Part 18 (1/2)

_1st Shepherd._ What devil shall he halt?[180] Mac, lo, G.o.d makes air.

_2nd Shepherd._ Let be all that. Now G.o.d give him care!

I sagh.[181]

_Wife._ A pretty child is he, As sits upon a woman's knee; A dylly-downe, perdie!

To make a man laugh.

_3rd Shepherd._ I know him by the ear mark:--that is a good token.

_Mac._ I tell you, sirs, hark:--his nose was broken.

Since then, told me a clerk,--that he was forespoken.[182]

_1st Shepherd._ This is a false work.--I would fain be wroken:[183]

Get a weapon!

_Wife._ He was taken by an elf;[184]

I saw it myself.

When the clock struck twelve, Was he mis-shapen.

_2nd Shepherd._ Ye two are right deft,--same in a stead.

_3rd Shepherd._ Since they maintain their theft,--let's do them to dead.

_Mac._ If I trespa.s.s eft, gird off my head.

With you will I be left.

_1st Shepherd._ Sirs, do my red For this trespa.s.s, We will neither ban nor flyte[185]

Fight, nor chyte,[186]

But seize him tight, And cast him in canvas.

[_They toss Mac for his sins._

_1st Shepherd_ (_as the three return to the fold_). Lord, how I am sore, in point for to tryst: In faith I may no more, therefore will I rest.

_2nd Shepherd._ As a sheep of seven score, he weighed in my fist.

For to sleep anywhere, methink that I list.

_3rd Shepherd._ Now I pray you, Lie down on this green.

_1st Shepherd._ On these thefts yet I mean.

_3rd Shepherd._ Whereto should ye tene?[187]

Do as I say you.

[_Enter an Angel above, who sings ”Gloria in Excelsis,” then says:_

Rise, hired-men, heynd,[188] for now is he born That shall take from the fiend, that Adam had lorn:[189]

That warlock to sheynd,[190] this night is he born.

G.o.d is made your friend: now at this morn, He behests; To Bedlem go see, There lies that free[191]