Volume Ii Part 3 (1/2)

Sir, I pray you tell me now, How she doth like you?

YOUTH.

Verily, well she pleaseth me, For she is courteous, gentle, and free.

How do you, fair lady?

How fare you, tell me.

LECHERY.

Sir, if it please you, I do well enou', And the better that you will wit.

YOUTH.

Riot, I would be at the tavern fain, Lest Charity us meet and turn us again: Then would I be sorry, because of this fair lady.

RIOT.

Let us go again betime, That we may be at the wine, Ere ever that he come.

PRIDE.

Hie thee apace, and go we hence; We will let for none expense.

YOUTH.

Now we will fill the cup and make good cheer; I trust I have a n.o.ble here.

Hark, sirs, for G.o.d Almighty, Hearest thou not how they fight?

In faith we shall them part.

If there be any wine to sell, They shall no longer together dwell; No, then I beshrew my heart.

RIOT.

No, sir, so mot I the, Let not thy servants fight within thee; For it is a careful life Evermore to live in strife; Therefore, if ye will be ruled by my tale, We will go to the ale, And see how we can do; I trust to G.o.d that sitteth on high, To lese that little company Within an hour or two.

PRIDE.

Now let us go, for G.o.d's sake, And see how merry we can make.

RIOT.

Now let us go apace; And I be last there, I beshrew my face!

YOUTH.

Now let us go: that we were there To make this lady some cheer.

LECHERY.

Verily, sir, I thank thee, That ye will bestow it on me, And when it please you on me to call, My heart is yours, body and all.

YOUTH.

Fair lady, I thank thee; On the same wise ye shall have me, Whatsoever you please.

PRIDE.

Riot, we tarry very long.

RIOT.

We will go even now with a l.u.s.ty song.

PRIDE.

In faith, I will be rector of the choir.

YOUTH.