And when they reached the hostelrie At which it was their wont to lie, Quoth John: “The master I must view.” “The master! what with him wouldst do?” They answered, “we’ve a mistress here, And young enough she is, and fair; To see the host, if you’re inclined, Him in the kitchen you will find.” Into the kitchen John he goes, And sees the master of the house, An ancient man who turned the spit. “O, ho!” said John, “this house I quit; No sleeping place of it I’ll make, But in the next will quarters take.” “Do not go yet,” they cried all three, “Stay, sup with us, thou’lt welcome be.” And now, with grief and shame, I say That with a friar of orders grey The mistress had contrived a plan To murder the poor ancient man, When sleep had bound the merchants fast, And on their heads the crime to cast. John in the next house that same night Saw through a hole i’ the wall a light. So getting up and gently walking, He heard the friar and woman talking. The friar said: “Against yon hole My back I’ll set, for fear some soul From the next house our deeds should spy.” The hostess then most cruelly, With a silk handkerchief she bore, Murdered her ancient husband poor, Strangled him did the accursed slut. But meanwhile through the hole John cut A round piece from the friar’s gown, And then in bed again lay down. At morn ran out the hostess crying That murdered was her husband lying; And since nor man nor child had been, Except the merchants, in the inn, They should be hanged withouten fail; They thereupon were led to jail. John quickly them a visit paid. “O, John! we’ve evil luck,” they said; “Last night the host was choked in bed, And upon us the crime is laid.” “Dear gentlemen,” was John’s reply, “Beseech the Justice instantly To cause them who the murder wrought Into his presence to be brought.” “But who knows who the deed has done?” They faltered forth; then answered John: “If I can’t prove who did it, I Will hang for it most willingly.” “Speak out,” they cried. Said John: “Last night, Being in bed, I saw a light; I rose, as if I’d had a call— There was a hole in the house wall, ’Gainst which his back a certain friar Placed, thereby blinding it entire, Lest, as he said, some curious eye From the next house their deeds should spy. I cut, meanwhile, to him unknown, A large round piece from off his gown. To prove that what I’ve said is true I’ve in my pouch the piece to shew.” The merchants then were soon set free; The murderers died on gallows tree. All three depart from Market Jew, Together with their comrade true, Far as Kuz carn na Huila went, And thence their ways lay different. Now though the merchants earnest were That John should with them home repair, He steadfastly refused their plea, Longing his wife and home to see. When of the merchants he lost sight He lounged away his time till night. He’d fain know whether, while he roved Abroad, his consort faithful proved.