I love it well to have side hair Half a wote beneath mine ear; For, evermore, I stand in fear That mine neck should take cold. I knit it up all the night; And the daytime comb it down right; And then it crispeth and shineth as bright As any purled gold. My doublet is on-laced before-- A stomacher of satin and no more; Rain it, snow it never so sore, Methinketh I am too hot. Then have I such a short gown, With wide sleeves that hang a-down-- They would make some lad in this town A doublet and a coat. Some men would think that this were pride; But it is not so--ho, ho, abide! I have a dagger by my side Yet thereof spake not I. I bought this dagger at the mart, A sharp point and a tart; He that had it in his heart Were as good to die. Then have I a sword or twain; To bear them myself it were a pain; They are so heavy that I am fain To purvey such a lad, Though I say it, a pretty boy-- It is half my life's joy. He maketh me laugh with many a toy, The urchin is so mad. I begat the whoreson in bast; It was done all in haste: Ye may see there was no waste, He occupied no great place. Sometime he serveth me at board; Sometime he beareth my two-hand sword-- Come forth, thou little lick-turd! Look in thy father's face! But, now to do that I come for, And of these things to speak no more-- Hark, sirs! me longeth sore To hear some novelty. I hear say there is a great state Come into this country late; And is disposed algate An householder to be. Father's soul, sirs! ye shall understand That, if he keep household in this land, I will thrust in on hand, Whosoever say nay. Whatsoever the man intend, To appair the world or to amend, I will be with him at that one end; Hap what hap may! I met Worldly Affection erewhile, From this town scant a mile; And he hath showed me a pretty wile, If I may put it in ure. He tells me that Sensuality Begins a great ruler to be; And, if it be so, care not for me-- The matter is cock sure! Ay, good lord, what man is that? Father's soul! this is some great wat. _Garcon._ This is he that ye seek. _Pride._ See this, brat!-- This boy is passing taunt-- Come behind, and follow me; Set out the better leg, I warn thee! _Garcon._ Yes, in the best wise trust ye me! Allez, seigneur! allez vous avant! _Pride._ Salutem to you, sir! _Man._ And to you also! Whence are ye? _Pride._ I shall tell you or I go; But, first would I speak a word, and no mo, With this servant of yours. _Sens._ With me, sir? Would ye speak with me? _Pride._ Yea, fore God! are ye not Sensuality? _Sens._ Yes, surely! _Pride._ Yea, such a gentleman ye seem to be.