Volume Ii Part 33 (1/2)

So nipping, so tripping, so c.o.c.king, so crowing?

So knappish, so snappish, so elvish, so froward?

So crabbed, so wrabbed, so stiff, so untoward?

In play or in pastime so jocund, so merry?

In work or in labour so dead or so weary?

O, that I had his ear between my teeth now, I should shake him, even as a dog that lulleth a sow.

But in faith, if ever I recover myself, There was never none trounced, as I shall trounce that elf.

He and Jacob are agreed, I daresay, I, Not to come at all, but to suffer me here to die.

Which if they do, they shall find this same word true That, after I am dead, my soul shall them pursue.

I will be avenged on all foes, till I die: Yea, and take vengeance, when I am dead too, I.

For, I mistrust, against me agreed they have: For thone is but a fool, and thother a stark knave.

_Enter_ RAGAN _and_ JACOB _behind, conversing_.

RAGAN. I a.s.sure you, Jacob, the man is very weak.

ESAU. But hark once again, methink I hear them speak!

RAGAN. I promise you, I fear his life be already pa.s.s'd.

JACOB. May G.o.d forbid!

ESAU. Lo, now they come at last.

RAGAN. If ye believe not me, see yourself, where he is.

JACOB. Fie, brother Esau, what a folly is this?

About vain pastime to wander abroad and peak, Till with hunger you make yourself thus faint and weak.

ESAU. Brother Jacob, I pray you chide now no longer, But give me somewhat, wherewith to slake mine hunger.

JACOB. Alack, brother, I have in my little cottage Nothing but a mess of gross and homely pottage.

ESAU. Refresh me therewithall, and boldly ask of me The best thing that I have, whatsoever it be.

I were a very beast, when thou my life dost save, If I should stick with thee for the best thing I have.

JACOB. Can ye be content to sell your birthright to me?

ESAU. Hold, here is my hand, I do sell it here to thee.

With all the profits thereof henceforth to be thine, As free, as full, as large, as ever it was mine.

JACOB. Then swear thou hand in hand before the living Lord This bargain to fulfil, and to stand by thy word.

ESAU. Before the Lord I swear, to whom each heart is known, That my birthright that was from henceforth is thine own.

JACOB. Thou shalt also with me by this promise indent, With this bargain and sale to hold thyself content.

ESAU. If each penny thereof might be worth twenty pound, I willingly to thee surrender it this stound.