_Wife._ Why, who wanders, who wakes,--who comes, who goes? Who brews, who bakes? Who makes for me this hose? And then It is ruth to behold, Now in hot, now in cold, Full woful is the household That wants a woman. But what end hast thou made with the herds, Mac? _Mac._ The last word that they said,--when I turned my back, They would look that they had--their sheep all the pack. I hope they will not be well paid,--when they their sheep lack. Perdie! But howso the game goes, To me they will suppose, And make a foul noise, And cry out upon me. But thou must do as thou hight, _Wife._ I accord me thertylle.[150] I shall swaddle him right in my cradle. If it were a greater slight, yet could I help till. I will lie down straight. Come hap me. _Mac._ I will. _Wife._ Behind, Come Coll and his marrow, They will nip us full narrow. _Mac._ But I may cry out "Harro!"[151] The sheep if they find. _Wife._ Hearken aye when they call: they will come anon. Come and make ready all, and sing by thine own, Sing "Lullay!" thou shall, for I must groan, And cry out by the wall on Mary and John, For sore. Sing "Lullay" full fast When thou hears at the last; And but I play a false cast Trust me no more. [_Re-enter the Three Shepherds._] _3rd Shepherd._ Ah, Coll! good morn:--why sleepest thou not? _1st Shepherd._ Alas, that ever was I born!--we have a foul blot. A fat wether have we lorne.[152] _3rd Shepherd._ Marry, Godys forbot![153] _2nd Shepherd._ Who should do us that scorn? That were a foul spot. _1st Shepherd._ Some shrew. I have sought with my dogs, All Horbery shrogs,[154] And of fifteen hogs Found I but one ewe. _3rd Shepherd._ Now trust me if you will;--by Saint Thomas of Kent! Either Mac or Gill--was at that assent. _1st Shepherd._ Peace, man, be still;--I saw when he went. Thou slander'st him ill; thou ought to repent. Good speed. _2nd Shepherd._ Now as ever might I thee, If I should even here dee,[155] I would say it were he, That did that same deed. _3rd Shepherd._ Go we thither I rede,[156]--and run on our feet. May I never eat bread,--the truth till I wit. _1st Shepherd._ Nor drink, in my heed,--with him till I meet. _2nd Shepherd._ I will rest in no stead, till that I him greet, My brother One I will hight:[157] Till I see him in sight Shall I never sleep one night There I do another. _3rd Shepherd._ Will ye hear how they hack,[158]--Our Sire! list, how they croon! _1st Shepherd._ Hard I never none crack,--so clear out of tune. Call on him. _2nd Shepherd._ Mac! undo your door soon. _Mac._ Who is it that spoke,--as it were noon? On loft, Who is that I say? _3rd Shepherd._ Good fellows! were it day? _Mac._ As far as ye may,-- Good, speak ye soft! Over a sick woman's head,--that is ill mate ease, I had liefer be dead,--or she had any disease.