CHAP. VI.
Tom made a feast for all the poor Widows in the adjacent towns; and how he served an old Woman who stole a Silver Cup at the same time, etc.
Now Tom being married, he made a plentiful feast, to which he invited all the poor widows in four or five parishes for the sake of his mother, which he had lately buried, this feast was kept in his own house, with all manner of varieties that the country could afford for the space of four days, in honour likewise of the four victories which he lately obtain’d. Now when the time of feasting was ended, a Silver Cup was missing, and being ask’d about it, they every one deny’d they knew any thing of it. At length it was agreed that they should all stand the search, which they did, and the Cup was found upon a certain old woman, named the Widow Stumbelow; then was all the rest in a rage, some was for hanging her, others were for chopping the old woman in pieces, for her ingratitude to such a generous soul as Sir Thomas Hickathrift; but he entreated them all to be quiet, saying they should not murder a poor old Woman, for he would appoint a punishment for her himself; which was this; he bor’d a hole thro’ her nose and tying a string therein, then order’d her to be stript stark naked, commanding the rest of the old women to stick a candle in her fundament, and lead her by the nose thro’ all the streets and lanes in Cambridge, which comical sight caused a general laughter. This done, she had her cloaths restor’d her again, and so was acquitted.
