I begat the whoreson in bast;
It was done all in haste:
Ye may see there was no waste,
He occupied no great place.
Sometime he serveth me at board;
Sometime he beareth my two-hand sword—
Come forth, thou little lick-turd!
Look in thy father's face!
But, now to do that I come for,
And of these things to speak no more—
Hark, sirs! me longeth sore
To hear some novelty.
I hear say there is a great state
Come into this country late;
And is disposed algate
An householder to be.
Father's soul, sirs! ye shall understand
That, if he keep household in this land,
I will thrust in on hand,
Whosoever say nay.
Whatsoever the man intend,
To appair the world or to amend,
I will be with him at that one end;
Hap what hap may!
I met Worldly Affection erewhile,
From this town scant a mile;
And he hath showed me a pretty wile,
If I may put it in ure.
He tells me that Sensuality
Begins a great ruler to be;
And, if it be so, care not for me—
The matter is cock sure!
Ay, good lord, what man is that?
Father's soul! this is some great wat.
Garcon. This is he that ye seek.
Pride. See this, brat!—
This boy is passing taunt—
Come behind, and follow me;
Set out the better leg, I warn thee!
Garcon. Yes, in the best wise trust ye me!
Allez, seigneur! allez vous avant!
Pride. Salutem to you, sir!
Man. And to you also!
Whence are ye?