SERVANT. Let them go both, and do what they will, And with communication fill their belly: For I, by Saint George, will tarry here still, In all my life I was never so weary! I have this day filled so many pots With all manner wine, ale, and beer, That I wished their bellies full of bots,[347] Long of whom[348] was made such cheer. What kinds of meat, both flesh and fish, Have I, poor knave, to the table carried From time to time, dish after dish; My legs from going never ceased! What running had I for apples and nuts! What calling for biscuits, comfits, and caraways![349] A vengeance, said I, light on their guts, That makes me to turn so many ways! What crying was there for cards and dice! What roisting,[350] what ruffling made they within! I counted them all not greatly wise, For my head did almost ache with din. What babbling, what jangling[351] was in the house! What quaffing, what bibbing with many a cup! That some lay along as drunk as a mouse, Not able so much as their heads to hold up! What dancing, what leaping, what jumping about, From bench to bench, and stool to stool, That I wondered their brains did not fall out, When they so outrageously played the fool! What juggling was there upon the boards! What thrusting of knives through many a nose! What bearing of forms, what holding of swords, And putting of botkins[352] through leg and hose! Yet for all that they called for drink, And said they could not play for dry, That many at me did nod and wink, Because I should bring it by and by. Howsoever they sported, the pot did still walk: If that were away, then all was lost, For ever anon the jug was their talk, They passed[353] not who bare such charge and cost. Therefore let him look his purse be right good, That it may discharge all that is spent, Or else it will make his hair grow through his hood,[354] There was such havoc made at this present; But I am afeard my master be angry, That I did abide thus long behind: Yet for his anger I pass[355] not greatly, His words they be but only wind! Now that I have rested so long in this place, Homeward again I will hie me apace. [_Here the Servant goeth out, and in cometh first the Wife, and shortly after the Husband_. THE WIFE. Where is my husband? was he not here? I marvel much whither he is gone! Then I perceive I am [not] much the near:[356] But lo, where he cometh hither alone! Wot ye what, husband, from day to day With dainty dishes our bodies have been filled? What meat to-morrow next shall we assay, Whereby we may then be both refreshed? HUSBAND. Do ye now provide and give a regard For victuals hereafter to be prepared? WIFE. But that I know, husband, it lieth us in hand Of things to come to have a consideration, I would not once will you to understand About such business my careful provision: It is needful therefore to work we make haste, That to get both our livings we may know the cast.