Part 17 (1/2)

_3rd Shepherd._ Either ye or your spouse; so say we.

_Mac._ Now if ye have suspouse[165] to Gill or to me, Come and rip our house, and then may ye see Who had her.

If I any sheep got, Either cow or stot, And Gill, my wife rose not Here since she laid her.

As I am both true and leal, to G.o.d here I pray, That this be the first meal, I shall eat this day.

_1st Shepherd._ Mac, as I have weal, arise thee, I say!

”He learned timely to steal, that could not say nay.”

_Wife._ I swelt.[166]

Out thieves from my once!

Ye come to rob us for the nonce.

_Mac._ Hear ye not how she groans?

Your heart should melt.

_Wife._ Out thieves, from my bairn! Nigh him not th.o.r.e.

_Mac._ Knew ye how she had farne,[167] your hearts would be sore.

Ye do wrong, I you warn, that thus commys before To a woman that has farn;[168] but I say no more.

_Wife._ Ah, my middle!

I pray to G.o.d so mild, If ever I you beguiled, That I eat this child, That lies in this cradle.

_Mac._ Peace, woman, for G.o.d's pain, and cry not so: Thou spill'st thy brain, and mak'st me full woe.

_2nd Shepherd._ I know our sheep be slain, what find ye too?

_3rd Shepherd._ All work we in vain: as well may we go.

But hatters.[169]

I can find no flesh, Hard nor nesh,[170]

Salt nor fresh, But two tome[171] platters: No cattle but this, tame nor wild, None, as have I bliss; as loud as he smiled.

_Wife._ No, so G.o.d me bliss, and give me joy of my child.

_1st Shepherd._ We have marked amiss: I hold us beguiled.

_2nd Shepherd._ Sir, done!

Sir, our lady him save, Is your child a knave?[172]

_Mac._ Any lord might him have This child to his son.

When he wakens he skips, that joy is to see.

_3rd Shepherd._ In good time, be his steps, and happy they be!

But who was his gossips, tell now to me!

_Mac._ So fair fall their lips!

_1st Shepherd (aside)._ Hark now, a lee![173]