University of Virginia Library

A Pander.

A country blew-coate Seruing-man,
In Tearme-time sent to Towne:
Would range the Cittie for some newes
To carry with him downe.
At length he got into Moore-fields.
Viewing the walkes and trees:
And thence to garden Alley goes,
VVhere at a dore he sees,
A Puncke prepar'd for passengers,
Set out for bawdy sale,
VVho smiling said, kind gentle-man,
Bestow some bottle-ale
Vpon me, if you loue a wench,
VVhome you shall ready finde,
To counteruaile your curtesie,
In what you will most kinde.
Some Bottle-Ale (quoth he) where ist?
Hast any nere at hand?
Yes sir (said she) I pray' come in,
Thus she was seruing-mand.
He sits him downe into a Chayre,
And to his liquor falles;
While she vnto her maides for Cakes,
Stew'd Prunes, and Pippins calles.
Which being brought them, downe she sits
And as they both imbrace;
A swaggering Rogue breaks open dore,
And's Rapier did vncase.
Villaine (quoth he) and damned whore,
Before the Lord you dye,
For this deflouring of my wife,
What hast thou to reply?
Sir said the clowne you doe me wrong,
Vpon me thus to raile,
As J came by she cald me in,
To drinke some Bottle-Ale,
And by this bread I touch'd no more
But onely hand, and lip:
No (said the Ruffian) speake you whore,
And looke thou doost not trip,
Else had you thousand liues you die,
She falling downe with speede,
Cri'de out, deere husband pardon me,
We haue bin nought indeede.
Sirrah what say you now (quoth he)
She hath confest it plaine?
Villaine thou diest: oh holde (sayes he)
Heare me one worde againe,
Fiue pounds is all the quoyne I haue,
That will I freely giue:
Heere take it sir with all my heart,
So you will let me liue.
Fiue pound (quoth he) dost think Ile sell
My reputation so?
Fiue hundred will not satisfie,
My wife was chast (I know)
Before thou broughtst her vnto this,
Speake, didst offend before?
Neuer kind husband (quoth the whore)
Nor nere will wrong you more.
Well, huswife well, your teares preuaile
Ioyn'd with a faithfull vow,
Giue me fiue pound, and for this time
Ile pocket all vp now.
You seeme an honest simple man,
Refraine to tempt mens wiues:
The onely cause I let you liue,
Is to amend your liues.