HUSBAND

Why Nan, asleep or dead? Why dost not open door? Why dost not rise? I'm almost starved, prithee make hast. I fear no robbing, and for my Carcase, I still bear About me to defend that, I've traveled hard to day, And am very hungry prithee wife see what thou hast in the house? Talk not to me, something I must and will have. Cold troubles me, lay me some Faggots on. I'll have't revived. Now bless us wife, what noise is in the Garret? Thanks good Friar Bernard, Now as I live, would I had some good cheer, No better then I would pay for; but she tells me There's nothing to be compassed. But any fare that would content the stomach. But Friar John, how shall we come by meat? Can Friar John Conjure? Nan, when I say? Nor any here? Would we might see them. Are you in earnest? Two fine and delicate Manchets. I shall. Faith I say, would I might see't. Most admirable, see, here's a Bottle full. Excellent stuff, I never drank better Clarret. Any thing. Nothing better. See how she stirs? I would have had some company, I had not Such and appetite to be merry for and hour this seven year; That I could tell where to call up some good fellow That I knew, we would not partly these two hours. Bed me no beds, I'll know the reason of't. Dost thou know them? Friar Bernard, and Friar John ? only good Lads That I desired to meet with; I beshrew thee They had no better welcome; go, unlock, Entreat them hither, we will have one cup To health of all their Covent. Time enough, early betimes, nay, quick Nan, Friar John there? The bonniest Lad ever wore portace in a string, Or mumbled Mass, or Matins; I but wished And see, it's come to pass; the other to, Though he be strict of life, yet will sometime Be merry, if he Like his company; But my kind honest baldpate, Friar Jack, Enter woman and Friars. I shall be glad to see him; welcome faith, With reverence, Father, to your gravity, Be not offended if Friar John and I Be, not exceeding compass, a little merry, And play with the Pot; fill some in. Bred and Drink? how shall we come by Meat? I, but where? Marry Nan, my Wife. A hight fat Pullet, newly dressed and sauced. I never herd the Like, Good wine, good bred, good victuals, stomach good, And all to meet together? nay fallen to, And he be thanked that sent it. I pray Friar John, what spirit do you deal with? And what's he? Could you not show your Devil for a needs, To one that feign would see him? Why in his own. Yet would I see him. With all my heart. Yes, twenty I could name. No shape better. Why he's my honest Gossip. Why as my friend, my Neighbour, and my Gossip. Fear not that, If kicks and spurns will drive the Devil hence, I'll help to send him packing. Will kicks do't? Let me alone to conjure him, pox on the Devil, He hath put me in a sweat. Yes, do good Nan ; I think Friar John I have bumbasted the Devil; thanks for our Supper, French wine, and Spanish Loaves, I never tasted meat That more contented me. Good night Friar John, and holy Father Bernard.