R. Roister. They were not angry, then? M. MERRY. Yes, at first, and made strange; But when I said your anger to favour should change, And therewith had commended you accordingly, They were all in love with your maship by and by; And cried you mercy, that they had done you wrong. R. ROISTER. For why no man, woman, nor child can hate me long. M. MERRY. We fear (quod they) he will be avenged one day; Then for a penny give all our lives we may. R. ROISTER. Said they so indeed? M. MERRY. Did they? yea, even with one voice. He will forgive all (quod I). O, how they did rejoice! R. ROISTER. Ha, ha, ha! M. MERRY. Go fet him (say they), while he is in good mood; For have his anger who lust, we will not, by the rood! R. ROISTER. I pray God that it be all true, that thou hast me told, And that she fight no more. M. MERRY. I warrant you; be bold. To them, and salute them. R. ROISTER. Sirs, I greet you all well. OMNES. Your mastership is welcome. C. CUSTANCE. Saving my quarrel, For sure I will put you up into the Exchequer. M. MERRY. Why so? Better nay. Wherefore? C. CUSTANCE. For an usurer. R. ROISTER. I am no usurer, good mistress, by His arms. M. MERRY. When took he gain of money, to any man's harms? C. CUSTANCE. Yes, a foul usurer he is, ye shall see else. R. ROISTER. Did'st not thou promise she would pick no mo quarrels? [_To Merr._ C. CUSTANCE. He will lend no blows, but he have in recompense Fifteen for one, which is too much of conscience. R. ROISTER. Ah dame! by the ancient law of arms, a man Hath no honour to foil his hands on a woman. C. CUSTANCE. And where other usurers take their gains yearly, This man is angry, but he have his by and by. G. GOOD. Sir, do not for her sake bear me your displeasure. M. MERRY. Well, he shall with you talk thereof more at leisure. Upon your good usage he will now shake your hand. R. ROISTER. And much heartily welcome from a strange land. M. MERRY. Be not afeard, Gawin, to let him shake your fist. G. GOOD. O, the most honest gentleman that e'er I wist. I do beseech your maship to take pain to sup with us. M. MERRY. He shall not say you nay, (and I too by Jesus,) Because ye shall be friends, and let all quarrels pass. R. ROISTER. I will be as good friends with them as e'er I was. M. MERRY. Then, let me fet your quire, that we may have a song. R. ROISTER. Go. G. GOOD. I have heard no melody all this year long. M. MERRY.[174] Come on, sirs, quickly. R. ROISTER. Sing on, sirs, for my friend's sake. D. DOUGH. Call ye these your friends? R. ROISTER. Sing on, and no mo words make. [_Here they sing._ G. GOOD. The Lord preserve our most noble Queen of renown,[175] And her virtues reward with the heavenly crown.