<P_3>

<heading>

<font> THE PROLOGUE . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,3.3)

</heading>

As Ga~mer Gurton , with manye a wyde styche Sat pesynge & patching of
Hodg her $ma~s briche By chance or misfortune as shee her geare tost In
Hodge lether bryches her needle shee lost , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,3.5)

When Diccon the bedlam had hard by report That good Ga~mer Gurton was
robde in thys sorte , He quyetly perswaded with her in that stound Dame
Chat her deare gossyp this needle had found , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,3.6)

Yet knew shee no more of this matter <paren> alas </paren> Then knoeth
Tom our clarke what the Priest saith at masse (STEVENSO-E1-P1,3.7)

Here of there ensued so fearfull a fraye , Mas Doctor was sent for
these gossyps to staye , Because he was Curate , and estemed full wyse
Who found that he sought not , by Diccons deuice , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,3.8)

When all thinges were tombled and cleane out of fassion Whether it were
by fortune , or some other constellacion Sodenlye the neele Hodge found
by the prickynge (STEVENSO-E1-P1,3.9)

And drew it out of his bottocke where he felt it stickynge
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,3.10)

Theyr hartes then at rest with perfect securytie , With a pot of good
ale they stroake vp theyr plauditie . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,3.11)

<P_4>

<heading>

THE FYRST ACTE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.14)

THE FYRST SCEANE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.15)

</heading>

<font> Diccon . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.17)

<font> Diccon </font> Many a myle haue I walked , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.18)

diuers and sundry waies And many a good ma~s house haue I bin at in my
daies (STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.19)

Many a gossips cup in my tyme haue I tasted (STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.20)

And many a broche and spyt , haue I both turned and basted
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.21)

Many a peece of bacon haue I had out of thir balkes In ronnyng ouer the
countrey , with long and were walkes , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.22)

Yet came my foote neuer , within those doore cheekes , To seeke flesh
or fysh , Garlyke , Onyons or Leekes , That euer I saw a sorte , in
such a plyght As here within this house appereth to my syght ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.23)

There is howlynge and scowlynge , all cast in a dumpe , With whewling
and pewling , as though they had lost a trump Syghing and sobbing ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.24)

they weepe (STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.25)

and they wayle (STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.26)

I maruell in my mynd , what the deuill they ayle (STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.27)

The olde Trot syts groning , with alas and alas , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.28)

And Tib wringes her hands , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.29)

and takes on in worse case (STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.30)

With poore Cocke theyr boye , they be dryuen in such fyts I feare mee
the folkes be not well in theyr wyts , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.31)

Aske them what they ayle , or who brought them in this staye ?
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.32)

They aunswer not at all , but alacke and welaway (STEVENSO-E1-P1,4.33)

<P_5>

Whan I saw it booted not , out at doores I hyed mee
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,5.35)

And caught a slyp of Bacon , when I saw that none spyed mee . Which I
intend not far hence , vnles my purpose fayle Shall serue for a
shoinghorne to draw on two pots of ale . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,5.36)

<heading>

THE FYRST ACTE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,5.38)

THE SECOND SCEANE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,5.39)

</heading>

<font> Hodge . Diccon . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,5.41)

<font> Hodge </font> See so $ch $am {TEXT:cham} arayed with dablynge in
the durt She that set me to ditchinge , ich wold she had the squrt
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,5.42)

Was neuer poore soule that such a life had ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,5.43)

Gogs bones thys vylthy glaye hase drest mee to bad Gods soule ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,5.44)

see how this stuffe teares (STEVENSO-E1-P1,5.45)

Iche were better to bee a Bearward and set to keepe Beares By the Masse
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,5.46)

here is a gasshe , a shamefull hole in deade (STEVENSO-E1-P1,5.47)

And one stych teare furder , a man may thruste in his heade .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,5.48)

<font> Diccon </font> By my fathers soule Hodge , if I shulde now be
sworne I can not chuse but say thy breech is foule betorne ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,5.49)

But the next remedye in such a case and hap Is to plaunche on a piece ,
as brode as thy cap . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,5.50)

<font> Hodge </font> Gogs soule man , $'t $is {TEXT:tis} not yet two
dayes fully ended Synce my dame Gurton <paren> $ch $em {TEXT:chem} sure
</paren> these breches amended . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,5.51)

<P_6>

But $ch $am {TEXT:cham} made such a drudge to trudge at euery neede $Ch
$wold {TEXT:Chwold} rend it though it were stitched wyth sturdy
pacthreede , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.53)

<font> Diccon </font> Hoge , let thy breeches go ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.54)

and speake and tell mee soone What deuill ayleth ga~mer gurton , & Tib
her mayd to frowne , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.55)

<font> Hodge </font> Tush man $th $art {TEXT:thart} deceyued ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.56)

$'t $ys {TEXT:tys} theyr dayly looke , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.57)

They coure so ouer y=e= coles , theyr eyes be bleared with smooke ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.58)

<font> Diccon </font> Nay by the masse , I perfectly perceiued as I
came hether That eyther Tib & her dame hath ben by the eares together
Or els as great a matter as thou shalt shortly see .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.59)

<font> Hodge </font> Now iche beseeche our Lord they neuer better agree
. (STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.60)

<font> Diccon </font> By gogs soule there they syt as still as stones
in the streite As though they had ben take~ with fairies or els w=t=
some il sprite (STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.61)

<font> Hodge </font> Gogs hart , I durst haue layd my cap to a crowne
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.62)

$Ch $would {TEXT:Chwould} lerne of some prancome as sone as ich came to
town . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.63)

<font> Diccon </font> Why Hodge art thou inspyred ?
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.64)

or dedst thou therof here ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.65)

<font> Hodge </font> Nay , but ich saw such a wonder as ich saw nat
this vii. yere (STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.66)

Tome Tannkards Cow <paren> be gogs bones </paren> she set me vp her
saile (STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.67)

And flynging about his halfe aker fysking with her taile , As though
there had be in her ars a swarme of Bees , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.68)

And $ch $ad {TEXT:chad} not cryed tphrowh hoore , $she $ad {TEXT:shead}
lept out of his Lees . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,6.69)

<P_7>

<font> Diccon </font> Why Hodg lies the connyng in Tom tankards cowes
taile ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,7.71)

<font> Hodge </font> Well ich chaue hard some say such tokens do not
fayle , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,7.72)

But ca~st y=u= not tell in faith Diccon , why she frownes or wher at
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,7.73)

Hath no man stolne her Ducks or Henes , or gelded gyb her Cat
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,7.74)

<font> Diccon </font> What deuyll can I tell man ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,7.75)

I cold not haue one word (STEVENSO-E1-P1,7.76)

They gaue no more hede to my talk then thou woldst to a lorde
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,7.77)

<font> Hodge </font> Iche can not styll but muse , what meruaylous
thinge it is (STEVENSO-E1-P1,7.78)

$Chy $yll {TEXT:Chyll} in and know my selfe what matters are amys .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,7.79)

<font> Diccon </font> Then farewell hodge a while , synce thou doest
inward hast , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,7.80)

For I will into the good wyfe Chats , to feele how the ale dooth taste
. (STEVENSO-E1-P1,7.81)

{COM:insert_helsinki_sample_1_here}

<P_16>

<heading>

THE II. ACTE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.85)

FYRSTE A SONGE . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.86)

</heading>

Backe and syde go bare , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.88)

go bare , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.89)

booth foote and hande go colde : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.90)

But Bellye god sende thee good ale ynoughe , whether it be newe or olde
. (STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.91)

I Can not eate , but lytle meate , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.92)

my stomacke is not good : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.93)

But sure I thinke , that I can drynke with him that weares a hood .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.94)

Thoughe I go bare , take ye no care , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.95)

I am nothinge a colde : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.96)

I stuffe my skyn , so full within , of ioly good Ale and olde .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.97)

{COM:refrain_omitted}

I loue no rostt , but a nut browne toste and a Crab layde in the fyre ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.99)

A lytle bread , shall do me stead (STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.100)

much breade I not desyre : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.101)

No froste nor snow , no winde I trowe can hurte mee if I wolde , I am
so wrapt , and throwly lapt of ioly good ale and olde .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,16.102)

{COM:refrain_omitted}

<P_17>

And Tyb my wyfe , that as her lyfe loueth well good ale to seeke , Full
ofte drynkes shee , tyll ye may see the teares run downe her cheekes :
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,17.105)

Then dooth she trowle , to mee the bowle euen as a mault worme shuld ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,17.106)

And sayth sweete hart , I tooke my part of this ioly good ale and olde
. (STEVENSO-E1-P1,17.107)

{COM:refrain_omitted}

Now let them drynke , tyll they nod and winke , euen as good felowes
shoulde doe (STEVENSO-E1-P1,17.109)

They shall not mysse , to haue the blisse , good ale doth bringe men to
: (STEVENSO-E1-P1,17.110)

And all poore soules that haue scowred boules or haue them lustely
trolde , God saue the lyues , of them and theyr wyues whether they be
yonge or olde . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,17.111)

{COM:refrain_omitted}

<heading>

THE FYRST SCEANE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,17.114)

</heading>

<font> Diccon . Hodge . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,17.116)

<font> Diccon </font> Well done be Gogs malt , well songe and well
sayde , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,17.117)

Come on mother Chat as thou art true mayde , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,17.118)

One fresh pot of ale $let $'s {TEXT:lets} see to make an ende Agaynst
this colde wether , my naked armes to defende , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,17.119)

This gere it warms the soule , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,17.120)

now wind blow on the worst , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,17.121)

And let us drink and swill , till that our bellies burste
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,17.122)

Now were he a wyse man , by cunnynge colde defyne Which way my Iourney
lyeth or where Dyccon will dyne (STEVENSO-E1-P1,17.123)

<P_18>

But one good turne I haue , be it by nyght or daye South , East , North
or west , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.125)

I am neuer out of my waye . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.126)

<font> Hodge </font> $Ch $ym {TEXT:Chym} goodly rewarded , cham I not ,
do you thyncke ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.127)

$Ch $ad {TEXT:Chad} a goodly dynner for all my sweate and swyncke ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.128)

Neyther butter cheese , mylke onyons fleshe nor fyshe Saue thys poor
pece of barly bread , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.129)

$'t $is {TEXT:tis} a pleasant costly dishe . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.130)

<font> Diccon </font> Haile fellow Hodge (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.131)

& well to fare , w=t= thy meat , if y=u= haue any ?
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.132)

But by thy words as I the~ smelled , thy daintrels be not manye .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.133)

<font> Hodge </font> Daintrels dicco~ <paren> gogs soule ma~ </paren>
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.134)

saue this pece of dry horsbred , $Ch $a {TEXT:Cha} byt no byt this lyue
longe daie , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.135)

no crome come in my hed (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.136)

My gutts they yawle crawle (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.137)

and all my belly rumbleth (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.138)

The puddynges can not lye still , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.139)

ech one ouer other tumbleth By gogs harte $ch $am {TEXT:cham} so vexte
, and in my belly pende (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.140)

$Ch $ould {TEXT:Chould} one peece were at the spittlehouse another at
y=e= castels ende . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.141)

<font> Diccon </font> Why hodge , was there none at home thy dinner for
to set : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.142)

<font> Hodge </font> Godgs bread Diccon ich came to late ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.143)

was nothing ther to get (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.144)

Gib <paren> a fowle feind might on her light </paren> lickt y=e= milke
pan so clene See Diccon , $'t $was {TEXT:twas} not so well washt this
.vii. yere as ich wene (STEVENSO-E1-P1,18.145)

<P_19>

A pestilence lyght on all ill lucke , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.147)

$ch $ad {TEXT:chad} thought yet for all thys Of a morsell of bacon
behynde the dore at worst shuld not misse , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.148)

But when ich sought a slyp to cut , as ich was wont to do Gogs soule
Diccon , gyb our Cat had eate the bacon to . <font> Which bacon Diccon
stole , as is declared before . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.149)

<font> Diccon </font> Ill luck quod he , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.150)

mary swere it hodg , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.151)

this day y=e= trueth to tel Thou rose not on thy right syde ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.152)

or els blest thee not wel , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.153)

Thy mylk slopt vp , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.154)

thy baco~ filtched , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.155)

that was to bad luck hodg . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.156)

<font> Hodge </font> Nay , nay , ther was a fowler fault ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.157)

my ga~mer ga me y=e= dodge (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.158)

Seest not how $ch $a~ {TEXT:cha~} rent & torn , my heels , my knees &
my breech (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.159)

$Ch $ad {TEXT:Chad} thought as ich sat by the fire , help here & there
a stitch , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.160)

But there ich was powpte indeede . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.161)

<font> Diccon </font> Why Hodge ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.162)

<font> Hodge </font> Bootes not man to tell , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.163)

$Ch $am {TEXT:Cham} so drest amonst {COM:sic} a sorte of fooles , $ch
$ad {TEXT:chad} better be in hell , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.164)

My gammer <paren> $ch $am {TEXT:cham} ashamed to say </paren> by god
serued me not weele (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.165)

<font> Diccon </font> How so Hodge ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.166)

<font> Hodge </font> Hase she not gone trowest now and lost her neele .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.167)

<font> Diccon </font> Her Eele Hodge , who fysht of late ?
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.168)

that was a dainty dysh . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.169)

<font> Hodge </font> Tush tush , her neele , her neele , her neele man
. (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.170)

$'t $ys {TEXT:tys} neyther flesh nor fysh . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,19.171)

<P_20>

A lytle thing with an hole in the end , as bright as any syller , Small
, longe , sharpe at the poynt , & straight as any pyller .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.173)

<font> Diccon </font> I know not what a deuil y=u= me~est ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.174)

y=u= bringst me more in doubt (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.175)

<font> Hodge </font> Knowest not w=t= what tom tailers ma~ , sits
broching throughe a clout (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.176)

A neele , neele , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.177)

a neele , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.178)

my gammers neele is gone . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.179)

<font> Dicon </font> Her neele Hodge , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.180)

now I smel thee , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.181)

y=t= was a chaunce alone , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.182)

By y=e= masse y=u= hadst a shamefull losse , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.183)

& it wer but for thy breches <font> Hodge </font> Gogs soule man $ch
$ould {TEXT:chould} giue a crown chad it but iii. stitches .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.184)

<font> Diccon </font> How sayest y=u= Hodg , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.185)

what shuld he haue , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.186)

again thy neele got <font> Hodge </font> $Be $m {TEXT:Bem} vathers
soule , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.187)

and $ch $ad {TEXT:chad} it $ch $ould {TEXT:chould} giue him a new grot
. (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.188)

<font> Diccon </font> Canst thou keepe counsaile in this case .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.189)

<font> Hodge </font> Els $ch $wold {TEXT:chwold} my tonge were out .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.190)

<font> Diccon </font> Do thou but then by my aduise ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.191)

& I will fetch it w=t=out doubt , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.192)

<font> Hodge </font> $Ch $yll {TEXT:Chyll} runne ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.193)

$ch $yll {TEXT:chyll} ryde , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.194)

$ch $yl {TEXT:chyl} dygge , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.195)

$ch $yl {TEXT:chyl} delue , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.196)

$ch $ill {TEXT:chill} toyle , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.197)

$ch $ill {TEXT:chill} trudge (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.198)

shalt see : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.199)

$Ch $ill {TEXT:Chill} hold (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.200)

$ch $il {TEXT:chil} drawe , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.201)

$ch $il {TEXT:chil} pull , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.202)

$ch $ill {TEXT:chill} pynche (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.203)

$ch $ill {TEXT:chill} kneele on my bare knee . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.204)

$Ch $ill {TEXT:Chill} scrape , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.205)

$ch $ill {TEXT:chill} scratche , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.206)

$ch $ill {TEXT:chill} syfte , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.207)

$ch $yll {TEXT:chyll} seeke , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.208)

$ch $ill {TEXT:chill} bowe , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.209)

$ch $ill {TEXT:chill} bende , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.210)

$ch $ill {TEXT:chill} sweate , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.211)

$Ch $il {TEXT:Chil} stoop , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.212)

$ch $il {TEXT:chil} stur , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.213)

$ch $il {TEXT:chil} cap (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.214)

$ch $il {TEXT:chil} knele , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.215)

$ch $il {TEXT:chil} crepe on ha~ds & feete , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.216)

$Ch $il {TEXT:Chil} be thy bondman Diccon , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.217)

ich sweare by sunne and moone (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.218)

And $ch $an $not {TEXT:channot} sum what to stop this gap , $ch $am
{TEXT:cham} vtterly vndone <font> Pointing behind to his torne breeches
. </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,20.219)

<P_21>

<font> Diccon </font> Why , is ther any special cause ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.221)

thou takest hereat such sorow <font> Hodge </font>
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.222)

Kirstian Clack Tom simsons maid , bi the masse coms hether to morow
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.223)

$Ch $am $not {TEXT:Chamnot} able to say , betweene vs what may hap ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.224)

She smyled on me the last sonday when ich put of my cap ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.225)

<font> Diccon </font> Well Hodge this is a matter of weight ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.226)

& must be kept close , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.227)

It might els turne to both our costes as the world now gose ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.228)

Shalt sware to be no blab Hodge . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.229)

<font> Hodge </font> $Ch $yll {TEXT:Chyll} Diccon .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.230)

<font> Diccon </font> Then go to , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.231)

Lay thine hand here , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.232)

say after me as thou shalt here me do (STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.233)

Haste no booke ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.234)

<font> Hodge </font> $Ch $a {TEXT:Cha} no booke I .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.235)

<font> Diccon </font> Then needes must force vs both , Upon my breech
to lay thine hand , and there to take thine othe .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.236)

<font> Hodge </font> I Hodge breechelesse , Sweare to Diccon rechelesse
By the crosse that I shall kysse , To kepe his counsaile close And
alwayes me to dispose To worke that his pleasure is .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.237)

<font> Here he kysseth Diccons breeche . </font>
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.238)

<font> Diccon </font> Now Hodge see thou take heede
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.239)

And do as I thee byd (STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.240)

For so I iudge it meete , This nedle againe to win
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.241)

There is no shift therin But coniure vp a spreete .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.242)

<font> Hodge </font> What the great deuill Diccon I saye ?
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,21.243)

<P_22>

<font> Diccon </font> Yea in good faith , that is the waye ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.245)

Fet with some prety charme . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.246)

<font> Hodge </font> Softe Diccon be not to hasty yet ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.247)

By the masse for ich begyn to sweat (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.248)

$Ch $am {TEXT:Cham} afrayde of some harme . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.249)

<font> Diccon </font> Come hether then (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.250)

and sturre the nat One inche out of this Cyrcle plat
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.251)

But stande as I thee teache . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.252)

<font> Hodge </font> And shall ich be here safe from theyr clawes
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.253)

<font> Diccon </font> The mayster deuill with his longe pawes Here to
thee can not reache : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.254)

Now will I settle me to this geare . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.255)

<font> Hodge </font> I saye Diccon , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.256)

heare me , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.257)

heare Go softely to thys matter . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.258)

<font> Diccon </font> What deuyll man , art afraide of nought
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.259)

<font> Hodge </font> Canst not tarrye a lytle thought Tyll ich make a
curtesie of water . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.260)

<font> Diccon </font> Stand still to it , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.261)

why shuldest thou feare hym ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.262)

<font> Hodge </font> Gogs sydes Diccon , me thinke ich heare him
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.263)

And tarrye $ch $al {TEXT:chal} mare all . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.264)

<font> Diccon </font> The matter is no worse then I tolde it ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.265)

<font> Hodge </font> By the masse $ch $am {TEXT:cham} able no longer to
holde it , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.266)

To bad iche must beraye the hall . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.267)

<font> Diccon </font> Stand to it Hodge , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.268)

sture not you horson , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.269)

What Deuyll , be thine ars strynges brusten ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.270)

Thy selfe a while but staye , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.271)

The deuill I smell hym wyll be here anone . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.272)

<font> Hodge </font> Hold him fast Diccon , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.273)

$ch $am {TEXT:cham} gone , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.274)

$ch $am {TEXT:cham} gone (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.275)

$Ch $yll {TEXT:Chyll} not be at that fraye . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,22.276)

<P_23>

<heading>

THE II. ACTE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.279)

THE II. SCEANE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.280)

</heading>

<font> Diccon . Chat . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.282)

<font> Diccon </font> Fy shytten knaue , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.283)

and out vpon thee (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.284)

Aboue all other loutes fye on thee , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.285)

Is not here a clenly prancke ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.286)

But thy matter was no better Nor thy presence here no sweter ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.287)

To flye I can the thanke : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.288)

Here is a matter worthy glosynge Of Gammer Gurtons nedle losynge And a
foule peece of warke , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.289)

A man I thyncke myght make a playe And nede no worse to this they saye
Being but halfe a Clarke . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.290)

Softe , let me alone , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.291)

I will take the charge This matter further to enlarge Within a tyme
shorte , If ye will marke my toyes , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.292)

and note I will geue ye leaue to cut my throte If I make not good
sporte , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.293)

Dame Chat I say , where be ye , within ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.294)

<font> Chat </font> Who haue we there maketh such a din :
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.295)

<font> Diccon </font> Here is a good fellow , maketh no great daunger ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.296)

<font> Chat </font> What diccon ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.297)

come nere , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.298)

ye be no straunger , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.299)

We be fast set at trumpe man , hard by the fyre ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.300)

Thou shalt set on the king , if thou come a litle nyer .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.301)

<font> Diccon </font> Nay , nay , there is no tarying :
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.302)

I must be gone againe (STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.303)

But first for you in councel I haue a word or twaine .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,23.304)

<P_24>

<font> Chat </font> Come hether Dol , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.306)

Dol , sit downe (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.307)

and play this game , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.308)

And as thou sawest me do , see thou do euen the same
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.309)

There is 5. trumps beside the Queene , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.310)

y=e= hindmost y=u= shalt finde her (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.311)

Take hede of Sim glouers wife , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.312)

she hath an eie behind her , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.313)

Now Diccon say your will . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.314)

<font> Diccon </font> Nay softe a litle yet , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.315)

I wold not tel it my sister , the matter is so great ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.316)

There I wil haue you sweare by our dere Lady of Bulliane , S. Dunstone
, and S. Donnyke , with the three Kinges of Kullaine , That ye shal
keepe it secret . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.317)

<font> Chat </font> Gogs bread that will I doo .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.318)

<font> Diccon </font> Here is ga~mer gurton your neighbour , a sad &
heuy wight (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.319)

Her goodly faire red Cock , at home , was stole this last night .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.320)

<font> Chat </font> Gogs soule her Cock with the yelow legs , y=t=
nightly crowed so iust ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.321)

<font> Diccon </font> That cocke is stollen . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.322)

<font> Chat </font> What was he set out of the hens ruste ?
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.323)

<font> Diccon </font> I can not tel where y=e= deuil he was kept ,
vnder key or locke , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.324)

But Tib hath tykled in Gammers eare , that you shoulde steal the cocke
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.325)

<font> Chat </font> Haue I stronge hoore ? by bread and salte .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.326)

<font> Diccon </font> What softe , I say (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.327)

be styl . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.328)

Say not one word for all this geare . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.329)

<font> Chat . </font> By the masse that I wyl , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,24.330)

<P_25>

I wil haue the yong hore by the head , & the old trot by y=e= throte
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.332)

<font> Diccon </font> Not one word dame Chat I say ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.333)

not one word for my cote . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.334)

<font> Chat </font> Shall such a begars brawle as y=t= thinkest y=u=
make me a theefe (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.335)

The pocks light on her hores sydes , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.336)

a pestlence & a mischeefe Come out thou hungry nedy bytche ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.337)

o that my nails be short . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.338)

<font> Diccon </font> Gogs bred woma~ hold your peace ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.339)

this gere wil els passe sport (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.340)

I wold not for an hundred pound , this matter shuld be knowen , That I
am auctour of this tale , or haue abrode it blowen
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.341)

Did ye not sweare ye wold be ruled , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.342)

before the tale I tolde I said ye must all secret keepe ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.343)

and ye said sure ye wolde . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.344)

<font> Chat </font> Wolde you suffer your selfe diccon , such a sort ,
to reuile you With slaunderous words to blot your name , & so to defile
you ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.345)

<font> Diccon </font> No goodwife chat I wold be loth such drabs shulde
blot my name (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.346)

But yet ye must so order all , y=t= Diccon beare no blame .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.347)

<font> Chat </font> Go to then , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.348)

what is your rede ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.349)

say on your minde , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.350)

ye shall mee rule herein . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.351)

<font> Diccon </font> Godamercye to dame chat , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.352)

in faith thou must the gere begin (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.353)

It is twenty pound to a goose turd , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.354)

my gammer will not tary But hetherward (STEVENSO-E1-P1,25.355)

she comes as fast as her legs can her cary , <P_26> To brawle with you
about her cocke , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.356)

for well I hard Tib say The Cocke was rosted in your house , to
breafast yesterday , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.357)

And when ye had the carcas eaten , the fethers ye out flunge
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.358)

And Doll your maid the legs she hid a foote depe in the dunge .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.359)

<font> Chat </font> Oh gracyous god my harte it burstes .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.360)

<font> Diccon </font> Well rule your selfe a space
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.361)

And gammer gurton when she commeth anon into thys place Then to the
Queane $let $'s {TEXT:lets} see tell her your mynd
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.362)

& spare not (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.363)

So shall Diccon blamelesse bee , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.364)

and then go to (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.365)

I care not . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.366)

<font> Chat </font> Then hoore beware her throte ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.367)

I can abide no longer (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.368)

In faith old witch it $shall $be {TEXT:shalbe} seene , which of vs two
be stronger (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.369)

And Diccon but at your request , I wold not stay one howre .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.370)

<font> Diccon </font> Well keepe it in till she be here ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.371)

and then out-1 let it powre , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.372)

In the meane while get you in , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.373)

and make no wordes of this (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.374)

More of this matter w=t=in this howre to here you shall not misse
Because I know you are my freind , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.375)

hide it I cold not doubtles (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.376)

Ye know your harm , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.377)

see ye be wise about your owne busines (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.378)

So fare ye well . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.379)

<font> Chat </font> Nay soft Diccon (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.380)

and drynke , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.381)

what Doll I say (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.382)

Bringe here a cup of the best ale , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.383)

$let $'s {TEXT:lets} see , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.384)

come quicly {COM:sic} awaye . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,26.385)

<P_27>

<heading>

THE II. ACTT . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.388)

THE III. SCEANE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.389)

</heading>

<font> Hodge . Diccon . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.391)

<font> Diccon </font> Ye see masters y=e= one end tapt of this my short
deuise (STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.392)

Now must we broche thoter to , before the smoke arise
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.393)

And by the time they haue a while run , I trust ye need not craue it ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.394)

But loke what lieth in both their harts (STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.395)

ye ar like sure to haue it (STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.396)

<font> Hodge </font> Yea Gogs soule , art aliue yet ?
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.397)

what Diccon dare ich come ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.398)

<font> Diccon </font> A man is wel hied to trust to thee ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.399)

I will say nothing but mum (STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.400)

But and ye come any nearer I pray you see all be sweete .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.401)

<font> Hodge </font> Tush man , is gammers neele found ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.402)

that $ch $ould {TEXT:chould} gladly weete (STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.403)

<font> Diccon </font> She may tha~ke thee it is not fou~d ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.404)

for if y=u= had kept thy sta~ding The deuil he wold haue fet it out ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.405)

euen hodg at thy co~maunding (STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.406)

<font> Hodge </font> Gogs hart , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.407)

& cold he tel nothing wher the neele might be found
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.408)

<font> Diccon </font> Ye folysh dolt , ye were to seek , ear we had got
our ground , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.409)

Therfore his tale so doubtfull was , that I cold not perceiue it .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.410)

<font> Hodge </font> Then ich se wel somthing was said ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.411)

$ch $ope {TEXT:chope} one day yet to haue it , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.412)

But diccon , diccon , did not the deuill cry ho , ho , ho ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,27.413)

<P_28>

<font> Diccon </font> If y=u= hadst taryed where thou stoodst , thou
woldest haue said so (STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.415)

<font> Hodge </font> Durst swere of a boke , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.416)

$ch $ard {TEXT:chard} him rore , streight after ich was gon
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.417)

But tel me diccon what said y=e= knaue : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.418)

let me here it anon . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.419)

<font> Diccon </font> The horson talked to mee .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.420)

I know not well of what (STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.421)

One whyle his tonge it ran (STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.422)

and paltered of a Cat , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.423)

Another whyle he stamered styll vppon a Rat , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.424)

Last of all there was nothing but euery word Chat , Chat ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.425)

But this I well perceyued before I wolde him rid ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.426)

Betweene Chat , and the Rat , and the Cat , the nedle is hyd ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.427)

Now wether Gyb our cat haue eate it in her mawe , Or Doctor Rat our
curat haue found it in the straw , Or this dame chat your neighbour
haue stollen it , god hee knoweth But by y=e= morow at this time , we
shal learn how the matter goeth (STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.428)

<font> Hodge </font> Canst not learn to night man ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.429)

seest not what is here , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.430)

<font> Pointyng behind to his torne breeches . </font>
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.431)

<font> Diccon </font> $'T $ys {TEXT:Tys} not possyble to make it sooner
appere , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.432)

<font> Hodge </font> Alas Diccon then $ch $aue {TEXT:chaue} no shyft ,
but least ich tary to longe Hye me to Sym glouers shop , theare to
seeke for a Thonge , Ther with this breech to tatche and tye as ich may
. (STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.433)

<font> Diccon </font> To morow hodg if we chaunce to meete , shalt see
what I will say . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,28.434)

<P_29>

<heading>

THE II. ACTE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.437)

THE IIII. SCEANE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.438)

</heading>

<font> Diccon : {COM:sic} Gammer . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.440)

<font> Diccon </font> Now this gere must forward goe ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.441)

for here my gammer commeth , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.442)

Be still a while (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.443)

& say nothing , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.444)

make here a litle romth {COM:sic} . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.445)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Good lord , shall neuer be my lucke my neele
agayne to spye ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.446)

Alas the whyle $'t $ys {TEXT:tys} past my helpe , where $'t $is
{TEXT:tis} still it must lye . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.447)

<font> Diccon </font> Now Iesus gammer gurto~ , what driueth you to
this sadnes (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.448)

I feare me by my conscience , you will sure fall to madnes .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.449)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Who is that , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.450)

what Diccon , $ch $am {TEXT:cham} lost man fye fye .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.451)

<font> Diccon </font> Mary fy on them y=t= be worthy ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.452)

but what shuld be your troble , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.453)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Alas the more ich thinke on it , my sorow it
waxeth doble (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.454)

My goodly tossing sporyars neele , $ch $aue {TEXT:chaue} lost ich wot
not where . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.455)

<font> Diccon </font> Your neele , whan ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.456)

<font> Ga~mer </font> My neele <paren> alas </paren> ich myght full ill
it spare , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.457)

As god him selfe he knoweth nere one besyde $ch $aue {TEXT:chaue} .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.458)

<font> Diccon </font> If this be all good gammer , I warrant you all is
saue . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.459)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Why know you any tydings which way my neele is
gone ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.460)

<font> Diccon </font> Yea that I do doubtlesse , as ye shall here anone
, (STEVENSO-E1-P1,29.461)

<P_30>

A see a thing this matter toucheth within these .xx. howres , Euen at
this gate , before my face , by a neyghbour of yours ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.463)

She stooped me downe , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.464)

and vp she toke a nedle or a pyn : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.465)

I durst be sworne it was euen yours , by all my mothers kyn .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.466)

<font> Ga~mer </font> It was my neele diccon ich wot ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.467)

for here euen by this poste Ich sat , what time as ich vp starte ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.468)

and so my neele $ich {TEXT:it} loste (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.469)

Who was it leiue son ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.470)

speke ich pray the , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.471)

& quickly tell me that ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.472)

<font> Diccon </font> A suttle queane as any in thys Towne , your
neyghboure here dame Chat . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.473)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Dame chat (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.474)

diccon let me be gone , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.475)

$ch $il {TEXT:chil} thyther in post haste . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.476)

<font> Diccon </font> Take my councell yet or ye go , for feare ye
walke in wast , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.477)

It is a murrion crafty drab , and froward to be pleased ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.478)

And ye take not the better way , our nedle yet ye lose it
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.479)

For when she tooke it vp , euen here before your doores What soft dame
chat <paren> quoth I </paren> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.480)

that same is none of yours (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.481)

Auant <paren> quoth she </paren> syr knaue , what pratest thou of that
I fynd : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.482)

I wold y=u= hadst kist me I wot whear : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.483)

<paren> she ment I know behind </paren> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.484)

And home she went as brag , as it had ben a bodelouce , And I after as
bold , as it had ben , the goodman of the house (STEVENSO-E1-P1,30.485)

<P_31>

But there and ye had hard her , how she began to scolde The tonge it
went on patins , by hym that Judas solde , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.487)

Ech other worde I was a knaue , and you a hore of hores , Because I
spake in your behalfe , and sayde the neele was yours .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.488)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Gogs bread , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.489)

and thinks y=e= callet thus to kepe my neele me fro ?
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.490)

<font> Diccon </font> Let her alone , and she minds non other but eue~
to dresse you so (STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.491)

<font> Ga~mer </font> By the masse $ch $il {TEXT:chil} rather spend the
cote that is on my backe . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.492)

Thinks the false quean by such a slyght , that $ch $ill {TEXT:chill} my
neele lacke (STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.493)

<font> Diccon </font> Slepe not your gere I counsell you ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.494)

but of this take good hede (STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.495)

Let not be knowen I told you of it , how well soeuer ye spede .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.496)

<font> Ga~mer </font> $Ch $il {TEXT:Chil} in Diccon a cleene aperne to
take , and set before me , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.497)

And ich may my neele once see , $ch $il {TEXT:chil} sure remember the
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.498)

<heading>

THE II. ACTE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.500)

THE V. SCEANE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.501)

</heading>

<font> Diccon </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.503)

<font> Diccon </font> Here will the sporte begin , if these two once
may meete . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.504)

Their chere durst lay money will proue scarsly sweete
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.505)

My gammer sure entends , to be vppon her bones , With staues , or with
clubs , or els with coble stones . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,31.506)

<P_32>

Dame Chat on the other syde , $if {TEXT:it} she be far behynde I am
right far deceiued (STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.508)

she is geuen to it of kynde , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.509)

He that may tarry by it a whyle , and that but shorte I warrant hym
trust to it , he shall see all the sporte (STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.510)

Into the towne will I , my frendes to vysit there
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.511)

And hether straight againe to see thend of this gere
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.512)

In the meane time felowes , pype vpp your fiddles ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.513)

I saie take them (STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.514)

And let your freyndes here such mirth as ye can make them .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.515)

<heading>

THE III. ACTE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.517)

THE I. SCEANE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.518)

</heading>

<font> Hodge . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.520)

<font> Hodge </font> Sym glouer yet gramercy , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.521)

$ch $am {TEXT:cham} meetlye well sped now , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.522)

$Th $art {TEXT:Thart} euen as good a felow as euer kyste a cowe ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.523)

Here is a thonge in dede , by y=e= masse though ich speake it
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.524)

Tom tankards great bald curtal , I thinke could not breake it
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.525)

And when he spyed my neede , to be so straight and hard , $H $ays
{TEXT:Hays} lent me here his naull , to set the gyb forward ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.526)

As for my Gammers neele , the flyenge feynd go weete , $Ch $ill
{TEXT:Chill} not now go to the doore againe with it to meete
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,32.527)

<P_33>

$Ch $ould {TEXT:Chould} make shyfte good inough and $ch $ad {TEXT:chad}
a candels ende , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.529)

The cheefe hole in my breeche , with these two $ch $il {TEXT:chil}
amende . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.530)

<heading>

THE III. ACTE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.532)

THE II. SCEANE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.533)

</heading>

<font> Gammer . Hodge . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.535)

<font> Ga~mer </font> How Hodge , mayst nowe be glade ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.536)

$ch $a {TEXT:cha} newes to tell thee (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.537)

Ich knowe who hais my neele , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.538)

ich trust soone shalt it see (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.539)

<font> Hodge </font> The deuyll thou does , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.540)

hast hard gammer in deede , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.541)

or doest but iest (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.542)

<font> Ga~mer </font> $'T $ys {TEXT:Tys} as true as steele Hodge .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.543)

<font> Hodge </font> Why , knowest well where dydst leese it ?
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.544)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Ich know who found it , and tooke it vp
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.545)

shalt see or it be longe . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.546)

<font> Hodge </font> Gods mother dere , if that be true , farwel both
naule an thong (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.547)

But who hais it gammer (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.548)

say on : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.549)

$ch $ould {TEXT:chould} faine here it disclosed .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.550)

<font> Ga~mer </font> That false fixen , that same dame Chat , that
counts her selfe so honest . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.551)

<font> Hodge </font> Who tolde you so : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.552)

<font> Ga~mer </font> That same did Diccon the bedlam , which saw it
done . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.553)

<font> Hodge </font> Diccon : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.554)

it is a vengeable knaue gammer , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.555)

$'t $is {TEXT:tis} a bonable horso~ , Can do mo things then that
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.556)

els $sh $am {TEXT:sham} deceyued euill (STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.557)

By the masse ich saw him of late cal vp a great blacke deuill ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,33.558)

<P_34>

O the knaue cryed ho , ho , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.560)

he roared (STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.561)

and he thundred , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.562)

And $ye $ad {TEXT:yead} bene here , $ch $am {TEXT:cham} sure $y $ould
{TEXT:yould} murrenly ha wondred . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.563)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Was not thou afraide Hodge to see him in this
place : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.564)

<font> Hodge </font> No , and $ch $ad {TEXT:chad} come to me , $ch
$ould {TEXT:chould} haue laid him on the face , $Ch $ould {TEXT:Chould}
haue promised him . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.565)

<font> Ga~mer </font> But Hodge , had he no hornes to pushe :
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.566)

<font> Hodge </font> As long as your two armes ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.567)

saw ye neuer Fryer Rushe Painted on a cloth , with a side long Cowes
tayle And crooked clouen feete , and many a hoked nayle ?
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.568)

For al the world <paren> if I shuld iudg </paren> $ch $ould
{TEXT:chould} recken him his brother (STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.569)

Loke euen what face Frier Rush had , the deuil had such another
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.570)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Now Iesus mercy hodg , did diccon in him bring :
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.571)

<font> Hodge </font> Nay gammer <paren> heare me speke </paren> $ch $il
{TEXT:chil} tel you a greater thing , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.572)

The deuil <paren> when diccon had him , ich hard him wondrous weel
</paren> Sayd plainly <paren> here before vs </paren> , that dame chat
had your neele . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.573)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Then let vs go , and aske her wherfore she minds
to kepe it , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.574)

Seing we know so much , $'t $ware {TEXT:tware} a madnes now to slepe it
. (STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.575)

<font> Hodge </font> Go to her ga~mer , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.576)

see ye not where she stands in her doores (STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.577)

Byd her geue you the neele , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.578)

$'t $ys {TEXT:tys} none of hers but yours . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,34.579)

<P_35>

<heading>

THE III. ACTE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.582)

THE III. SCEANE . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.583)

</heading>

<font> Gammer . Chat . Hodge . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.585)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Dame Chat $ch $olde {TEXT:cholde} praye the fair
, (STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.586)

let me haue y=t= is mine (STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.587)

$Ch $il {TEXT:Chil} not this twenty yeres take one fart that is thyne
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.588)

Therfore giue me mine owne (STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.589)

& let me liue besyde the (STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.590)

<font> Chat </font> Why art thou crept fro~ home hether , to mine own
doores to chide me : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.591)

Hence doting drab , auaunt , or I shall set the further .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.592)

Intends thou and that knaue , mee in my house to murther :
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.593)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Tush gape not so on me woman ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.594)

shalt not yet eate mee , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.595)

Nor all the frends thou hast , in this shall not intreate mee :
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.596)

Mine owne goods I will haue , and aske the no beleue ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.597)

What woman : pore folks must haue right , though the thing you agreue .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.598)

<font> Chat </font> Giue thee thy right , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.599)

and hang thee vp , w=t= al thy baggers broode (STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.600)

What wilt thou make me a theefe , and say I stole thy good :
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.601)

<font> Ga~mer </font> $Ch $il {TEXT:Chil} say nothing <paren> ich
warra~t thee </paren> , but that ich ca~ proue it well Thou fet my good
euen from my doore , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.602)

$ch $am {TEXT:cham} able this to tel , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.603)

<font> Chat </font> Dyd I <paren> olde witche </paren> steale oft was
thine : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.604)

how should that thing be knowen : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,35.605)

<P_36>

<font> Ga~mer </font> Ich can not tel , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.607)

but vp thou tokest it as though it had ben thine owne ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.608)

<font> Chat </font> Mary fy on thee , thou old gyb , with al my very
hart . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.609)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Nay fy on thee y=u= rampe , thou ryg , with al
that take thy parte . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.610)

<font> Chat </font> A vengaunce on those lips y=t= laieth such things
to my charge . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.611)

<font> Ga~mer </font> A vengeance on those callats hips , whose
conscie~ce is so large (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.612)

<font> Chat </font> Come out Hogge . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.613)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Come out hogge , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.614)

and let me haue right . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.615)

<font> Chat </font> Thou arrant Witche . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.616)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Thou bawdie bitche , $ch $il {TEXT:chil} make
thee cursse this night . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.617)

<font> Chat </font> A bag and a wallet . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.618)

<font> Ga~mer </font> A carte for a callet . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.619)

<font> Chat </font> Why wenest thou thus to preuaile ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.620)

I hold thee a grote , I shall patche thy carte ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.621)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Thou warte as good kysse my tayle Thou slut ,
y=u= kut , y=u= rakes , y=u= iakes : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.622)

will not shame make y=e= hide the (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.623)

<font> Chat </font> Thou skald , thou bald , thou rotten , y=u= glotton
, I will no longer chyd the (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.624)

But I will teache the to kepe home . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.625)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Wylt thou drunken beaste .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.626)

<font> Hodge </font> Sticke to her gammer , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.627)

take her by the head , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.628)

$ch $il {TEXT:chil} warrant you thys feast . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.629)

Smyte I saye gammer , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.630)

Byte I say gammer , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.631)

I trow ye wyll be keene : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.632)

Where be your nayls ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.633)

claw her by the iawes , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.634)

pull me out bothe her eyen , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.635)

Gogs bones gammer , holde vp your head , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.636)

<font> Chat </font> I trow drab I shall dresse thee .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,36.637)

<P_37>

Tary y=u= knaue (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.639)

I hold the a grote , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.640)

I shall make these hands blesse thee (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.641)

Take y=u= this old hore for amends , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.642)

& lerne thy tonge well to tame (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.643)

And say thou met at this bickering , not thy fellow but thy dame .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.644)

<font> Hodge </font> Where is the strong stued hore ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.645)

$ch $il {TEXT:chil} geare a hores marke , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.646)

Stand out ones way , that ich kyll none in the darke :
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.647)

Up gammer and ye be alyue , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.648)

$ch $il {TEXT:chil} feyght now for us bothe , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.649)

Come no nere me thou scalde callet , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.650)

to kyll the ich wer loth . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.651)

<font> Chat </font> Art here agayne thou hoddy peke ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.652)

what doll bryng me out my spitte . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.653)

<font> Hodge </font> $Ch $ill {TEXT:Chill} broche thee wyth this ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.654)

$bi m {TEXT:bim} father soule , $ch $yll {TEXT:chyll} coniure that
foule sprete : (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.655)

Let dore stand Cock , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.656)

why coms in deede ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.657)

kepe dore y=u= horson boy . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.658)

<font> Chat </font> Stand to it y=u= dastard for thine eares ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.659)

$i $se {TEXT:ise} teace y=e= a sluttish toye . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.660)

<font> Hodge </font> Gogs woundes hore , $ch $il {TEXT:chil} make the
auaunte , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.661)

take heede Cocke , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.662)

pull in the latche , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.663)

<font> Chat </font> I faith sir loose breche (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.664)

had ye taried , ye shold haue found your match .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.665)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Now ware thy throte losell ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.666)

$thou $se {TEXT:thouse} pay for al (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.667)

<font> Hodge </font> Well said gammer by my soule ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.668)

Hoyse her , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.669)

souse her , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.670)

bounce her , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.671)

trounce her , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.672)

pull out her throte boule (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.673)

<font> Chat </font> Comst behynd me thou withered witch ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.674)

& I get once on foote $Thou $se {TEXT:Thouse} pay for all , y=u= old
tarlether , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.675)

$i $'ll {TEXT:ile} teach the what longs to it (STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.676)

Take ye this to make vp thy mouth , til time thou come by more
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,37.677)

<P_38>

<font> Hodge </font> Up gammer (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.679)

stand on your feete , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.680)

where is the olde hore ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.681)

Faith woulde $ch $ad {TEXT:chad} her by the face
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.682)

$ch $oulde {TEXT:choulde} cracke her callet crowne
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.683)

<font> Ga~mer </font> A hodg , hodg , where was thy help , when fixen
had me downe . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.684)

<font> Hodge </font> By the masse Gammer , but for my staffe Chat had
gone nye to spyl you (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.685)

Ich think the harlot had not cared , and $ch $ad {TEXT:chad} not com to
kill you (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.686)

But shall we loose our neele thus ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.687)

<font> Ga~mer </font> No Hodge $ch $warde {TEXT:chwarde} lothe doo soo
, (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.688)

Thinkest thou $ch $ill {TEXT:chill} take that at her hand ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.689)

no hodg ich tell the no (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.690)

<font> Hodge </font> $Ch $old {TEXT:Chold} yet this fray wer wel take
vp , & our own neele at home (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.691)

$'T $will {TEXT:Twill} be my chaunce els some to kil , wher euer it be
or whome (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.692)

<font> Ga~mer </font> We haue a parson , <paren> hodge thou knoes
</paren> a man estemed wise Mast doctor Rat , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.693)

$ch $il {TEXT:chil} for hym send , and let me here his aduise ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.694)

He will her shriue for all this gere , & geue her penaunce strait
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.695)

$We $se {TEXT:Wese} haue our neele , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.696)

els dame chat comes nere w=t=in heaue~ gate (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.697)

<font> Hodge </font> Ye mary gammer , y=t= ich think best :
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.698)

wyll you now for him send (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.699)

The sooner Doctor Rat be here , the soner $we $se {TEXT:wese} ha an
ende , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.700)

And here gammer Dyccons deuill , <paren> as iche remember well </paren>
Of Cat , and Chat , and Doctor Rat : a felloneus tale dyd tell ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.701)

$Ch $old {TEXT:Chold} you forty pound , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.702)

that is the way your neele to get againe . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,38.703)

<P_39>

<font> Ga~mer </font> $Ch $il {TEXT:Chil} ha him strait ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.705)

call out y=e= boy , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.706)

$we $se {TEXT:wese} make him take the payn (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.707)

<font> Hodge </font> What coke I saye , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.708)

come out (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.709)

what deuill canst not here . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.710)

<font> Cocke </font> How now hodg ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.711)

how does gammer , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.712)

is yet the wether cleare ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.713)

What wold $ch $aue {TEXT:chaue} me to doo ? (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.714)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Come hether Cocke (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.715)

anon Hence swythe to Doctor Rat , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.716)

hye the that thou were gone , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.717)

And pray hym come speke with me , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.718)

$ch $am {TEXT:cham} not well at ease , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.719)

Shalt haue him at his chamber , or els at mother Bees ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.720)

Els speke him at Hob fylchers shop , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.721)

for as $ch $arde {TEXT:charde} it reported There is the best ale in al
the towne , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.722)

and now is most resorted . (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.723)

<font> Cocke </font> And shal ich brynge hym with me gammer ?
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.724)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Yea , by and by good Cocke .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.725)

<font> Cocke </font> Shalt see that $shall $be {TEXT:shalbe} here anone
, (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.726)

els let me haue one the docke (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.727)

<font> Hodge </font> Now gammer shal we two go in , and tary for hys
commynge (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.728)

What deuill woman plucke vp your hart , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.729)

& leue of al this glo~mi~g (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.730)

Though she were stronger at y=e= first , as ich thinke ye did find her
Yet there ye drest the dronke~ sow , what time ye cam behind her
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.731)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Nay , nay , $ch $am {TEXT:cham} sure she lost not
all , (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.732)

for set thend to y=e= beginni~g (STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.733)

And ich doubt not , but she will make small bost of her winning .
(STEVENSO-E1-P1,39.734)