Volume I Part 32 (1/2)

HICKSCORNER.

By G.o.d, this fellow that may not go hence, I will go give him these hose rings; Now, i-faith, they be worth forty pence, But to his hands I lack two bonds.

IMAGINATION.

Hold, wh.o.r.eson, here is an halter; Bind him fast, and make him sure.

PITY.

O men, let truth, that is the true man, Be your guider, or else ye be forlorn; Lay no false witness, as nigh as ye can, On none; for afterward ye will repent it full sore.

FREEWILL.

Nay, nay, I care not therefore.

HICKSCORNER.

Yea, when my soul hangeth on the hedge-cast stones, For I tell thee plainly by c.o.c.k's bones, Thou shalt be guided, and laid in irons, They fared even so.

PITY.

Well-a-way,[136] sir, what have I do?

IMAGINATION.

Well, well, that thou shalt know, ere thou go.

PITY.

O sirs, I see it cannot be amended, You do me wrong, for I have not offended: Remember G.o.d that is our heaven king, For he will reward you after your deserving; When death with his mace doth you arrest; We all to him owe fea'ty and service, From the ladder of life down he will thee thrust, Then masters.h.i.+p may not help, nor great office.

FREEWILL.

What, death, and he were here, he should sit by thee; Trowest thou, that he be able to strive with us three?

Nay, nay, nay.

IMAGINATION.

Well, fellows, now let us go our way; For at Shooter's Hill we have a game to play.

HICKSCORNER.

In good faith, I will tarry no lenger s.p.a.ce.

FREEWILL.