Volume Ii Part 35 (2/2)

Why, the crow would not give it her bird--thou art mad, Is that meat for you? nay, it would make you too rank.

Nay, soft, brother mine, I must keep you more lank.

It hath made me ever[268] since so l.u.s.ty and[269] fresh, As though I had eaten all delicates of flesh.

I feel no manner faintness whereof to complain.

RAGAN. Yet to-morrow ye must be as hungry again, Then must ye and will ye wish again for good cheer: And repent you, that ever ye bought this so dear.

ESAU. Repent me? wherefore? then the Lord give me sorrow; If it were to do, I would do it to-morrow.

For, thou foolish knave, what hath Jacob of me bought?

RAGAN. But a matter of a straw and a thing of nought!

ESAU. My birthright and whole t.i.tle of mine elders.h.i.+p, Marry, sir, I pray G.o.d much good do it his mas.h.i.+p, If I die to-morrow, what good would it do me?

If he die to-morrow, what benefit hath he?

And for a thing hanging on such casuality, Better a mess of pottage than nothing, pardy!

If my father live long, when should I it enjoy?

If my father die soon, then it is but a toy.

For if the time were come, thinkest thou that Jacob Should find Esau such a lout or such a lob To suffer him to enjoy my birthright in rest?

Nay, I will first toss him and trounce him of the best; I think to find it a matter of conscience, And Jacob first to have a fart, sir reverence.

When my father Isaac shall the matter know, He will not let Jacob have my birthright, I trow.

Or if he should keep it as his own, I pray you, Might not I live without it, and do well enou'?

Do none but men's eldest sons prosper well?

How live younger brethren then, I beseech you, tell?

Once, if anything be by the sword to be got, This falchion and I will have part to our lot.

But now come on, go we abroad awhile and walk, Let my birthright go, and of other matters talk.

RAGAN. Who--I, walk? nay, I trow not, till I have better din'd.

It is more time to seek, where I may some meat find.

ESAU. What say'st thou, drawlatch? come forth, with a mischief!

Wilt thou not go with me? on, forward, wh.o.r.eson thief?

Shall it be as pleaseth you, or as pleaseth me?

RAGAN. Nay, as pleaseth you, sir, methink it must be.

ESAU. And where be my dogs and my hound? be they all well?

RAGAN. Better than your man, for they be in their kennel.

ESAU. Then go see all be well in my part of the tent.

RAGAN. With a right good will, sir, I go incontinent.

ESAU. And I will to my field, the which I cleansed last, To see what hope there is, that it will yield fruit fast.

<script>