ABRA

No but yet I am more woman towards than you. For my part it shall to no body uttered be. There is none here that prattleth so much as you. Here within mistress. Anon. I was washing my vessel forsooth mistress I. There is not one foul piece in all our tent I ween, If this be not quickly done call me naughty girl. I thought you would have had me as quick to be gone, As when you call Abram, you would have me to come. We will have the best that by me can be God. If you find any fault, hardly let me be shent. Is there any thing else but that I may go now? No I warrant you, I will not let my matters sleep. HE that were now within, should find all thing I ween, As trim as a tre ̄ cher, as trick, as sweet, as clean. And sing that my dame prepareth such a feast, I will not I trow be found such a fluttishe beast, That there shall any filth about our tent be kept, But that both within and without it shall been swept. It hath be a proverb before I was born, Young does it prick that will be a thorn. Who will be evil, or who will be good, Who given to truth or who to falsehood, Eke bodies youth shows a great likelihood. Then let her sweep with a brome, and while she does it, sing this song, and when she hath song, let her say thus For young does it prick that will be a thorn. Who so in youth will no goodness embrace. But follow pleasure, and not virtues trace, Great marvel it is if such come to grace. For young does it prick that will be a thorn. Such as in youth will refuse to be taught, Or will be slack to work as he ought, When they come to age, their proof will be nought. For young does it prick that will be a thorn. If a child have be given to any vice, Except he be guided by such as be wise, He will thereof all his life have a spice. For young does it prick that will be thorn. It hath be a proverb. &c. Now have I done, and as it should be for the nonce, My sweeping and my song are ended both at once. Now but for fetting mine herbs I might go play. Deborra nurse Deborra, a word I you pray. Forsooth gentle nurse even I little Abram, I pray you sweet Deborra take in this same brome, And look well to all thing till I return home: I must to the gardine as fast as I can Trot, As I was commanded to fetched herbs for the pot. But in to mean time, I pray you nurse look about And see well to the fire that it go not out, I will aumble so fast, that I will soon be there, And here again I trow, ere and horse lick his ear. HOw say you? have not I dispatched me quickly? A straw for that wench that does not somewhat likely, I have brought here good herbs, & of them plenty To make both broth and farcing, and that full dainty, I trust to make such broth, that when all things are in, God almighty self may wet his finger therein. Here is time and percely, spinache, and rosemary. Endive, suckorie, lacteux, Violet, clary, Liver wort, marigold, sorell, hearts tonge, and sage: Peniryal, purselane, buglosse and borage, With many very good herbs more than I do name. But to tarry here thus long, I am much to blame. For if Jacob should come, I not in readiness: I must of covenant be shent of our mistress. And I would not for twenty pound I tell you, That any point of default should be foum in me. My master Isaac is coming forth straight way. Out alas, alas, Esau will us all kill. Nay for Gods love good sweet master Esau, Hurt not me for Mido: speak for me Ragau. If you let me go, I will love you very wele. Ragau shall be surety. Adieu, I set not a straw by you nor a pin.