<P_40>

<heading>

The iii. Acte . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.3)

The iiii. Sceane . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.4)

</heading>

<font> Tyb . Hodge . Gammer . Cocke . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.6)

<font> Tyb </font> Se ga~mer , ga~mer , gib our cat ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.7)

$ch a~ {TEXT:cha~} afraid what she ayleth (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.8)

She standes me gasping behind the doore , as though her winde her
faileth : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.9)

Now let ich doubt what gib shuld mean , y=t= now she doth so dote .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.10)

<font> Hodge </font> Hold hether , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.11)

$ich $uld {TEXT:ichould} twenty pound , your neele is in her throte
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.12)

Grope her ich say , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.13)

me thinkes ich feele it , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.14)

does not pricke your hand ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.15)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Ich can feele nothing . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.16)

<font> Hodge </font> No , ich know $thar $'s {TEXT:thars} not within
this land A muryner Cat then Gyb is , betweist the tems and Tyne ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.17)

$Sh $ase {TEXT:Shase} as much wyt in her head almost as $ch $aue
{TEXT:chaue} in mine . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.18)

<font> Tyb </font> Faith $sh $ase {TEXT:shase} eaten some thing , that
wil not easely downe (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.19)

Whether she gat it at home , or abrode in the towne I can not tell .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.20)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Alas ich feare it be some croked pyn ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.21)

And then farewell gyb , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.22)

she is vndone , and lost al saue the skyn . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.23)

<font> Hodge </font> $'T $ys {TEXT:Tys} your neele woman , I say :
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.24)

gogs soule geue me a knyfe (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.25)

And $ch $il {TEXT:chil} haue it out of her mawe ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.26)

or els $ch $al {TEXT:chal} lose my lyfe . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.27)

<font> Ga~mer </font> What nay hodg , fy kil not our cat ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.28)

$'t $is {TEXT:tis} al the cats we ha now . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.29)

<font> Hodge </font> By the masse dame Chat hays me so moued , iche
care not what I kyll , ma god a vowe : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,40.30)

<P_41>

Go to then Tyb to this geare , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.32)

holde vp her tayle (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.33)

and take her , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.34)

$Ch $il {TEXT:Chil} see what deuill is in her guts
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.35)

$ch $il {TEXT:chil} take y=e= paines to rake her .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.36)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Rake a Cat Hodge , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.37)

what woldst thou do ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.38)

<font> Hodge </font> What thinckst that $ch $am {TEXT:cham} not able ?
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.39)

Did not Tom Tankard rake his Curtal toore day standing in the stable .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.40)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Soft be content , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.41)

$let $'s {TEXT:lets} here what newes Cocke bringeth from maist Rat .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.42)

<font> Cocke </font> Gammer $ch $aue {TEXT:chaue} ben ther as you bad ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.43)

you wot wel about what (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.44)

$'T $will {TEXT:Twill} not be long before he come , ich durst sweare of
a booke (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.45)

He byds you see ye be at home , and there for him to looke .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.46)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Where didst thou find him boy
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.47)

was he not wher I told thee ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.48)

<font> Cocke </font> Yes , yes euen at hob filchers house , by him y=t=
bought and sold me (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.49)

A cup of ale had in his hand , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.50)

and a crab lay in the fyer , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.51)

$Ch $ad {TEXT:Chad} much a do to go and come , al was so ful of myer :
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.52)

And Gammer one thing I can tel , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.53)

Hob filchers naule was loste (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.54)

And Doctor Rat found it againe , hard beside the door poste ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.55)

I $ch $ould {TEXT:chould} a penny can say something , your neele againe
to fet . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.56)

<font> Ga~mer </font> $Ch $am {TEXT:Cham} glad to heare so much Cocke ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.57)

then trust he wil not let , To helpe vs herein best he can
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.58)

therfore tyl time he come Let vs go in , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.59)

if there be ought to get thou shalt haue some . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,41.60)

<P_42>

<heading>

<font> The iiii. Acte . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,42.63)

The i. Sceane . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P2,42.64)

</heading>

<font> Doctor Rat . Gammer Gurton . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P2,42.66)

<font> D. Rat </font> A man were better twenty times be a bandog &
barke , Then here among such a sort , be parish priest or clarke Where
he shal neuer be at rest , one pissing while a day But he must trudge
about the towne , this way , and that way , Here to a drab , there to a
theefe , his shoes to teare and rent (STEVENSO-E1-P2,42.67)

And that which is worst of al , at euery knaues commaundeme~t
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,42.68)

I had not sit the space , to drinke two pots of ale But Gammer gurtons
sory boy , was straite way at my taile , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,42.69)

And she was sicke , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,42.70)

and I must come , to do I wot not what , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,42.71)

If once her fingers end but ake , trudge , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,42.72)

call for Doctor Rat (STEVENSO-E1-P2,42.73)

And when I come not at their call , I only therby loose ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,42.74)

For I am sure to lacke therfore , a tythe pyg or a goose :
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,42.75)

I warra~t you whe~ truth is knowen , & told they haue their tale The
matter where about I come , is not worth a half peny worth of ale ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,42.76)

Yet must I talke so sage and smothe , as though I were a glosier
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,42.77)

Els or the yere come at an end , I $shall $be {TEXT:shalbe} sure the
loser . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,42.78)

<P_43>

What worke ye ga~mer gurto~ ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.80)

hoow here is your fre~d M. Rat . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.81)

<font> Ga~mer </font> A good M. Doctor $ch $a {TEXT:cha} trobled , $ch
$a {TEXT:cha} trobled you , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.82)

$ch $wot {TEXT:chwot} wel that <font> D. Rat </font>
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.83)

How do ye woman : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.84)

be ye lustie , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.85)

or be ye not wel at ease : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.86)

<font> Ga~mer </font> By gys master $ch $am {TEXT:cham} not sick ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.87)

but yet $ch $aue {TEXT:chaue} a disease . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.88)

$Ch $ad {TEXT:Chad} a foule turne now of late , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.89)

$ch $ill {TEXT:chill} tell it you by gigs . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.90)

<font> D. Rat </font> Hath your browne cow cast hir calfe , or your
sandy sow her pigs (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.91)

<font> Ga~mer </font> No , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.92)

but $ch $ad {TEXT:chad} ben as good they had , as this ich wot weel .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.93)

<font> D. Rat </font> What is the matter ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.94)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Alas , alas , $ch $a {TEXT:cha} lost my good
neele , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.95)

My neele I say , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.96)

and wot ye what : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.97)

a drab came by (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.98)

and spied it (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.99)

And when I asked hir for the same , the filth flatly denied it .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.100)

<font> D. Rat </font> What was she that : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.101)

<font> Ga~mer </font> A dame ich warrant you : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.102)

she began to scold and brawle (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.103)

Alas , alas , come hether Hodge : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.104)

this wretche can tell you all . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.105)

<heading>

<font> The iiii. Acte . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.107)

The ii. Sceane . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.108)

</heading>

<font> Hodge . Doctor Rat . Gammer . Diccon . Chat . </font>
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.110)

<font> Hodge </font> God morow gaffer Vicar . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.111)

<font> D. Rat </font> Come on fellow (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.112)

let vs heare . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.113)

Thy dame hath sayd to me , thou knowest of all this geare ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.114)

$Let $'s {TEXT:Lets} see what thou canst saie . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,43.115)

<P_44>

<font> Hodge </font> $By $m {TEXT:Bym} fay sir that ye shall ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.117)

What matter so euer here was done , ich can tell your maship all
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.118)

My Gammer gurton heare see now , sat her downe at this doore , see now
: (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.119)

And as she began to stirre her , see now , her neele fell in the floore
, see now , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.120)

And while her staffe she tooke , see now , at Gyb her Cat to flynge ,
see now , Her neele was lost in the floore , see
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.121)

now is not this a wondrous thing , see now ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.122)

Then came the queane Dame Chat , see now to aske for hir blacke cup ,
see now : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.123)

And euen here at this gate , see now : she tooke that neele vp , see
now . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.124)

My Gammer then she yeede , see now hir neele againe to bring , see now
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.125)

And was caught by the head see now (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.126)

is not this a wondrous thing , see now (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.127)

She tare my Gammers cote see now (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.128)

and scratched hir by the face , see now (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.129)

$Ch $ad {TEXT:Chad} thought $sh $ad {TEXT:shad} stopt hir throte , see
now (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.130)

is not this a wondrous case , see now ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.131)

When ich saw this , ich was wrothe see now (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.132)

and start betwene them twaine , see now (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.133)

Els ich durst take a booke othe , see now my Gammer had bene slaine ,
see now . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.134)

<font> Ga~mer </font> This is euen the whole matter , as Hodge has
plainly tolde (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.135)

And $ch $ould {TEXT:chould} faine be quiet for my part
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.136)

that $ch $ould {TEXT:chould} (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.137)

But helpe vs good master , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.138)

beseech ye that ye doo (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.139)

Els shal we both be beaten and lose our neele too
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.140)

<font> D. Rat </font> What wold ye haue me to doo ?
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.141)

tel me that I were gone (STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.142)

I will do the best that I can , to set you both at one
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,44.143)

<P_45>

But be ye sure dame Chat hath this your neele founde :
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.145)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Here comes the man that see hir take it vp of the
ground , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.146)

Aske him your selfe master Rat if ye beleue not me :
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.147)

And helpe me to my neele , for gods sake and saint charitie .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.148)

<font> D. Rat </font> Come nere diccon (STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.149)

and let vs heare , what thou can expresse . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.150)

Wilt y=u= be sworne y=u= seest dame chat , this womans neele haue ?
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.151)

<font> Diccon </font> Nay by S. Benit wil I not ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.152)

then might ye thinke me raue . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.153)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Why didst not y=u= tel me so euen here
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.154)

canst y=e= for shame deny it (STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.155)

<font> Diccon </font> I mary gammer : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.156)

but I said I wold not abide by it , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.157)

<font> D. Rat </font> Will you say a thing , and not sticke to it to
trie it ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.158)

<font> Diccon </font> Stick to it quoth you master rat ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.159)

mary sir I defy it (STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.160)

Nay there is many an honest man , when he such blastes hath blowne In
his freindes eares , he woulde be loth the same by him were knowne
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.161)

If such a toy be vsed oft among the honestie It may beseme a simple man
, of your and my degree . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.162)

<font> D. Rat </font> Then we be neuer the nearer , for all that you
can tell . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.163)

<font> Diccon </font> Yes mary sir , if ye will do by mine aduise and
counsaile , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.164)

If mother chat se al vs here , she knoweth how the matter goes
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.165)

Therefore I red you three go hence , and within keepe close ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,45.166)

<P_46>

And I will into dame chats house , and so the matter vse , That or you
cold go twise to church , I warant you here news ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.168)

She shal looke wel about hir , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.169)

but I durst lay a pledge , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.170)

Ye shal of gammers neele , haue shortly better knowledge .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.171)

<font> Ga~mer </font> Now gentle Diccon do so , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.172)

and good sir let vs trudge . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.173)

<font> D. Rat </font> By the masse I may not tarry so long to be your
iudge . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.174)

<font> Diccon </font> $'T $ys {TEXT:Tys} but a litle while man ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.175)

what take so much paine , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.176)

If I here not newes of it I will come sooner againe .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.177)

<font> Hodge </font> Tary so much , good master Doctor of your
gentlenes . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.178)

<font> D. Rat </font> Then let vs hie vs inward ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.179)

and Diccon speede thy busines . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.180)

<font> Diccon </font> Now sirs do you no more , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.181)

but kepe my counsaile iuste , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.182)

And Doctor Rat shall thus catch , some good I trust ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.183)

But mother Chat my gossop , talke first with all I must :
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.184)

For she must be chiefe captaine to lay the Rat in the dust .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.185)

<font> Chat </font> God deuen my friend Diccon ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.186)

whether walke ye this pace ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.187)

<font> Diccon </font> By my truth euen to you , to learne how the world
goeth , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.188)

Hard ye no more of the other matter , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.189)

say me now by your troth (STEVENSO-E1-P2,46.190)

<P_47>

<font> Chat </font> O yes diccon , here the olde hoore , & hodge that
great knaue . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.192)

But in faith I would thou hadst sene , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.193)

o lord I drest them braue (STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.194)

She bare me two or three souses behind in the nape of the necke Til I
made hir olde wesen , to answere againe kecke : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.195)

And hodge that dirty dastard , that at hir elbow standes , If one paire
of legs had not bene worth two paire of hands He had had his bearde
shauen , if my nayles wold haue serued (STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.196)

And not without a cause , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.197)

for the knaue it well deserued . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.198)

<font> Diccon </font> By the masse I can the thank wench , y=u= didst
so wel acquite the (STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.199)

<font> Chat </font> And $th $adst {TEXT:thadst} seene him Diccon , it
wold haue made y=e= beshite the For laughter . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.200)

The horsen dolt at last caught vp a club , As though he would haue
slaine the master deuil Belsabub , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.201)

But I set him soone inwarde . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.202)

<font> Diccon </font> O Lorde there is the thing That Hodge is so
offended , that makes him starte and flyng (STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.203)

<font> Chat </font> Why ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.204)

makes the knaue any moyling , as ye haue sene or hard
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.205)

<font> Diccon </font> Euen now I sawe him last , like a mad man he
farde , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.206)

And sware by heauen and hell , he would a wreake his sorowe And leue
you neuer a hen on liue , by viii. of the clock to morow ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,47.207)

<P_48>

Therfor marke what I say , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.209)

and my wordes see that ye trust (STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.210)

Your hens be as good as dead , if ye leaue them on the ruste .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.211)

<font> Chat </font> The knaue dare as wel go hang himself , as go vpon
my grou~d (STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.212)

<font> Diccon </font> Wel yet take hede I say , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.213)

I must tel you my tale round , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.214)

Haue you not about your house , behind your furnace or leade : A hole
where a crafty knaue , may crepe in for neade ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.215)

<font> Chat </font> Yes by the masse , a hole broke down , euen w=t=in
these ii. dayes . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.216)

<font> Diccon </font> Hodge , he intendes this same night , to slip in
there awayes . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.217)

<font> Chat </font> O christ that I were sure of it ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.218)

in faith he shuld haue his mede . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.219)

<font> Diccon </font> Watch wel , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.220)

for the knaue wil be there as sure as is your crede
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.221)

I wold spend my selfe a shilling : to haue him swinged well .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.222)

<font> Chat </font> I am as glad as a woman can be , of this thing to
hear tell (STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.223)

By gogs bones when he co~meth , now that I know the matter He shal sure
at the first skip , to leape in scalding water : With a worse turne
besides , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.224)

when he will , let him come . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.225)

<font> Diccon </font> I tell you as my sister , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.226)

you know what meaneth mum , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.227)

Now lacke I but my doctor , to play his part againe .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.228)

And lo where he commeth towarde , peraduenture to his paine .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,48.229)

<P_49>

<font> D. Rat </font> What good newes Diccon ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.231)

fellow , is mother chat at home , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.232)

<font> Diccon </font> She is syr , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.233)

and she is not , but it pleases her to whome : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.234)

Yet did I take her tardy , as subtle as she was .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.235)

<font> D. Rat </font> The thing that thou wentst for , hast thou
brought it to passe ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.236)

<font> Diccon </font> I haue done that I haue done , be it worse , be
it better . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.237)

And dame Chat at her wyts ende , I haue almost set her .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.238)

<font> D. Rat </font> Why hast thou spied the neele quickly I pray thee
tell . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.239)

<font> Diccon </font> I haue spyed it in faith , sir , I handled my
selfe so well , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.240)

And yet the crafty queane , had almost take my trumpe .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.241)

But or all came to an ende , I set her in a dumpe :
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.242)

<font> D. Rat </font> How so I pray thee Diccon ?
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.243)

<font> Diccon </font> Mary syr will ye heare ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.244)

She was clapt downe on the backside , by cocks mother dere
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.245)

And there she sat sewing a halter , or a bande , With no other thing
saue gammers nedle in her hande , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.246)

As soone as any knocke , if the filth be in doubte , She needes but
once puffe , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.247)

and the candle is out : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.248)

Now I sir knowing of euery doore the pin , Came nycely ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.249)

and said no worde , till time I was within , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.250)

And there I sawe the neele , euen with these two eyes ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.251)

Who euer say the contrary , I will sweare he lyes .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.252)

<font> D. Rat </font> O Diccon that I was not there , then in thy
steade . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,49.253)

<font> Diccon </font> Well , if ye will be ordred , and do by my reade
, <P_50> I will bring you to a place , as the house standes , Where ye
shall take the drab , with the neele in her handes
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.254)

<font> D. Rat </font> For Gods sake do so Diccon ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.255)

and I will gage my gowne To geue thee a full pot , of the best ale in
the towne , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.256)

<font> Diccon </font> Follow me but a litle , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.257)

and marke what I will say , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.258)

Lay down your gowne beside you , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.259)

go to , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.260)

come on your way : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.261)

Se ye not what is here ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.262)

a hole wherin ye may creepe Into the house , and sodenly vnwares among
them leape , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.263)

There shal ye finde the Bitchfox , and the neele together
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.264)

Do as I bid you man , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.265)

come on your wayes hether . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.266)

<font> D. Rat </font> Art thou sure diccon , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.267)

the swil tub standes not here aboute . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.268)

<font> Diccon </font> I was within my selfe man euen now ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.269)

ther is no doubt , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.270)

Go softly , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.271)

make no noyse , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.272)

giue me your foote sir John , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.273)

Here will I waite vpon you , tyl you come out anone .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.274)

<font> D. Rat </font> Helpe Diccon , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.275)

out alas , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.276)

I shal be slaine among them . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.277)

<font> Diccon </font> If they giue you not the nedle , tel them that ye
wil ha~g them (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.278)

Ware that , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.279)

hoow my wenches , haue ye caught the Foxe , That vsed to make reuel ,
among your hennes and Cocks : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.280)

Saue his life yet for his order , though he susteine some paine Gogs
bread , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.281)

I am afraide , they wil beate out his braine . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,50.282)

<P_51>

<font> D. Rat </font> Wo worth the houre that I came heare .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.284)

And wo worth him that wrought this geare , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.285)

A sort of drabs and queanes haue me blest , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.286)

Was euer creature halfe so euill drest ? (STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.287)

Who euer it wrought , and first did inuent it , He shall I warrant him
, erre long repent it , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.288)

I will spend all I haue without my skinne (STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.289)

But he shall be brought to the plight I am in , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.290)

Master Bayly I trow , and he be worth his eares , Will snaffle these
murderers and all that them beares , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.291)

I will surely neither byte nor suppe Till I fetch him hether , this
matter to take vp . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.292)

<heading>

<font> The v. Acte . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.294)

The i. Sceane . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.295)

</heading>

<font> Master Bayly . Doctor Rat . </font> (STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.297)

<font> Bailie </font> I can perceiue none other , I speke it from my
hart But either ye ar in al the fault or els in y=e= greatest part
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.298)

<font> D. Rat </font> If it be counted his fault , besides all his
greeues When a poore man is spoyled : and beaten among theeues ? Then I
confesse my fault herein , at this season , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.299)

But I hope you wil not iudge so much against reason .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.300)

<font> Baily </font> And me thinkes by your owne tale , of all that ye
name , If any plaid the theefe you were the very same .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.301)

The women they did nothing , as your words make probation
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.302)

But stoutly withstood your forcible inuasion , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,51.303)

<P_52>

If that a theefe at your window , to enter should begin , Wold you hold
forth your hand , and helpe to pull him in : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.305)

Or you wold {COM:sic} kepe him out : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.306)

I pray you answere me , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.307)

<font> D. Rat </font> Mary kepe him out , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.308)

and a good cause why : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.309)

But I am no theefe sir but an honest learned Clarke ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.310)

<font> Baily </font> Yea , but who knoweth that , when he meets you in
the darke (STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.311)

I am sure your learning shines not out at your nose ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.312)

Was it any maruaile , though the poore woman arose And start vp , being
afraide of that was in hir purse (STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.313)

Me thinke you may be glad that your lucke was no worse .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.314)

<font> D. Rat </font> Is not this euill ynough , I pray you as you
thinke , <font> Showing his broken head . </font>
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.315)

<font> Baily </font> Yea but a man in the darke , if chaunces do wincke
, As soone he smites his father , as any other man , Because for lacke
of light , discerne him he ne can , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.316)

Might it not haue ben your lucke , w=t= a spit to haue ben slaine :
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.317)

<font> D. Rat </font> I thinke I am litle better ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.318)

my scalpe is clouen to the braine , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.319)

If there be all the remedy , I know who beares the knockes .
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,52.320)

<font> Baily </font> By my troth and well worthy , besides to kisse the
stockes To come in on the backe side , when ye might go about , <P_53>
I know non such , vnles they long to haue their braines knockt out
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,53.321)

<font> D. Rat </font> Well , wil you be so good sir , as talke with
dame Chat ? And know what she intended : (STEVENSO-E1-P2,53.322)

I aske no more but that . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,53.323)

<font> Bayly </font> Let her be called fellow because of master doctor
, (STEVENSO-E1-P2,53.324)

I warrant in this case , she wil be hir owne Proctor ,
(STEVENSO-E1-P2,53.325)

She will tel hir owne tale in metter or in prose , And byd you seeke
your remedy , (STEVENSO-E1-P2,53.326)

and so go (STEVENSO-E1-P2,53.327)

wype your nose . (STEVENSO-E1-P2,53.328)