Wife. I shall ne'r forget him: when we had lost our child, you know it was straid almost alone, to Puddle-wharfe, and the Cryers were abroad for it, and there it had drown'd it self but for a Sculler, Ralph was the most comfortablest to me: peace Mistriss, saies he, let it go, I'll get you another as good, did he not George? did he not say so?
Cit. Yes indeed did he Mouse.
Dwarfe. I would we had a mess of Pottage, and a pot of Drink, Squire, and were going to bed.
Squire. Why we are at Waltham Towns end, and that's the Bell Inne.
Dwarfe. Take courage valiant Knight, Damsel, and Squire,
I have discovered, not a stones cast off,
An antient Castle held by the old Knight
Of the most holy Order of the Bell,
Who gives to all Knights Errant entertain:
There plenty is of food, and all prepar'd,
By the white hands of his own Lady dear.
He hath three Squires that welcome all his Guests:
The first, High Chamberlain, who will see
Our beds prepar'd, and bring us snowy sheets,
Where never Footman stretch'd his butter'd Hams.
The second height Tapstro, who will see
Our pots full filled, and no froth therein;
The third, a gentle Squire Ostlero height,
Who will our Palfries slick with wisps of straw,
And in the Maunger put them Oats enough,
And never grease their teeth with Candle-snuffe.
Wife. That same Dwarfe's a pretty boy, but the Squire's a grout-nold.
Ralph. Knock at the Gates my Squire, with stately Lance.
Enter Tapster.
Tap. Who's there, you're welcome Gentlemen, will you see a room?
Dwarfe. Right courteous and valiant Knight of the Burning Pestle, This is the Squire Tapstro.