A TALE OF A TUB.
189
Awd. Was ever silly maid thus posted off,
That should have had three husbands in one day;
Yet, by bad fortune, am possest of none!
I went to church to have been wed to Clay,
Then 'squire Tub he seized me on the way,
And thought to have had me, but he mist his aim;
And justice Bramble, nearest of the three,
Was well nigh married to me; when by chance,
In rush'd my father, and broke off that dance.
That should have had three husbands in one day;
Yet, by bad fortune, am possest of none!
I went to church to have been wed to Clay,
Then 'squire Tub he seized me on the way,
And thought to have had me, but he mist his aim;
And justice Bramble, nearest of the three,
Was well nigh married to me; when by chance,
In rush'd my father, and broke off that dance.
Turfe. Ay, girl, there's ne'er a justice on 'em all
Shall teach the constable to guard his own:
Let's back to Kentish-town, and there make merry:
These news will be glad tidings to my wife.
Thou shalt have Clay, my wench: that word shall stand.
He's found by this time, sure, or else he's drown'd;
The wedding-dinner will be spoil'd: make haste.
Shall teach the constable to guard his own:
Let's back to Kentish-town, and there make merry:
These news will be glad tidings to my wife.
Thou shalt have Clay, my wench: that word shall stand.
He's found by this time, sure, or else he's drown'd;
The wedding-dinner will be spoil'd: make haste.
Awd. Husbands, they say, grow thick, but thin are sown;
I care not who it be, so I have one.
I care not who it be, so I have one.
Turfe. Ay, zay you zo! perhaps you shall ha' none for that.
Awd. None, out upon me! what shall I do then?
Med. Sleep, mistress Awdrey, dream on proper men.
[Exeunt.
[Exeunt.
Chronicle of English story down to his own times, the end of the 15th century. If this be To-Pan's Vadian, he certainly cannot be called a cunning toter; but he was undoubtedly popular among the lower classes: he was besides, an alderman, a sheriff, and by occupation a mercer. His Chronicle treats of pageants, lord-mayors' feasts, and other goodly matters, very delectable to city ears.
