And such a trifling matter, as when it shall be done, Ye may report and say ye have heard nothing at all. Therefore I tell you all, before it be begun, That no man look to hear of matters substantial, Nor matters of any gravity either great or small For this maker showed us that such manner things Do never well beseem little boys' handlings. Wherefore, if ye will not sourly your brows bend At such a fantastical conceit as this, But can be content to hear and see the end, I woll go show the Players what your pleasure is; Which to wait upon you I know be ready ere this. I woll go send them hither into your presence, Desiring that they may have quiet audience. * * * * * JACK JUGGLER. Our Lord of heaven and sweet Saint John Rest you merry, my masters everychone; And I pray to Christ and sweet Saint Stephen Send you all many a good even! And you too, sir, and you, and you also, Good even to you an hundred times and a thousand mo. Now by all these crosses of flesh, bone, and blood, I reckon my chance right marvellous good, Here now to find all this company, Which in my mind I wished for heartily; For I have laboured all day, till I am weary, And now am disposed to pass the time, and be merry. And I think none of you, but he would do the same, For who woll be sad, and needeth not, is foul to blame; And as for me, of my mother I have been taught To be merry when I may, and take no thought. Which lesson I bare so well away, That I use to make merry once a day. And now, if all things happen right, You shall see as mad a pastime this night, As you saw this seven years, and as proper a toy As ever you saw played of a boy. I am called Jack Juggler of many an one, And in faith I woll play a juggling cast anon. I woll conjure the nowl,[175] and God before! Or else let me lese my name for evermore. I have it devised, and compassed how, And what ways I woll tell and show to you. You all know well Master Bongrace,[176] The gentleman that dwelleth here in this place? And Jenkin Careaway his page, as cursed a lad, And as ungracious as ever man had, An unhappy wage, and as foolish a knave withal, As any is now within London wall. This Jenkin and I been fallen at great debate For a matter, that fell between us a-late; And hitherto of him I could never revenged be, For his master maintaineth him, and loveth not me; Albeit, the very truth to tell, Nother of them both knoweth me not very well. But against all other boys the said gentleman Maintaineth him all that he can. But I shall set little by my wit, If I do not Jenkin this night requite. Ere I sleep, Jenkin shall be met, And I trust to come partly out of his debt; And when we meet again, if this do not suffice, I shall pay Jenkin the residue in my best wise. It chanced me right now in the other end of the next street With Jenkin and his master in the face to meet. I abode there a while, playing for to see At the bucklers, as well became me. It was not long time; but at the last