But who commeth forth yond from my swete hearte Custance?

My matter frameth well, thys is a luckie chaunce.

Actus. i. Scæna iii.

Mage Mumble crust,[390] spinning on the distaffe. Tibet Talk apace, sowyng. Annot Alyface, knittyng. R. Roister.

M. Mumbl. If thys distaffe were spoonne[,] Margerie Mumblecrust[—]

Tib. Talk.[391] Where good stale ale is will drinke no water I trust.

M. Mumbl. Dame Custance hath promised us good ale and white bread.[392]

Tib. Talk. If she kepe not promise, I will beshrewe hir head: B ii b

But it will be starke nyght before I shall have done. 5

R. Royster [aside]. I will stande here a while, and talke with them anon,