Avar. I devise what I can for the prosperity
Of this Lady Respulica and her people.
People. That lie, ere this, is flown as far hence as Poule steeple!
I spray God, ye stud not, as cha hard of zome elves
That study for the common profit of their own selves!
Avar. To study for both your wealths, I am a debtor.
People. Vay, then! as good ne'er a whit, as ne'er the better.
Avar. I do nothing but compass therefore, without doubt.
People. I vay, then! thee vent too far a compass about,
Vor zome good might ha' be doon in all this season.
Avar. So there is, if to perceive it ye had reason!
Resp. Truly! I feel myself, hitherto, worse and worse.
People. And I svele the same, both in my ground and my purse;
Vive or zix year ago chad vowre kine to my pale;
And, at this prezent hour, cham scarce worth a good cow tail;
And that time chad a widge, and her vole and ten sheep;
Now, I scan geat nothing, myzelf and my wife to keep.
Then an chad, I be with the king's mass constable,
Chould zet myself vorth prettily, and zo chwas able;
Now, vor lack of a sallet, when my liege hath need,
Cham vain to take an hat of God's good on my head.
And vor God!—my dame, this is but small amendment!
I scomport me to you: how thinketh your judgment?
Compassing? ka! gentman! call ye this same compassing?
And, whom shall we twain thank? you, for this compassing?
Avar. No, sir!