English literature -- Early modern, 1500-1700; English wit and humor; Great Britain -- Civilization -- 17th century -- Literary collections
[52.] In Barnet was a young woman, that when her husband lay a dying,
sorrowed out of measure, for feare that shee should lose him. Her
father came to her, desiring her to be contented: for he had provided
her another husband, a far more handsome man. But she did not onely
continue in her sorrow, but was also greatly displeased, that her
father made any motion to her of any other husband. As soone as her
other husband was buried and the Sermon was done, and they were at
supper, between sobbing and weeping, shee rounded her father in the
eare, and said, Father, where is the young man that you told me should
bee my husband? for very shortly I purpose to be maried. At which her
father suddenly fell a laughing.
[82.] A Gallant in his youth was much addicted to dicing, and many
times when he had lost all his money, then hee would pawne his cloake,
and so goe home without either cloak or coyne, which grieved the Lady
his Mother very much: for remedy whereof, she caused all his doublets
(of what stuffe so ever) to be made with canvasse painted backes,
whereon were fashioned two fooles, which caused the Gentleman ever
after to keepe his cloake on his backe, for feare two of the three
should be discovered.
I was took by a fly, [12.]
Says a Fish; but I deny
That, for had he not took the fly
At first in his mouth,
He had not, in truth,
Then have been tost up so high.
[52.] There was an unthrift in London, that had received of a Merchant
certain Wares, which came to fifty pounds, to pay at three moneths;
and at three moneths. But when he had it he consumed and spent it
all: so that at the six moneths end there was not any left to pay the
Merchant: Wherefore the Merchant arrested him. When he saw there was
no other remedy, but either to pay the debt, or go to prison, he sent
to a subtill Lawyer, and asked his Counsell how he might clear himself
of that debt. What wilt thou give me, (quoth he) if I do? Five marks
(quoth the other) and here it is: and as soon as you have done, you
shall have it. Well, said the Lawyer, but thou must be ruled by my
counsell, and do thus: When thou commest before the Judge, whatsoever
he saith unto thee, answer thou nothing, but cry Bea, still, and let
me alone with the rest. So when he came before the Judge, he said to
the Debter, Dost thou owe this Merchant so much money? Bea (quoth
he). What, beast? (quoth he) answer to that I aske thee. Bea (quoth he
again.) Why, how now? quoth the Judge, I think this fellow hath gotten
a sheeps tongue in his head: for he answereth in the sheeps language.
Why, Sir, quoth the Lawyer, do you think this Merchant that is so wise
a man, would be so foolish, as to trust this Ideot with fifty pounds
worth of ware, that can speak never a word? No, Sir, I warrant
you--And he persuaded the Judge to cast the Merchant in his own suit.
And so the Judge departed, and the Court brake up. Then the Lawyer
came to his Client, and asked him his Money, since his promise was
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