XII mery Iests, of the wyddow Edyth [by Walter Smith] |
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 | XII mery Iests, of the wyddow Edyth |  |
The, xii. mery Iest, how this wydow Edyth deceyued the goodman of the three Cuppes in Holburne, and one Iohn Cotes that ryd will, her to Saint Albans to euer see her lands and tenements, and how they were rewarded.
From
Westmīster to Holburne she flew at one flight
And at the signe of ye three cups she did alight
Trustyng there to season on her pray
For she had eaten no meat of all that day.
And at the signe of ye three cups she did alight
Trustyng there to season on her pray
For she had eaten no meat of all that day.
Fyrst she asked for the goodman of the Inne,
And as soone as she saw him, anon she did begin.
Go tell him a tale and neuer a true worde,
And as soone as she saw him, anon she did begin.
Go tell him a tale and neuer a true worde,
Host quod she, might I be with you at borde
For the space of eyght, or els nine dayes
And ye shal finde me honest at all assayes
Ful well I shall pay for all that I take.
O blessed Lady so mine head doth ake
I haue ron so fast that my winde is neare gone:
For the space of eyght, or els nine dayes
And ye shal finde me honest at all assayes
Ful well I shall pay for all that I take.
O blessed Lady so mine head doth ake
I haue ron so fast that my winde is neare gone:
Mayd I pray you step to the dore anone
And looke yf ye may se fowr tall men:
With swords & buklers as fast as they may ren
They haue chased me all this long day,
And wyll not be answered for ought yt I can say,
I see well that she is best at ease.
That hath little or nought in this world to lese
All my trouble I may wyt a little substance
Which is my owne, it procureth me greuance
And looke yf ye may se fowr tall men:
With swords & buklers as fast as they may ren
They haue chased me all this long day,
And wyll not be answered for ought yt I can say,
I see well that she is best at ease.
That hath little or nought in this world to lese
All my trouble I may wyt a little substance
Which is my owne, it procureth me greuance
But my Hoste quod she, help me now,
I shall tell you in what maner and how.
The case standeth, and remedy is none
But and if I be taken I must needes begon:
What betwixt ye kings seruāts & my lord Legats also
I am so asayled yt I wot not whither to go
Diuers wold haue me but I am determined this
Neuer to be coupled to a Courtier iwis.
While that I liue, and god be my good Lorde
Her hoste desired her to sit downe at the borde
Ye shal quod he, haue the best help that I can
And for your sake: I wold I were a single man.
Therwith he twinkled and loked ful narrow
And kissed her twise & chirked like a Sparow.
I shall tell you in what maner and how.
But and if I be taken I must needes begon:
What betwixt ye kings seruāts & my lord Legats also
I am so asayled yt I wot not whither to go
Diuers wold haue me but I am determined this
Neuer to be coupled to a Courtier iwis.
While that I liue, and god be my good Lorde
Her hoste desired her to sit downe at the borde
Ye shal quod he, haue the best help that I can
And for your sake: I wold I were a single man.
Therwith he twinkled and loked ful narrow
And kissed her twise & chirked like a Sparow.
In sooth sayd she if there were an honest man?
Wise and toward, I may say to you now
I could finde in my hart to make him a man,
And if euer I marry he shalbe such a one
As to loke for great goods I wyll not in soth
For I haue inow for him and me both.
And if that he be not to great a waster?
But I wyl none that shalbe called master.
These Roysters of the court no poynt towchon
My nebors when they com to make their mone
Desiring of reformation of things misused
Shal not stand caples i to him that is vsed
To lyg by my side, and to kis me in the night.
Nay, nay: I wil none such by god almight.
But hoste quod she, against the next saterday
I pray you prouide me and if that ye may
Whatsoeuer they cost two men and two hors
For I must ride to S. Albons in maner perforce.
I haue ben long thence the worse huswife am I
But I trust I haue them there yt wil loke & espy.
If any fault be: and se it amended,
Mine houses there be metely wel defended
I meane this, they stand in good reperation
And my house and crosse keyes is lyke ye facion
Of your house here, but yt it is much bigger
Wise and toward, I may say to you now
I could finde in my hart to make him a man,
And if euer I marry he shalbe such a one
As to loke for great goods I wyll not in soth
For I haue inow for him and me both.
And if that he be not to great a waster?
But I wyl none that shalbe called master.
These Roysters of the court no poynt towchon
My nebors when they com to make their mone
Desiring of reformation of things misused
Shal not stand caples i to him that is vsed
To lyg by my side, and to kis me in the night.
Nay, nay: I wil none such by god almight.
But hoste quod she, against the next saterday
I pray you prouide me and if that ye may
Whatsoeuer they cost two men and two hors
For I must ride to S. Albons in maner perforce.
I haue ben long thence the worse huswife am I
But I trust I haue them there yt wil loke & espy.
Mine houses there be metely wel defended
I meane this, they stand in good reperation
And my house and crosse keyes is lyke ye facion
Of your house here, but yt it is much bigger
God haue mercy on the soule of my good father
He had great pleasure there to lye.
He had great pleasure there to lye.
And is the crosse keyes yours, say ye truely?
Quod her host: mary there is a fayre lodging
And a goodly backside thervnto belonging.
Quod her host: mary there is a fayre lodging
And a goodly backside thervnto belonging.
Yea quod she, I haue ther housing & also groūd
In ye towne & nere by, worth .v. hundred pound.
And if it should be solde to the valew.
In ye towne & nere by, worth .v. hundred pound.
And if it should be solde to the valew.
And in Barnet the Inne repayred new
With the signe of ye Lyon is mine own right
My father bought it of a good Knight
God remit their trespas both twayne,
But I pray Christ graunt we haue no rayne
Against we ryde: for the way wylbe foule.
With the signe of ye Lyon is mine own right
My father bought it of a good Knight
God remit their trespas both twayne,
But I pray Christ graunt we haue no rayne
Against we ryde: for the way wylbe foule.
Her host answerd and sware by his soule,
I shal man you quod he, and against that tyde
Eke puruey an other that gladly will ryde:
Wayting vpon you and if that nede bee,
He shal stand in a mans stede so mot I thee.
I shal man you quod he, and against that tyde
Eke puruey an other that gladly will ryde:
Wayting vpon you and if that nede bee,
He shal stand in a mans stede so mot I thee.
Also you shal haue to your handmayd,
Mine owne deare doughter, as my wife sayd:
Ride when please you, al things shalbe redy
I lack no more but a payre of Bootes truely.
Mine owne deare doughter, as my wife sayd:
Ride when please you, al things shalbe redy
I lack no more but a payre of Bootes truely.
Mine host quod she, care ye not for that
Take ye payne tyl ye come to Barnat,
And there ye shal haue choyce of twelue payre
Which I distrained for mine house there.
Take ye payne tyl ye come to Barnat,
And there ye shal haue choyce of twelue payre
Which I distrained for mine house there.
A tenauntry I haue there in which did dwell.
A Sowter yt made Boots for to sell:
And shoes also full good and strong,
I may say to you he dwelled there so long
Tyll his haire gan to grow throw his hoode,
And than when the falce knaue vnderstoode
That I was at Otford away in kent,
Besy there prouing my husbands testament
He wolde haue stolne away by night,
But yet his purpose came to light.
It hapned so that a tenaunt of mine,
Was late in the euening milking of kine.
And saw mine horeson when he busked him foreward
With such trash as he had, & then hōward
She her hied as fast as she may,
And told her husband to morow or day
Twyfeld wyl fleet and the rent is vnpayd:
Go & distrayne him, in hast she sayd:
In my masters name: and so he dyd indede
Boots and Shoes I haue inow so God me spede
And other trumpery, I cannot tel what
But I wyl se when I com to Barnat.
A Sowter yt made Boots for to sell:
And shoes also full good and strong,
I may say to you he dwelled there so long
Tyll his haire gan to grow throw his hoode,
And than when the falce knaue vnderstoode
That I was at Otford away in kent,
Besy there prouing my husbands testament
He wolde haue stolne away by night,
But yet his purpose came to light.
It hapned so that a tenaunt of mine,
Was late in the euening milking of kine.
And saw mine horeson when he busked him foreward
With such trash as he had, & then hōward
She her hied as fast as she may,
And told her husband to morow or day
Twyfeld wyl fleet and the rent is vnpayd:
Go & distrayne him, in hast she sayd:
In my masters name: and so he dyd indede
Boots and Shoes I haue inow so God me spede
And other trumpery, I cannot tel what
But I wyl se when I com to Barnat.
Host quod she, I pray you let vs wel be horsed
For I haue ben many times trobled:
By the way as I haue ridden for lack of hors,
For I haue ben many times trobled:
By the way as I haue ridden for lack of hors,
Her host answered geue ye no force
Ye shal haue such that shal beare ye thorow
Wel then quod she, al is good inow,
At S. Albons I haue horse of mine owne.
Ye shal haue such that shal beare ye thorow
Wel then quod she, al is good inow,
At S. Albons I haue horse of mine owne.
The goodman than walked into the towne
And prouided her a seruant that was called
Iohn Cotes, a man that neuer fayled:
His mayster, not maystresse in tyme of neede.
And prouided her a seruant that was called
Iohn Cotes, a man that neuer fayled:
On the day appointed, they ryde forth wt speed
And at their departyng, this wydow borowed
Upon her Hostesse, which she hartely desired
A Cap:an Hat, and three kerchieues therto
A cople of syluer pinnes, a payr of Hokes & no mo
And at their departyng, this wydow borowed
Upon her Hostesse, which she hartely desired
A Cap:an Hat, and three kerchieues therto
A cople of syluer pinnes, a payr of Hokes & no mo
Apace they ryde, tyll they come to Whetston,
And there gan to speake to them anon,
My friendes quod she, take keepe what I say,
I haue bethought me, rydyng by the way
That it is not best for vs this day,
To ryde through Barnet, & I shal tel you why?
One knaue or other wyll vs there espy,
I know that I am wayted for in the towne:
Wherfore by myne aduise, let vs light downe,
And bayt here, and rest a lytell whyle,
And then ye shall see vs them all begyle.
For when that we come to Barnet townes ende,
We shall there then spyte of the Feende
Ryde in the Lane, on the backside.
I know the way, we stall neede no guyde:
And at the wyndmyl we shal come in our way agayne
And than furthryght fayre and playne
Tyll that we come to Hatfeld Parke pale:
And there I haue a Tenant that selleth Ale,
And a Farme besides which yelds me by the yere
Thirteene pound: and when I come good chere:
Mine horsemeat & mans meat, & cost me nought
Mine husband when he died, for ye Farme ought
Fortie Markes: but I thanke God now
My Farmer may go both to Cart and Plow,
At his owne pleasure, and no man him warne,
And there gan to speake to them anon,
My friendes quod she, take keepe what I say,
I haue bethought me, rydyng by the way
That it is not best for vs this day,
To ryde through Barnet, & I shal tel you why?
One knaue or other wyll vs there espy,
I know that I am wayted for in the towne:
Wherfore by myne aduise, let vs light downe,
And bayt here, and rest a lytell whyle,
And then ye shall see vs them all begyle.
For when that we come to Barnet townes ende,
We shall there then spyte of the Feende
Ryde in the Lane, on the backside.
I know the way, we stall neede no guyde:
And at the wyndmyl we shal come in our way agayne
And than furthryght fayre and playne
Tyll that we come to Hatfeld Parke pale:
And there I haue a Tenant that selleth Ale,
And a Farme besides which yelds me by the yere
Thirteene pound: and when I come good chere:
Mine horsemeat & mans meat, & cost me nought
Mine husband when he died, for ye Farme ought
Fortie Markes: but I thanke God now
My Farmer may go both to Cart and Plow,
At his owne pleasure, and no man him warne,
Wel then sayd Cates, besyde this barne,
Let vs now lyght and walk to our Inne
This Mayde here shal fyrst beginne:
Lepe downe quod he, & let me help your Misteris
Let vs now lyght and walk to our Inne
This Mayde here shal fyrst beginne:
Lepe downe quod he, & let me help your Misteris
Nay fayd the wydow I wil none of your seruice
At this tyme: I shal descend without assistance
At this tyme: I shal descend without assistance
The place wher they baited was not far thence
To the which they romed & made good chere
To the which they romed & made good chere
And when they had payd for bread ale & beere
And for other things, I cannot tell what,
The wydow departed from ye place there she sate,
And called for horse: let vs ryde now quod she.
And for other things, I cannot tell what,
The wydow departed from ye place there she sate,
And called for horse: let vs ryde now quod she.
I am well contented so mote I thee
Sayd her host and Cotes agreed therto,
But hostes quod she, or euer that we go
Whan we be on horsback fyl a pint wt Malmsay,
And syrs betwene you, looke that ye wel pay:
For euery thing, and that with the most.
I haue done sayd Cotes, whatsoeuer it cost
She is allowed after her owne price.
Sayd her host and Cotes agreed therto,
But hostes quod she, or euer that we go
Whan we be on horsback fyl a pint wt Malmsay,
And syrs betwene you, looke that ye wel pay:
For euery thing, and that with the most.
I haue done sayd Cotes, whatsoeuer it cost
She is allowed after her owne price.
To horsback than, they yede at a trice,
And ridden forth tyl they came to Barnat.
And ridden forth tyl they came to Barnat.
Now friends quod she, I wyl algate
Leaue the towne as I told you before.
Leaue the towne as I told you before.
Cotes answered and a great oth swore
That he wold not ride out of his way,
Care ye not quod he, what folks say
And if that ye be knowne: what for that,
Put on your head this hood and your hat.
And eke this cloke about you, & if you doubt
Than and they gawren round about
Ye shal not be knowne of any maner wight
I pray you let vs ride for it draweth vnto night.
That he wold not ride out of his way,
Care ye not quod he, what folks say
And if that ye be knowne: what for that,
Put on your head this hood and your hat.
And eke this cloke about you, & if you doubt
Than and they gawren round about
Ye shal not be knowne of any maner wight
Tut quod she ye be a mery man,
Trow ye that my owne folk ne can
Know me: and if I be disgused
Yes I warant you ye shal heare it cryed:
If we ride through ye towne, for I shal tell thee Cotes
I haue them in my Inne and they se but my fote
They wil know me, and what remedy then
I know you wyll defend me lyke prety men,
Unto your power: but what is one or tway
In comparison to sixe, if they mete in the way?
But seing ye wyll ieopard it geue me my cloke
Ride forth a pace and not once a side loke.
Whē we com agaīst ye Lyon but hang down your heads
And geue me in my hands your beades
I wyll occupy both my hart and eke my minde
The better assystance, I trust we shal finde.
Ye but quod her host, how shal I do for my boots
I pray you that eyther I or els Cotes
May ride for them and gallop after in hast
I say quod she, tyll we be this towne past
We wyl not tarry for ought that may fall
Worce arayed then you are, ye cannot be at all
At S. Albons we shal amend al fawtes,
And I trust arme vs for al assautes.
Wel then let vs ride in Christes holy name
Yf ye think it best: for I am yet the same
Man that I was yerst for al the myre,
They rode through ye towne lyke as wylde fyre,
Had ben new put in euery horse tayle.
And when yt they came to ye wyndmyl wt ye sayle
There Cotes gan for to speake anon,
What way quod he, shal we ride vpon.
Misteris where is your Farme yt ye told of before
Trow ye that my owne folk ne can
Know me: and if I be disgused
Yes I warant you ye shal heare it cryed:
If we ride through ye towne, for I shal tell thee Cotes
I haue them in my Inne and they se but my fote
They wil know me, and what remedy then
I know you wyll defend me lyke prety men,
Unto your power: but what is one or tway
In comparison to sixe, if they mete in the way?
But seing ye wyll ieopard it geue me my cloke
Ride forth a pace and not once a side loke.
Whē we com agaīst ye Lyon but hang down your heads
And geue me in my hands your beades
I wyll occupy both my hart and eke my minde
The better assystance, I trust we shal finde.
Ye but quod her host, how shal I do for my boots
I pray you that eyther I or els Cotes
May ride for them and gallop after in hast
I say quod she, tyll we be this towne past
We wyl not tarry for ought that may fall
Worce arayed then you are, ye cannot be at all
At S. Albons we shal amend al fawtes,
And I trust arme vs for al assautes.
Wel then let vs ride in Christes holy name
Yf ye think it best: for I am yet the same
Man that I was yerst for al the myre,
They rode through ye towne lyke as wylde fyre,
Had ben new put in euery horse tayle.
And when yt they came to ye wyndmyl wt ye sayle
There Cotes gan for to speake anon,
Misteris where is your Farme yt ye told of before
Alas sayd she that euer I was bore:
It maketh me sick to think on the foule way
That we must pas throw, what shuld I more say
A lane there is betwene vs and that
The Porter of hel I dare say with his bat
Cannot escape but he must ligge in the myre,
But we wyl doe well. I wot what is our hyre.
To Hatfeld we shal ride this same night,
And to morow when we haue the day light
We shal yede to S. Albons by than it is noone
And my besynes there, wil not be don soone.
It wyll cost vs two or three dayes wark.
It maketh me sick to think on the foule way
That we must pas throw, what shuld I more say
A lane there is betwene vs and that
The Porter of hel I dare say with his bat
Cannot escape but he must ligge in the myre,
But we wyl doe well. I wot what is our hyre.
To Hatfeld we shal ride this same night,
And to morow when we haue the day light
We shal yede to S. Albons by than it is noone
And my besynes there, wil not be don soone.
It wyll cost vs two or three dayes wark.
But syrs quod she, is none of you a clark?
I must haue a quytance made for my rent
To a knaue which me sore repent:
That euer he occupyed any ground of mine,
I am sure he hath of Oxen and kyne
In hundred heds: and much stuffe besyde
And ye arrand knaue whē I com he wil him hyde
Makyng him as bare as a byrds tayle,
And when I speake with hym he wyl not fayle
To tel me a tale hinching and pinching.
And in faith Masteris I haue no good thing.
To make you chere: but it doth me good to se you
But if I could tell in what wise and how
To auoyd the heynard, he should not long abyde.
I must haue a quytance made for my rent
To a knaue which me sore repent:
That euer he occupyed any ground of mine,
I am sure he hath of Oxen and kyne
In hundred heds: and much stuffe besyde
And ye arrand knaue whē I com he wil him hyde
Makyng him as bare as a byrds tayle,
And when I speake with hym he wyl not fayle
To tel me a tale hinching and pinching.
And in faith Masteris I haue no good thing.
To make you chere: but it doth me good to se you
But if I could tell in what wise and how
To auoyd the heynard, he should not long abyde.
Well sayd Cotes what so euer betyde,
This same present night I wyll ryde
To S. Albons: I lyke not this tittell tattel.
This same present night I wyll ryde
To S. Albons: I lyke not this tittell tattel.
Why quod she, and ye think your horse be able
To beare you through, than do as ye lyst
But I pray you that you bring me first:
To Hatfelde, and than ye shal haue a token
To my seruant that dwelleth in my Inne,
With the crosse keyes in S. Albones towne:
And to morow in the morning, vp and downe
Ye may se mine house, and my easment there,
And afterwards trusse together al my gere
But I pray you that you bring me first:
To Hatfelde, and than ye shal haue a token
To my seruant that dwelleth in my Inne,
With the crosse keyes in S. Albones towne:
And to morow in the morning, vp and downe
Ye may se mine house, and my easment there,
And afterwards trusse together al my gere
You shal haue in ye parlour next to the strete
A Cofer standyng at my beds feete:
In which Cofer all my money is,
Three Hundred Marks, I haue therein iwys
In sixe bags, but loke that ye beare
But two of ye lest wt you, for I haue certain geare
In the tother fower, which shal not as yet,
Be seene of any body: I let you wyt:
Ye may say that I trust ye, to let you com so nere
A Cofer standyng at my beds feete:
In which Cofer all my money is,
Three Hundred Marks, I haue therein iwys
In sixe bags, but loke that ye beare
But two of ye lest wt you, for I haue certain geare
In the tother fower, which shal not as yet,
Be seene of any body: I let you wyt:
Ye may say that I trust ye, to let you com so nere
Shew Thomas Edwards my seruant there
Where I am and that I sent you thither,
Commandyng him for to delyuer.
My keyes to you: by such a token
The which keyes were made to open
The new chest at mine owne beds feete
And eke my Whuch that is fast ishyt:
Wherein remayneth all my plate
Trusse it surely: and yet beside al that
I pray ye that ye wyll take so much payne
If that ye se no lykelyhood of rayne
As to bring with you vnto this towne,
A Kyrtle of chamblet and my tawny Gowne:
They ly on the presse in my owne chamber,
My purse also, with my Beades of amber.
Take these things I pray you, as fast as ye may,
Make a fardle therof and send them away,
By Thomas Edwards to the Lyon in Barnet,
And when ye haue thus don, remember this yet.
Take two fresh Geldings out of my stable,
And leaue yours there, till they be better able
To iornay on the way: Syrs say I not well?
Where I am and that I sent you thither,
Commandyng him for to delyuer.
My keyes to you: by such a token
The which keyes were made to open
The new chest at mine owne beds feete
And eke my Whuch that is fast ishyt:
Wherein remayneth all my plate
Trusse it surely: and yet beside al that
I pray ye that ye wyll take so much payne
If that ye se no lykelyhood of rayne
As to bring with you vnto this towne,
A Kyrtle of chamblet and my tawny Gowne:
They ly on the presse in my owne chamber,
My purse also, with my Beades of amber.
Make a fardle therof and send them away,
By Thomas Edwards to the Lyon in Barnet,
And when ye haue thus don, remember this yet.
Take two fresh Geldings out of my stable,
And leaue yours there, till they be better able
To iornay on the way: Syrs say I not well?
Yes sayd Cotes, if it be as you tell?
At the Checker in Hatfelde, she toke her lodgeing
When it was ful late in the euening.
There her Host and Cotes departed her fro
And also as fast, as their horses can go
They ryde tyl they come to S. Albons towne
And there demaunded vp and downe
For the crosse keyes and found it at last:
Thomas Edwards there they asked for in hast
And than was none such in all the throwfare
That hore quod Cotes euyll mote she fare
Hath begiled vs, and what remedy now.
At the Checker in Hatfelde, she toke her lodgeing
When it was ful late in the euening.
There her Host and Cotes departed her fro
And also as fast, as their horses can go
They ryde tyl they come to S. Albons towne
And there demaunded vp and downe
For the crosse keyes and found it at last:
Thomas Edwards there they asked for in hast
And than was none such in all the throwfare
That hore quod Cotes euyll mote she fare
Hath begiled vs, and what remedy now.
His felow answered I shal tel thee how
Peraduenture ther ar more crosse keyes then one
Aske ye som body, and ye shal know anone.
Peraduenture ther ar more crosse keyes then one
Aske ye som body, and ye shal know anone.
The hostler told them yt there was yet an other
I thank you sayd Cotes my owne good brother.
I thank you sayd Cotes my owne good brother.
There they demaunded as they dyd before
The goodman asked where they were bore:
And what they wolde haue, that time of night?
The goodman asked where they were bore:
And what they wolde haue, that time of night?
Quod Cotes to his felow let vs downe light
This is the house I wot well inow.
This is the house I wot well inow.
A master Edwards, I pray you tel vs how
That ye liue here in your in mistris absence
That ye liue here in your in mistris absence
Masters quod he: Syrs get you fast hence.
For by our Lady ye be falce knaues both,
And then he gan to sweare many an oth.
And then he gan to sweare many an oth.
Soft & fayre sayd Cotes, breake not your pacience
We shal tel you what we ar & whence:
Such a gentil woman sent vs, & she her selfe sayd
That this house is her own, her husand for it paid
We shal tel you what we ar & whence:
Such a gentil woman sent vs, & she her selfe sayd
That this house is her own, her husand for it paid
A ha, I wot now wher abouts yt ye be
By coks wounds she is an arrant hore quod he
She sent hether win .xii. monthes & little more,
After this same facion, I am sure halfe a score.
By coks wounds she is an arrant hore quod he
She sent hether win .xii. monthes & little more,
After this same facion, I am sure halfe a score.
But syrs I shal tel you it is wisdom ye take heed
Cotes in all the hast roght to him his steed
His Iade I would say, & his felow his also,
And forth they ryd wtout words mo
To Hatfeld agayne by one of the clock
And at the checker dore they gan for to knock.
Cotes in all the hast roght to him his steed
His Iade I would say, & his felow his also,
And forth they ryd wtout words mo
To Hatfeld agayne by one of the clock
And at the checker dore they gan for to knock.
The goodman was yet vp, & the wydow also
What quod she, how happeneth that you two,
Com agayne so late, had you no better chere
What quod she, how happeneth that you two,
Com agayne so late, had you no better chere
Hore, hore, by coks, blood euen here,
Sayd Cotes and it were not for shame:
I should canvas thee, and make thee lame.
Sayd Cotes and it were not for shame:
I should canvas thee, and make thee lame.
Peace quod his felow, art yu wel in thy wit,
Thou wilt mar al, I pray thee downe sit:
And hold thy tong, the deuyll pul it out.
The wydow answerd, nay I put you out of dout
My seruant is subtil yt kepeth there my house.
Thou wilt mar al, I pray thee downe sit:
And hold thy tong, the deuyll pul it out.
The wydow answerd, nay I put you out of dout
My seruant is subtil yt kepeth there my house.
By gods foote quod Cotes, not a poore louse
Thou art not able to foster in all the towne.
Thou art not able to foster in all the towne.
Tut sayd she, haue ye brought wt you my gown
And mine other geare tell me truely?
And mine other geare tell me truely?
Than her host answered soberly
And told her all how they had sped.
Well then quod she, let vs go to bed
And to morow I wil my selfe thither
And eke you two shall ride together:
I trow ye shal heare an other maner of tale.
And to morow I wil my selfe thither
And eke you two shall ride together:
I trow ye shal heare an other maner of tale.
Goodman of the house borow me a male
Against to morow, I pray you hartely
And mayden make redy my breakfast early.
I se wel that my men be halfe in dispayre.
Against to morow, I pray you hartely
And mayden make redy my breakfast early.
I se wel that my men be halfe in dispayre.
Then to bed they got them wel and fayre.
Cotes and his felow gaue in charge
To the goodman of the house yt he at large
Ne should suffer in any wise that night,
The wydow to walke til it be day light
For we doubt quod they, yt she wil make a start
Cotes and his felow gaue in charge
To the goodman of the house yt he at large
Ne should suffer in any wise that night,
The wydow to walke til it be day light
For we doubt quod they, yt she wil make a start
Theyr host bad them be mery in hart
And take no thought for ought that may fall
I will se you quod he agreed all
Or euer ye depart this house fro
If ye wylbe resonable, I can no mo.
And take no thought for ought that may fall
I will se you quod he agreed all
Or euer ye depart this house fro
If ye wylbe resonable, I can no mo.
Then imediatly they yede to rest
The wydow thought she would do her best,
Once yet to begile them both twayne.
The wydow thought she would do her best,
Once yet to begile them both twayne.
To her hoste the gan for to compaline
With wepinge eyne she sayd alas:
Help host now, thus standeth the case,
One of these knaues wold haue me to wyfe
And in sorow with him to lead thy lyfe,
I haue deuised all the wayes that I may
To scape from them and to go away:
But I cannot and I should dye therfore.
With wepinge eyne she sayd alas:
Help host now, thus standeth the case,
One of these knaues wold haue me to wyfe
And in sorow with him to lead thy lyfe,
I haue deuised all the wayes that I may
To scape from them and to go away:
But I cannot and I should dye therfore.
The blessed Iesu that of a mayd was bore
By myne ayde as I entend well,
Therwith she wept and on her knees fell.
Therwith she wept and on her knees fell.
Than her host asked what she wolde geue,
On that condition she might haue leue
To walk at her wyll whether she wolde.
On that condition she might haue leue
To walk at her wyll whether she wolde.
Three Grots quod she in fayre pence itoIde
And that is all that euer I haue,
At this tyme vpon me so god me saue.
The money he receyued, and then bad her goe
Whether she wold: but doe no more foe.
At three of the clocke in the dark mornyng,
Away she yed before the dawning.
And where she become then that tyde,
I cannot tell you in al this world so wyde:
But farewell frost syth that she be gon.
And that is all that euer I haue,
At this tyme vpon me so god me saue.
The money he receyued, and then bad her goe
Whether she wold: but doe no more foe.
At three of the clocke in the dark mornyng,
Away she yed before the dawning.
And where she become then that tyde,
I cannot tell you in al this world so wyde:
But farewell frost syth that she be gon.
Cotes and his felow in the morning whan
They were vp rysen and kempt their heaire
For the wydow they asked: & than was there
No body could tel whither she was yede,
Their host they demanded: and he sayd by crede
He wyst not where she was let her go
Quod he then: it is well ye skaped so.
One loked on an other, & wist not what to say.
And in conclusion euen the right way
To London they tooke in all the haste,
They wolde not once tarry, to breake their faste:
And of this prosses I make an ende,
God saue the Wydow, where euer she wende.
They were vp rysen and kempt their heaire
For the wydow they asked: & than was there
No body could tel whither she was yede,
Their host they demanded: and he sayd by crede
He wyst not where she was let her go
Quod he then: it is well ye skaped so.
One loked on an other, & wist not what to say.
And in conclusion euen the right way
To London they tooke in all the haste,
They wolde not once tarry, to breake their faste:
And of this prosses I make an ende,
God saue the Wydow, where euer she wende.
by Walter Smith.
FINIS.
| XII mery Iests, of the wyddow Edyth | |