New G. Tush, a fly's wing! will ye do well?
He weeneth Mercy were hung for stealing of a mare.
Mischief! go say to him that Mercy seeketh everywhere;
He will hang himself, I undertake, for fear.
Mis. I assent thereto; it is wittily said, and well.
Now. I whip it in thy coat! anon it were done!
Now, saint Gabriel's mother save the clothes of thy shoon!
All the books in the world, if they had be undone,
Could not a counselled us bet.
Hic exit Mischief [apparently meeting Mankind as he is going out, and salutes him].
Mis. Ho, Mankind! Come and speak with Mercy; he is here, fast-by!
Man. A rope! a rope! a rope! I am not worthy.
Mis. Anon, anon, anon! I have it here ready;
With a tree also that I have get.
Hold the tree, Now-a-days! Nought! take heed and be wise!
New G. Lo, Mankind! do as I do! this is thy new guise;
Give the rope just to thy neck: this is mine advice.
Mis. Help thyself, Nought! lo, Mercy is here!
He scareth us with a bales; we may no longer tarry.
New G. Queck, queck, queck! alas, my throat! I beshrew you, marry!
A, Mercy! Christ's copped curse go with you, and saint Davy!
Alas, my weasand! ye were somewhat too near!