WILL.
Will you keep the stakes yourself?
SIMPLICITY. Best of all, for I mean plainly, and will pay, if I lose. Here's my six ballads: they be ready. Now, how shall I come by your six stripes, boy?
WIT.
Down with your breeches, I'll fetch a rod and deliver them straight.
SIMPLICITY.
Nay, then, I care not, if thou keep stakes.
WIT.
You speak too late, gaffer, having challenged preheminence.
SIMPLICITY.
Then, let's lay no wager, but sing for good fellowship.
WIT.
Agreed. Who shall begin?
SIMPLICITY.
O boy! who is the elder? Hast thou not heard, give flounders to thy elder?
WIT. You mistake the fish: trust me, I am sure 'tis give plaice; but begin with a good grace.
[Here SlMP. sings first and WIT after, dialoguewise:
both to music, if ye will.