? " quoth this good wife . (HARMAN-E1-H,40.100)

" The straungers that came in when I was at your house wyth my
neighbores yesterday . " (HARMAN-E1-H,40.101)

" What ! your neuewes ? " quoth she . (HARMAN-E1-H,40.102)

" My neuewes ? " quoth this parson ; (HARMAN-E1-H,40.103)

" I trowe thou art mad . " (HARMAN-E1-H,40.104)

" Nay , by god ! " quoth this good wife , " as sober as you ;
(HARMAN-E1-H,40.105)

for they tolde me faithfully that you were their vncle :
(HARMAN-E1-H,40.106)

but , in fayth , are you not so in dede ? (HARMAN-E1-H,40.107)

for , by my trouth , they are $straungers to me . (HARMAN-E1-H,40.108)

I neuer saw them before . " (HARMAN-E1-H,40.109)

" O , out vpon them ! " quoth the parson ; (HARMAN-E1-H,40.110)

" they be false theues , (HARMAN-E1-H,40.111)

and this night thei compelled me to geue them al the money in my house
. " (HARMAN-E1-H,40.112)

" Benedicite ! " quoth this good wife , (HARMAN-E1-H,40.113)

" and haue they so in dede ? (HARMAN-E1-H,40.114)

as I shall aunswere before god , one of them told me besides that you
were godfather to him , and that he trusted to haue blessinge before he
departed . " (HARMAN-E1-H,40.115)

" What ! did he ? " quoth this parson ; (HARMAN-E1-H,40.116)

" a halter blesse him for me ! " (HARMAN-E1-H,40.117)

" Me thinketh , by the masse , by your countenance you loked so wildly
when you came in , " quoth this good wife , " that somthing was amis .
" (HARMAN-E1-H,40.118)

" I vse not to gest , " <P_41> quoth this parson , " when I speake so
earnestly . " (HARMAN-E1-H,41.119)

" Why , all your sorrowes goe with it , " quoth this good wife ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,41.120)

" and sitte downe here , (HARMAN-E1-H,41.121)

and I will fil a freshe pot of ale shall make you mery agayne . "
(HARMAN-E1-H,41.122)

" Yea , " saith this parson , " fill in , (HARMAN-E1-H,41.123)

and geue me some meat ; (HARMAN-E1-H,41.124)

for they made me sweare and promise them faithfully that I shoulde
drinke xii. pence with you this day . " (HARMAN-E1-H,41.125)

" What ! dyd they ? quoth she ; (HARMAN-E1-H,41.126)

" now , by the mary masse , they be mery knaues . (HARMAN-E1-H,41.127)

I warraunt you they meane to bye no land with your money ;
(HARMAN-E1-H,41.128)

but how could they come into you in the night , your dores being shut
fast ? (HARMAN-E1-H,41.129)

your house is very stronge . " (HARMAN-E1-H,41.130)

Then this parson shewed her all the hole circumstance , how he gaue
them his almes oute at the wyndowe , (HARMAN-E1-H,41.131)

they made such lamentable crye that it pytied him at the hart ;
(HARMAN-E1-H,41.132)

for he sawe but one when he put oute his hand at the windowe .
(HARMAN-E1-H,41.133)

" Be ruled by me , " quoth this good wyfe . (HARMAN-E1-H,41.134)

" Wherin ? " quoth this parson . (HARMAN-E1-H,41.135)

" By my troth , neuer speake more of it : (HARMAN-E1-H,41.136)

when they shal vnderstand of it in the parish , they wyll but laugh you
to skorne . " (HARMAN-E1-H,41.137)

" Why , then , " quoth this parson , " the deuyll goe with it , " -
(HARMAN-E1-H,41.138)

and their an end . (HARMAN-E1-H,41.139)

<heading>

A WYLDE ROGE . (HARMAN-E1-H,41.141)

CAP. 5 . (HARMAN-E1-H,41.142)

</heading>

A Wilde Roge is he that is borne a Roge : (HARMAN-E1-H,41.144)

he is a more subtil and more geuen by nature to all kinde of knauery
then the other , as beastely begotten in barne or bushes , and from his
infancye traded vp in trechery ; yea , and before ripenes of yeares
doth permyt , wallowinge in lewde lechery , (HARMAN-E1-H,41.145)

but that is counted amongesth them no sin . (HARMAN-E1-H,41.146)

For this is their custome , that when they mete in barne at night ,
euery one getteth a make to lye wythall , (HARMAN-E1-H,41.147)

and their chaunce to be twentye in a companye , as their is sometyme
more and sometyme lesse : (HARMAN-E1-H,41.148)

for to one man that goeth abroad , there are at least two women , which
neuer make it straunge when they be called , although she neuer knewe
him before . (HARMAN-E1-H,41.149)

Then when the day doth appeare , he rouses him vp ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,41.150)

and shakes his eares , (HARMAN-E1-H,41.151)

and awaye wanderinge where he may gette oughte to the hurte of others .
(HARMAN-E1-H,41.152)

Yet before he skyppeth oute of hys couche and departeth from his
darling , if he like her well , he will apoint her where to mete
shortlye <P_42> after , with a warninge to worke warely for some chetes
, that their meting might be the merier . (HARMAN-E1-H,42.153)

Not long sithens , a wild roge chaunced to mete a pore neighbour of
mine , who for honesty and good natur surmounteth many .
(HARMAN-E1-H,42.154)

This poore man , riding homeward from London , where he had made his
market , this roge demaunded a peny for gods sake , to kepe him a true
man . (HARMAN-E1-H,42.155)

This simple man , beholding him wel , and sawe he was of taule
personage with a good quarter staffe in his hand , it much pitied him ,
as he sayd , to se him want ; (HARMAN-E1-H,42.156)

for he was well able to serue his prince in the wars .
(HARMAN-E1-H,42.157)

Thus , being moued with pytie , and loked in his pursse to finde out a
penye ; (HARMAN-E1-H,42.158)

and in loking for the same , he plucked oute viii. shyllinges in whyte
money , (HARMAN-E1-H,42.159)

and raked therin to finde a single peny ; (HARMAN-E1-H,42.160)

and at the last findinge one , doth offer the same to this wylde roge :
(HARMAN-E1-H,42.161)

but he , seinge so much mony in this simple mans hand , being striken
to the hart with a couetous desire , bid him forth wyth delyuer al that
he had , (HARMAN-E1-H,42.162)

or els he woulde with his staffe beat out his braynes .
(HARMAN-E1-H,42.163)

For it was not a penye would now quench his thirst , seing so much as
he dyd : (HARMAN-E1-H,42.164)

thus , swallowinge his spittel gredely downe , spoyled this poore man
of al the money that he had , (HARMAN-E1-H,42.165)

and lept ouer the hedge into a thicke wode , (HARMAN-E1-H,42.166)

and went his waye as merely as this good simple man came home
sorowfully . (HARMAN-E1-H,42.167)

I once rebuking a wyld roge because he went idelly about , he shewed me
that he was a beggar by enheritance - (HARMAN-E1-H,42.168)

his Grandfather was a beggar , (HARMAN-E1-H,42.169)

his father was one , (HARMAN-E1-H,42.170)

and he must nedes be one by good reason . (HARMAN-E1-H,42.171)

<P_67>

<heading>

A WALKING MORT . (HARMAN-E1-H,67.174)

CAP. 19 . (HARMAN-E1-H,67.175)

</heading>

These walkinge Mortes bee not maryed : (HARMAN-E1-H,67.177)

these for their vnhappye yeares doth go as a Autem Morte ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,67.178)

and wyll saye their husbandes died eyther at Newhauen , Ireland , or in
some seruice of the Prince . (HARMAN-E1-H,67.179)

These make laces vpon staues , and purses , that they cary in their
hands , and whyte vallance for beddes . (HARMAN-E1-H,67.180)

Manye of these hath hadde and haue chyldren : (HARMAN-E1-H,67.181)

when these get ought , wither-1 with begging , bychery , or brybery ,
as money or apparell , they are quickly shaken out of all by the
vpright men , that they are in a meruelous feare to care any thinge
aboute them that is of any valure . Where fore , this pollicye they vse
, (HARMAN-E1-H,67.182)

they leaue their money now with one and then with a nother trustye
housholders , eyther-2 with the good man or good wife , some tyme in
one shiere , and then in another , as they <P_68> trauell :
(HARMAN-E1-H,68.183)

this haue I knowne , that iiij. or v. shyllinges , yea x. shyllinges ,
lefte in a place , (HARMAN-E1-H,68.184)

and the same wyll they come for againe within one quarter of a yeare ,
or some tyme not in halfe a yeare ; (HARMAN-E1-H,68.185)

and all this is to lytle purpose , for all their peuyshe pollycy ;
(HARMAN-E1-H,68.186)

for when they bye them lynnen or garmentse , it is taken awaye from
them , and worsse geuen them , or none at all . (HARMAN-E1-H,68.187)

The last Sommer , Anno domini . 1566 , being in familiare talke with a
walking Mort that came to my gate , I learned by her what I could ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,68.188)

and I thought I had gathered as much for my purpose as I desired .
(HARMAN-E1-H,68.189)

I began to rebuke her for her leud lyfe and beastly behauor , declaring
to her what punishment was prepared and heaped vp for her in world to
come for her fylthy lyuinge and wretched conuersation .
(HARMAN-E1-H,68.190)

" God helpe , " quoth she , (HARMAN-E1-H,68.191)

" how should I lyue ? (HARMAN-E1-H,68.192)

none wyll take me into seruice ; (HARMAN-E1-H,68.193)

but I labour in haruest time honestly . " (HARMAN-E1-H,68.194)

" I thinke but a whyle with honestie , " quoth I . (HARMAN-E1-H,68.195)

" Shall I tell you , " quoth she , " the best of vs all may be amended
; (HARMAN-E1-H,68.196)

but yet , I thanke god , I dyd one good dede within this twelue monthes
. " (HARMAN-E1-H,68.197)

" Wherein ? " quoth I . (HARMAN-E1-H,68.198)

Sayth she , " I woulde not haue it spoken of agayne . "
(HARMAN-E1-H,68.199)

" Yf it be meete and necessary , " quod I , " it shall lye vnder my
feete . " (HARMAN-E1-H,68.200)

" What meane you by that ? " quoth she . (HARMAN-E1-H,68.201)

" I meane , " quod I , " to hide the same , and neuer to discouer it to
any . " (HARMAN-E1-H,68.202)

" Well , " quoth she , (HARMAN-E1-H,68.203)

and began to laugh as much as she could , and sweare by the masse that
if I disclosed the same to any , she woulde neuer more tell me any
thinge . (HARMAN-E1-H,68.204)

" The last sommer , " quoth she , " I was greate with chylde ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,68.205)

and I traueled into east kent by the sea coste , (HARMAN-E1-H,68.206)

for I lusted meruelously after oysters and muskels ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,68.207)

and gathered many , (HARMAN-E1-H,68.208)

and in the place where I found them , I opened them
(HARMAN-E1-H,68.209)

and eate them styll : (HARMAN-E1-H,68.210)

at the last , in seking more , I reached after one ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,68.211)

and stept into a hole , (HARMAN-E1-H,68.212)

and fel in into the wast , (HARMAN-E1-H,68.213)

and their dyd stycke , (HARMAN-E1-H,68.214)

and I had bene drowned if the tide had come , (HARMAN-E1-H,68.215)

and espyinge a man a good waye of , I cried as much as I could for
helpe . (HARMAN-E1-H,68.216)

I was alone , (HARMAN-E1-H,68.217)

he hard me , (HARMAN-E1-H,68.218)

and repaired as fast to me as he might , (HARMAN-E1-H,68.219)

and finding me their fast stycking , I required for gods sake his helpe
; (HARMAN-E1-H,68.220)

and whether it was with stryuinge and forcing my selfe out , or for
ioye I had of his comminge to me , I had a great couller in my face ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,68.221)

and loked red and well <P_69> coullered . (HARMAN-E1-H,69.222)

And , to be playne with you , he lyked me so well <paren> as he sayd
</paren> that I should there lye styll , (HARMAN-E1-H,69.223)

and I would not graunt him , that he might lye with me .
(HARMAN-E1-H,69.224)

And , by my trouth , I wist not what to answeare , I was in such a
perplexite ; (HARMAN-E1-H,69.225)

for I knew the man well ; (HARMAN-E1-H,69.226)

he had a very honest woman to his wyfe , (HARMAN-E1-H,69.227)

and was of some welth ; (HARMAN-E1-H,69.228)

and , one the other syde , if I weare not holpe out , I should there
haue perished , (HARMAN-E1-H,69.229)

and I graunted hym that I would obeye to his wyll :
(HARMAN-E1-H,69.230)

then he plucked me out . (HARMAN-E1-H,69.231)

And because there was no conuenient place nere hande , I required hym
that I might go washe my selfe , and make me somewhat clenly ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,69.232)

and I would come to his house and lodge all night in his barne ,
whether he mighte repaire to me , and accomplyshe hys desire ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,69.233)

' but let it not be , ' quoth she , ' before nine of the clocke at
nyghte (HARMAN-E1-H,69.234)

for then there $will $be {TEXT:wylbe} small styrring .
(HARMAN-E1-H,69.235)

And I may repaire to the towne , ' quoth she , ' to warme and drye my
selfe ' ; (HARMAN-E1-H,69.236)

for this was about two of the clocke in the after none .
(HARMAN-E1-H,69.237)

' Do so , ' quoth hee ; (HARMAN-E1-H,69.238)

' for I must be busie to looke oute my cattell here by before I can
come home . ' (HARMAN-E1-H,69.239)

So I went awaye from hym , (HARMAN-E1-H,69.240)

and glad was I . " (HARMAN-E1-H,69.241)

" And why so ? " quoth I . (HARMAN-E1-H,69.242)

" Because , " quoth she , " hys wife , my good dame , is my very freend
, (HARMAN-E1-H,69.243)

and I am much beholdinge to her . (HARMAN-E1-H,69.244)

And she hath donne me so much good or this , that I weare loth nowe to
harme her any waye . " (HARMAN-E1-H,69.245)

" Why , " quoth I , " what and it hadde beene any other man , and not
your good dames husbande ? " (HARMAN-E1-H,69.246)

" The matter had bene the lesse , " quoth shee . (HARMAN-E1-H,69.247)

" Tell me , I prey the , " quoth I , " who was the father of thy childe
? " (HARMAN-E1-H,69.248)

She stodyd a whyle , (HARMAN-E1-H,69.249)

and sayde that it hadde a father . (HARMAN-E1-H,69.250)

" But what was hee ? " quoth I . " (HARMAN-E1-H,69.251)

Nowe , by my trouth , I knowe not , " quoth shee ; (HARMAN-E1-H,69.252)

" you brynge me out of my matter so , you do . " (HARMAN-E1-H,69.253)

" Well , saye on , " quoth I . (HARMAN-E1-H,69.254)

" Then I departed strayght to the towne , (HARMAN-E1-H,69.255)

and came to my dames house , (HARMAN-E1-H,69.256)

And shewed her of my mysfortune , also of her husbands vsage , in all
pointes , and that I showed her the same for good wyll ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,69.257)

and byde her take better heede to her husbande , and to her selfe :
(HARMAN-E1-H,69.258)

so shee gaue me great thankes , (HARMAN-E1-H,69.259)

and made me good cheere , (HARMAN-E1-H,69.260)

and byd me in anye case that I should be redye at the barne at that
tyme and houre we had apoynted ; (HARMAN-E1-H,69.261)

' for I knowe well , ' quoth this good wyfe , ' my husband wyll not
breake wyth the . (HARMAN-E1-H,69.262)

And one thinge I warne the , that thou <P_70> geue me a watche worde a
loud when hee goeth aboute to haue his pleasure of the ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,70.263)

and that shall bee " fye , for shame , fye , " (HARMAN-E1-H,70.264)

and I wyll bee harde by you wyth helpe . (HARMAN-E1-H,70.265)

But I charge the keepe thys secret vntyll all bee fynesed ;
(HARMAN-E1-H,70.266)

and holde , ' saythe thys good wyfe , (HARMAN-E1-H,70.267)

' here is one of my peticotes I geue thee . ' (HARMAN-E1-H,70.268)

' I thanke you , good dame , ' quoth I , (HARMAN-E1-H,70.269)

' and I warrante you I wyll bee true and trustye vnto you . '
(HARMAN-E1-H,70.270)

So my dame lefte me settinge by a fyre with meate and drynke ;
(HARMAN-E1-H,70.271)

and wyth the oysters I broughte with me , I hadde greate cheere :
(HARMAN-E1-H,70.272)

shee wente strayght (HARMAN-E1-H,70.273)

and repaired vnto her gossypes dwelling there by ; (HARMAN-E1-H,70.274)

and , as I dyd after vnderstande , she made her mone to them , what a
naughtye , lewed , lecherous husbande shee hadde , and howe that she
coulde not haue hys companye for harlotes , and that she was in feare
to take some fylthy dysease of hym , he was so commen a man , hauinge
lytle respecte whome he hadde to do with all ; (HARMAN-E1-H,70.275)

' and , ' quoth she , ' nowe here is one at my house , a poore woman
that goeth aboute the countrey that he woulde haue hadde to doe withall
; wherefore , good neyghboures and louinge gossypes , as you loue me ,
and as you would haue helpe at my hand another tyme , deuyse some
remedy to make my husband a good man , that I may lyue in some suerty
without disease , and that hee may saue his soule that God so derelye
bought . ' (HARMAN-E1-H,70.276)

After shee hadde tolde her tale , they caste their persinge eyes all
vpon her , (HARMAN-E1-H,70.277)

but one stoute dame amongst the rest had these wordes -
(HARMAN-E1-H,70.278)

' As your pacient bearinge of troubles , your honest behauiour among vs
your neyghbours , your tender and pytifull hart to the poore of the
parysh , doth moue vs to lament your case , so the vnsatiable carnalite
of your faithelesse husbande doth instigate and styre vs to deuyse and
inuent some speedy redresse for your ease and the amendement of hys
lyfe . Wherefore , this is my councell and you wyll bee aduertysed by
me ; (HARMAN-E1-H,70.279)

for I saye to you all , vnlesse it be this good wyfe , who is cheefely
touched in this matter , I haue the nexte cause ; (HARMAN-E1-H,70.280)

for hee was in hande wyth me not longe a goe , (HARMAN-E1-H,70.281)

and companye had not bene present , which was by a meruelous chaunce ,
he hadde , I thinke , forced me . (HARMAN-E1-H,70.282)

For often hee hath bene tempering with me , (HARMAN-E1-H,70.283)

and yet haue I sharpely sayde him <P_71> naye : (HARMAN-E1-H,71.284)

therefore , let vs assemble secretly into the place where hee hathe
apuynted to meete thys gyllot that is at your house , and lyrke
preuelye in some corner tyll hee begyn to goe aboute his busines .
(HARMAN-E1-H,71.285)

And then me thought I harde you saye euen nowe that you had a watche
word , at which word we wyll all $step $forth {TEXT:stepforth} , being
fiue of vs besydes you , (HARMAN-E1-H,71.286)

for you $shall $be {TEXT:shalbe} none because it is your husbande ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,71.287)

but gette you to bed at your accustomed houre . (HARMAN-E1-H,71.288)

And we wyll cary eche of vs good byrchen rodde in our lappes ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,71.289)

and we will all be muffeled for knowing , (HARMAN-E1-H,71.290)

and se that you goe home and acquaynt that walking Morte with the
matter ; (HARMAN-E1-H,71.291)

for we must haue her helpe to hold , (HARMAN-E1-H,71.292)

for alwaies foure must hold and two lay one . ' (HARMAN-E1-H,71.293)

' Alas ! ' sayth this good wyfe , ' he is to stronge for you all .
(HARMAN-E1-H,71.294)

I would be loth , for my sake you should receaue harme at his hande . '
(HARMAN-E1-H,71.295)

' feare you not , ' quoth these stout wemen , (HARMAN-E1-H,71.296)

' let her not geue the watch word vntyl his hosen be abaut his legges .
(HARMAN-E1-H,71.297)

And I trowe we all $will $be {TEXT:wylbe} with him to bring before he
shall haue leasure to plucke them vp againe . ' (HARMAN-E1-H,71.298)

They all with on voyce $agred to the matter , that the way she had
deuised was the best : (HARMAN-E1-H,71.299)

so this good wife repaired home ; (HARMAN-E1-H,71.300)

but before she departed from her gossypes , she shewed them at what
houre they should preuely come in on the backsid , and where to tary
their good our : (HARMAN-E1-H,71.301)

so by the time she came in , it was all most night ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,71.302)

and found the walking Morte still setting by the fyre ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,71.303)

and declared to her all this new deuyse aboue sayd , which promised
faythfully to full fyll to her small powre as much as they hadde
deuysed : (HARMAN-E1-H,71.304)

within a quarter of an oure after , in commeth the good man , who said
that he was about his cattell . (HARMAN-E1-H,71.305)

" Why , what haue we here , wyfe , setting by the fyre ?
(HARMAN-E1-H,71.306)

and yf she haue eate and dronke , send her into the barne to her
lodging for this night , (HARMAN-E1-H,71.307)

for she troubeleth the house . " (HARMAN-E1-H,71.308)

" Euen as you wyll husbande , " sayth his wyfe ; (HARMAN-E1-H,71.309)

" you knowe she commeth once in two yeres into these quarters .
(HARMAN-E1-H,71.310)

Awaye , " saythe this good wyfe , " to your lodginge . "
(HARMAN-E1-H,71.311)

" Yes , good dame , " sayth she , " as fast as I can : "
(HARMAN-E1-H,71.312)

thus , by loking one on the other , eche knewe others mynde ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,71.313)

and so departed to her comely couche : (HARMAN-E1-H,71.314)

the good man of the house shrodge hym for Ioye , thinking to hym selfe
, I wyll make some pastyme with you anone . (HARMAN-E1-H,71.315)

And calling to his wyfe for hys sopper , set <P_72> him downe ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,72.316)

and was very plesant , (HARMAN-E1-H,72.317)

and dranke to his wyfe , (HARMAN-E1-H,72.318)

and fell to his mammerings , (HARMAN-E1-H,72.319)

and mounched a pace , nothing vnderstanding of the bancquet that was
preparing for him after sopper , and according to the prouerbe , that
swete meate wyll haue sowre sawce : (HARMAN-E1-H,72.320)

thus , when he was well refreshed , his sprietes being reuyued , entred
into familiare talke with his wife , of many matters , how well he had
spent that daye to both there proffytes , sayinge some of his cattell
were lyke to haue ben drowned in the dyches , dryuinge others of his
neyghbours cattell out that were in his pastures , and mending his
fences that were broken downe . (HARMAN-E1-H,72.321)

Thus profitably he had consumed the daye , nothinge talking of his
helping out of the walkinge Morte out of the myre , nether of his
request nor yet of her promisse . (HARMAN-E1-H,72.322)

Thus feding her with frendly fantacyes , consumed two houres and more .
(HARMAN-E1-H,72.323)

Then fayninge howe hee would se in what case his horse were in and howe
they were dressed , Repaired couertly into the barne , where as his
$freendlye foes lyrked preuely , vnlesse it were this manerly Morte ,
that comly couched on a bottell of strawe . (HARMAN-E1-H,72.324)

" What , are you come ? " quoth she ; (HARMAN-E1-H,72.325)

" by the masse , I would not for a hundreth pound that my dame should
knowe that you were here , eyther any els of your house . "
(HARMAN-E1-H,72.326)

" No , I warrant the , " sayth this good man , " they be all safe and
fast ynough at their woorke , (HARMAN-E1-H,72.327)

and I $will $be {TEXT:wylbe} at mine anon . " (HARMAN-E1-H,72.328)

And laye downe by her , (HARMAN-E1-H,72.329)

and strayght would haue had to do with her . (HARMAN-E1-H,72.330)

" Nay , fye , " sayth she , (HARMAN-E1-H,72.331)

" I lyke not this order : (HARMAN-E1-H,72.332)

if ye lye with me , you shall surely vntrus you and put downe your
hosen , (HARMAN-E1-H,72.333)

for that way is most easiest and best . " (HARMAN-E1-H,72.334)

" Sayest thou so ? " quoth he , (HARMAN-E1-H,72.335)

" now , by my trouth agred . " (HARMAN-E1-H,72.336)

And when he had vntrussed him selfe and put downe , he began to assalt
the vnsatiable fort (HARMAN-E1-H,72.337)

" Why , " quoth she , that was with out shame , sauinge for her promes
, " (HARMAN-E1-H,72.338)

And are you not ashamed ? (HARMAN-E1-H,72.339)

" neuer a whyte , " sayth he , (HARMAN-E1-H,72.340)

" lye downe quickely . " (HARMAN-E1-H,72.341)

" Now , fye , for shame , fye , " sayth shee a loude , whyche was the
watche word . At the which word , these fyue furious , sturdy ,
muffeled gossypes flynges oute , and takes sure holde of this be trayed
parson , sone pluckinge his hosen downe lower , and byndinge the same
fast about his feete ; <P_73> then byndinge his handes , and knitting a
hande charcher about his eyes , that he shoulde not see ;
(HARMAN-E1-H,73.342)

and when they had made hym sure and fast , Then they layd him one
vntyll they weare windles . (HARMAN-E1-H,73.343)

" Be good , " sayth this Morte , " vnto my maister , for the passion of
God , (HARMAN-E1-H,73.344)

" and layd on as fast as the rest , (HARMAN-E1-H,73.345)

and styll seased not to crye vpon them to bee mercyfull vnto hym ,
(HARMAN-E1-H,73.346)

and yet layde on a pace ; (HARMAN-E1-H,73.347)

and when they had well beaten hym , that the bloud braste plentifullye
oute in most places , they let hym lye styll bounde . With this
exhortation , that he shoulde from that tyme forth knowe his wyfe from
other mens , and that this punishment was but a flebyting in respect of
that which should followe , yf he amended not his manners .
(HARMAN-E1-H,73.348)

Thus leuynge hym blustering , blowing , and fominge for payne , and
malyncolye that hee neither might or coulde be reuenged of them , they
vanyshed awaye , (HARMAN-E1-H,73.349)

and hadde thys Morte with them , (HARMAN-E1-H,73.350)

and safely conuayde her out of the towne : (HARMAN-E1-H,73.351)

sone after commeth into the barne one of the good mans boyes , to fet
some haye for his horse . (HARMAN-E1-H,73.352)

And fyndinge his maister lyinge faste bounde and greuouslye beaten with
rodes , was sodenly abashed (HARMAN-E1-H,73.353)

and woulde haue runne out agayne to haue called for helpe ;
(HARMAN-E1-H,73.354)

but his maister bed hym come vnto hym and vnbynd hym ;
(HARMAN-E1-H,73.355)

" and make no wordes , " quoth he , " of this . (HARMAN-E1-H,73.356)

I $will $be {TEXT:wylbe} reuenged well inoughe ; " (HARMAN-E1-H,73.357)

yet not with standinge , after better aduyse , the matter beinge
vnhonest , he thought it meter to let the same passe , and , not , as
the prouerbe saythe , to awake the sleping dogge . (HARMAN-E1-H,73.358)

" And , by my trouth , " quoth this walkinge Morte , " I come nowe from
that place , (HARMAN-E1-H,73.359)

and was neuer there sythens this parte was playde , whiche is some what
more then a yeare . (HARMAN-E1-H,73.360)

And I here a very good reporte of hym now , that he loueth his wyfe
well , and vseth hym selfe verye honestlye ; (HARMAN-E1-H,73.361)

and was not this a good acte ? (HARMAN-E1-H,73.362)

nowe , howe saye you ? (HARMAN-E1-H,73.363)

" " It was pretely handeled , " quoth I , (HARMAN-E1-H,73.364)

" and is here all ? " (HARMAN-E1-H,73.365)

" Yea , " quoth she , " here is the ende . " (HARMAN-E1-H,73.366)