Episcopus. Than this drynke in hast thou holde, And on processyon anon the dresse.
Hic Joseph bibit et septies circuivit altare dicens,
Joseph. This drynk I take with meke entent,
As I am gyltles, to God I pray,—
Lord! as thou art omnypotente,
On me thou shewe the trowthe this day. (Modo bibit.)
About this awtere I take the way,
O gracyous God! help thi servaunt,
As I am gyltles aȝen ȝon may,
Thin hand of mercy this tyme me graunt!
Den. This olde shrewe may not wele gon,
Longe he taryeth to go abowth;
Lyfte up thi feet, sett forthe thi ton,
Or be my trewthe thou getyst a clowte!
Secundus detractor. Now, sere evyl Thedom, com to thi snowte!
What heylyght thi leggys now to be lame?
Thou dedyst hem put ryght freschly owte,
Whan thou dedyst play with ȝon ȝonge dame.
Primus detractor. I pray to God gyf hym myschawns,
Hese leggys here do folde for age;
But with this damysel whan he dede dawns,
The olde charle had ryght gret corage.
Den. The shrewe was than sett in a dotage,
And had good lust that tyme to pleyn;
ȝaff sche not ȝow cowdel to potage,
Whan ȝe had don, to comforte ȝour brayn?
Joseph. A! gracyous God, help me this tyde,
Ageyn this pepyl that me doth fame;
As I nevyr more dede toche where syde,
This day help me fro werdly schame!
