A Shoemaker discovered at work: enter Jenkin, carrying a staff.[313]
Jen. My masters, he that hath neither meat nor money, and hath lost his credit with the alewife, for anything I know, may go supperless to bed.—But, soft! who is here? here is a shoemaker; he knows where is the best ale.—Shoemaker, I pray thee tell me, where is the best ale in the town?
Shoe. Afore, afore, follow thy nose; at the sign of the Egg-shell.
Jen. Come, shoemaker, if thou wilt, and take thy part of a pot.
Shoe. [coming forward]. Sirrah, down with your staff, down with your staff.
Jen. Why, how now! is the fellow mad? I pray thee tell me, why should I hold down my staff?
Shoe. You will down with him, will you not, sir?
Jen. Why, tell me wherefore?
Shoe. My friend, this is the town of merry Bradford, and here is a custom held, that none shall pass with his staff on his shoulders but he must have a bout with me; and so shall you, sir.