Page:Pleasant history of Poor Robin, the merry sadler of Walden.pdf/5

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being resolved to put a trick upon him, it being then Christmas, made it fit for his purpose; and so counterfeiting himself to be the gentleman's man, about ten or eleven o'clock at night, just when people were in bed, he calls at sundry men's doors, inviting them the next day to his master's (naming the gentleman's name) to dinner. Whereupon the next day, appeared the number of two and twenty in their roast-heat apparel; but, contrary to their expectations, finding small preparations towards a dinner, they began to wonder wherefore he had invited them; the gentleman as much wondered wherefore they came. At last the truth was cleared on both sides, some laught, and some frowned; and so they all departed home.

CHAP. IV.

How Robin Married and set up for himself.

Poor Robin having served out his apprenticeship, would needs set up for himself, and thereupon hires a house and shop: Yet, thinking it inconvenient for him to live alone, and that two heads was better than one, he resolved to do as many others did, marry in haste, though he should repent at leasure. But his fortune was bet-