The tale I told before, the self-same tale it was his;
He gave me, like a friend, warning against my loss,
Else had my hens be stol'n each one, by God's cross.
He told me Hodge would come, and in he came indeed;
But as the matter chanced, with greater haste than speed.
This truth was said, and true was found, as truly I report.
Baily. If Doctor Rat be not deceived, it was of another sort.
Doctor Rat. By God's mother, thou and he be a couple of subtle foxes;
Between you and Hodge I bear away the boxes.
Did not Diccon appoint the place, where thou should'st stand to meet him?