Volume Ii Part 17 (2/2)

And for that thou shalt somewhat have, Because thou presumest, like a saucy lying knave, To say my master is thine. Who is thy master now?

[_Strikes him again_.

CAREAWAY.

By my troth, sir, whosoever please you: I am your own, for you beat me so, As no man but my master should do.

JACK JUGGLER.

I woll handle thee better, if fault be not in fist-- [_Prepares to strike him_.

CAREAWAY.

Help! save my life, masters, for the pa.s.sion of Christ!

JACK JUGGLER.

Why, thou lousy thief, dost thou cry and roar?--

CAREAWAY.

No, faith, I woll not cry one whit more: Save my life, help, or I am slain--

JACK JUGGLER.

Yea, dost thou make a rumouring yet again?

Did not I bid thee hold thy peace?--

CAREAWAY.

In faith, now I leave crying; now I cease: help, help!

JACK JUGGLER.

Who is thy master?

CAREAWAY.

Master Bongrace--

JACK JUGGLER.

I woll make thee change that song, ere we pa.s.s this place; For he is my master, and again to thee I say, That I am his Jenkin Careaway.

Who art thou? now tell me plain.

CAREAWAY.

n.o.body but whom please you, certain--

JACK JUGGLER.

Thou saidest even now thy name was Careaway?

CAREAWAY.

I cry you mercy, sir, and forgiveness pray: I said amiss, because it was so to-day; And thought it should have continued alway, Like a fool as I am and a drunken knave.

But in faith, sir, ye see all the wit I have, Therefore I beseech you do me no more blame, But give me a new master and another name.

For it would grieve my heart, so help me G.o.d, To run about the streets like a masterless nod.[188]

JACK JUGGLER.

I am he that thou saidest thou were, And Master Bongrace is my master, that dwelleth here; Thou art no point, Careaway; thy wits do thee fail.

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