"Take them to thee," said Tom.
Then said his master, "Take care never to leave an old road for a new one."
They bargained for another year.
Tom now thought much of his wife and daughter, and made up his mind to return home when his time was up. Next year ended, his master brought the two pounds, and said, "See here are thy wages; but if thou wilt give them back again to me I will teach thee the best point of wisdom of all."
"No bring them here; I have wit enow to find my road home again."
"No," said his master, "thou wilt need it then, more than ever. Give them to me and I will tell 'e."
"Take them to thee," said he.
"Well now, as thee hast served me truly, like an honest fellow," said his master, "I will tell thee two points of wisdom. First, never swear to any body or thing seen through glass; second, be thrashed twice before content once. This is the best point of wisdom of all."
Now Tom said he would serve no longer but leave at once and go to see his wife and child. "No, don't go to-day," his master answered; "for my wife is going to bake to-morrow morning; she shall make a cake for thee to take home to thy wife, and a hoggan (a cake with meat baked on it) for thee to eat by the way."