DAME COY. I shall not sup this night, full well I see; For as yet nobody cometh for to fet me. But good enough, let me alone: I woll be even with them every-chone. I say nothing, but I think somewhat, i-wis: Some there be that shall hear of this! Of all unkind and churlish husbands this is the cast, To let their wives sit at home and fast; While they be forth, and make good cheer: Pastime and sport, as now he doth there. But if I were a wise woman, as I am a mome, I should make myself, as good cheer at home. But if he have thus unkindly served me, I woll not forget it this months three; And if I wist the fault were in him, I pray God I be dead, But he should have such a curry,[195] ere he went to bed, As he never had before in all his life, Nor any man else have had of his wife! I would rate him and shake him after such a sort, As should be to him a corrosive full little to his comfort!
ALLISON TRIP-AND-GO. If I may be so bold, by your mistress-ship's license, As to speak and show my mind and sentence, I think of this you may the boy thank; For I know that he playeth you many a like prank, And that would you say, if you knew as much as we, That his daily conversation and behaviour see; For if you command him to go speak with some one, It is an hour, ere he woll be gone; Then woll he run forth, and play in the street, And come again, and say that he cannot with him meet.
DAME COY. Nay, nay, it is his master's play: He serveth me so almost every third day; But I woll be even with him, as God give me joy, And yet the fault may be in the boy-- As ungracious a graft, so mot I thrive, As any goeth on God's ground alive!
CAREAWAY. My wit is breeched in such a brake, That I cannot devise what way is best to take. I was almost as far as my master is; But then I began to remember this, And to cast the worst, as one in fear: If he chance to see me and keep me there, Till he come himself, and speak with my mistress, Then am I like to be in shrewd distress: Yet were I better, thought I, to turn home again. And first speak with her, certain-- Cock's body, yonder she standeth at the door! Now is it worse than it was before. Would Christ I could get again out of her sight: For I see by her look she is disposed to fight. By the Lord, she hath there an angry shrew's look--