My master kiss gentlewomen two or three, And to come among others me-thought I see,[177] He had a marvellous great phantasy: Anon he commanded me to run thence for you, To come sup there, if you would; but (I wot not how) My heart grudged, mistrusting lest that I, being away, My master would some light cast play; Whereupon, mistress, to see the end, I tarried half supper-time, so God me mend! And, besides that there was such other company As I know your mistress-ship setteth nothing by; Gorgeous dames of the court and gallants also, With doctors and other rufflers mo: At last when I thought it time and season, I came to certify you, as it was reason; And by the way whom should I meet But that most honest gentleman in the street, Which the last week was with you here, And made you a banket and bouncing cheer? Ah, Jenkin, quod he, good speed! how farest thou? Marry, well, God yield it you, master, quod I: how do you? How doth thy mistress? is she at home? Yea, sir, quod I, and suppeth all alone; And but she hath no manner good cheer, I am sure she would gladly have you there. I cannot come now, said he, I have business; But thou shalt carry a token from me to thy mistress. Go with me to my chamber at yon lane-end, And I woll a dish of costards unto her send. I followed him, and was bold, by your leave, To receive and bring them here in my sleeve. But I would not for all England, by Jesus Christ, That my master Bongrace hereof wist, Or knew that I should any such gear to you bring, Lest he misdeem us both in some worse thing; Nor show him nothing of that I before said, For then indeed, sir, I am arrayed:[178] If you do, I may nothing hereafter unto you tell, Whether I see my master do ill or well. But[179] if you now this counsel keep, I woll ease you perchance twice in a week; You may say you were sick, and your head did ache: That you lusted not this night any supper make, Specially without the doors; but thought it best To abide at home and take your rest; And I will to my master to bring him home, For you know he woll be angry, if he come alone. This woll I say and face it so well, That she shall believe it every deal. How say you, friends, by the arms of Robin Hood, Woll not this excuse be reasonable good? To muse for any better great folly it is; For I may make sure reckoning of this That, and if I would sit stewing this seven year, I shall not else find how to save me all clear. And, as you see, for the most part our wits be best, When we be taken most unreadiest. But I woll not give for that boy a fly, That hath not all times in store one good lie, And cannot set a good face upon the same: Therefore Saint George thee borrow, as it woll let him frame. I woll jeopard a joint, be as be may, I have had many like chances before this day; But I promise you I do curstly fear; For I feel a vengeable burning in my left ear; And it hath been a saying of time long, That sweet meat woll have sour sauce among; And surely I shall have some ill hap,