WIFE. But that I know, husband, it lieth us in hand
Of things to come to have a consideration,
I would not once will you to understand
About such business my careful provision:
It is needful therefore to work we make haste,
That to get both our livings we may know the cast.
HUSBAND. To trouble me now, and make me vexed,
This mischievous means hast thou invented.
WIFE. What trouble for thee, what kind of vexation,
Have I to disquiet thee caused at this present?
My only mind is thou make expedition
To seek for our profit, as is convenient.[357]
Wherefore to thee I say once again,
Because to take pains thou art so loth,
By Christ, it were best with might and main
To fall to some work, I swear a great oath!
HUSBAND. Yet, for a time, if it may thee please,
Let me be quiet, and take mine ease.
WIFE. Wilt thou have us then through hunger be starved?
HUSBAND. I would not we should for hunger be killed.
WIFE. Then, I say then, this gear[358] go about,
And look that thou labour diligently,
Or else thou shalt shortly prove without doubt,
Thy sluggishness will not please me greatly.
HUSBAND. Beginnest thou even now to be painful and grievous,
And to thy husband a woman so troublous?
WIFE. What words have we here, thou misbegotten:
Is there not already enough to be spoken?
HUSBAND. O mirth, O joy, O pastime and pleasure,
How little a space do you endure!