After some hours' talk about Tom's country, and other matters, the farmer, finding him to be a simple, honest fellow, agreed to take him, and they bargained for two pounds a year wages. Now, as Tom didn't mind doing a trifle of work, after his day's task was done, the farmer gave him many odd pence. After supper of winters' nights master and men told old drolls and carded wool, whilst mistress and her maids kept their turns (spinning wheels) going till they had each spun their pound of yarn. The women knitted for him warm stockings, and washed and mended his clothes. All were well pleased with Tom, and he liked his place.
When the year was ended, the farmer brought two pounds from his chest, laid them on the board, and, showing them to Tom, who sat opposite, said "Here are your wages, my son; but if you will give them back to me I will teach 'e a piece of wisdom more worth than silver and gold."
"Give them here to me," said Tom, "and keep your pennyworth of wit."
"No," said his master, "give them to me, and I will tell thee."
"Well take them to thee," said Tom.
Then said his master, "Take care never to lodge in a house where an old man is married to a young woman."
Then they bargained for another year, and, when that was ended, his master brought two pounds; laying them on the table, as before, he said "See, Tom, here are thy wages; but if thou wilt give them back to me I will teach thee another piece of wisdom."
"No, by dad," answered he; "hand them here to me; I don't want your pennyworth of wit."
"No," said his master, "give them to me, and I will tell thee a piece of wisdom more worth than strength."