Part 16 (1/2)

_Mac._ The last word that they said,--when I turned my back, They would look that they had--their sheep all the pack.

I hope they will not be well paid,--when they their sheep lack.

Perdie!

But howso the game goes, To me they will suppose, And make a foul noise, And cry out upon me.

But thou must do as thou hight,

_Wife._ I accord me thertylle.[150]

I shall swaddle him right in my cradle.

If it were a greater slight, yet could I help till.

I will lie down straight. Come hap me.

_Mac._ I will.

_Wife._ Behind, Come Coll and his marrow, They will nip us full narrow.

_Mac._ But I may cry out ”Harro!”[151]

The sheep if they find.

_Wife._ Hearken aye when they call: they will come anon.

Come and make ready all, and sing by thine own, Sing ”Lullay!” thou shall, for I must groan, And cry out by the wall on Mary and John, For sore.

Sing ”Lullay” full fast When thou hears at the last; And but I play a false cast Trust me no more.

[_Re-enter the Three Shepherds._]

_3rd Shepherd._ Ah, Coll! good morn:--why sleepest thou not?

_1st Shepherd._ Alas, that ever was I born!--we have a foul blot.

A fat wether have we lorne.[152]

_3rd Shepherd._ Marry, G.o.dys forbot![153]

_2nd Shepherd._ Who should do us that scorn? That were a foul spot.

_1st Shepherd._ Some shrew.

I have sought with my dogs, All Horbery shrogs,[154]

And of fifteen hogs Found I but one ewe.

_3rd Shepherd._ Now trust me if you will;--by Saint Thomas of Kent!

Either Mac or Gill--was at that a.s.sent.

_1st Shepherd._ Peace, man, be still;--I saw when he went.

Thou slander'st him ill; thou ought to repent.

Good speed.

_2nd Shepherd._ Now as ever might I thee, If I should even here dee,[155]

I would say it were he, That did that same deed.

_3rd Shepherd._ Go we thither I rede,[156]--and run on our feet.

May I never eat bread,--the truth till I wit.