THE COLLOQUIES OF
EDWARD OSBORNE

CONTENTS

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

From Drawings by John Jellicoe

THE COLLOQUIES OF

EDWARD OSBORNE

CHAPTER I
 A Country Lad cometh to Town

So we left the old grey Horse at the Tabard, and set forth a-foot, my Mother and me, for London Bridge: I looking right and left for a Glimpse of the great, broad River. But no Water could we see; and the Ways were thronged with Men, Horses, Carts, Wagons, Flocks of Sheep, and Droves of Oxen, pressing along between Stalls set out with all manner of Cates. Anon we come to a big Gateway, with its Portcullis-teeth grinning over our Heads; and a-top of this Gateway, that was flanked with Turrets, and spanned the Road, were ever so many round, dark Objects, set on Poles, leaning this Way and that; and my Mother shuddered when she saw them, and told me they were Traitors' Heads. But between us and this Gateway lay a Draw-bridge, the which, as we crossed, gave us a Glimpse of the broad Thames, all a-blaze in the Sun. I pluckt at my Mother's Sleeve, without speaking, and we looked over the Parapet, and could see Boats ducking and diving under a Row of Houses right across the River, some of 'em six Stories high, with Balconies and projecting Gables, looking ready to topple into the Water, that rushed onward with tremendous Force, eddying and foaming among the Arches. Then I noted at the Foot of each Pier, strange Projections of Timber-work, and askt my Mother what they were, and she could not tell me. But a Man that overheard me said they were called Sterlings, and were strong Piles of Wood driven into the Bed of the River. Also he told me the Bridge was sixty Feet above the Water, and that its Founder, Peter of Colechurch, lay y-buried in the Chapel on the Bridge; and more he would have added but for the Interposure of my Mother, who said, "Come, Child, we linger," and drew me away. Then we passed under the Gateway, which was also a Kind of Guard-house, and Toll-gate; and, quod she, "Now thou art on London Bridge." But I should never have found it out; for to all Seeming, we were in midst of an ill-paved, exceeding narrow Strete, only some twelve Feet across, with Frippery-shops, and such-like on either Side. A great, o'erloaded Wagon that went first, cleared the Way for us, filling the Space all across; but anon it meeteth another Wagon, even higher than itself, with a Terrier barking a-top; and, the one essaying to pass the other, their Headgear got entangled in the Outworks of the upper Stories of two opposite Houses, and I saw the Terrier jump into an Attick Window, and presently run forth of the Shop below. Then the Wagoners chode and reviled, for one of 'em must needs back off the Bridge, and some Sheep and Oxen were coming up behind; and the Foot-passengers jostled and jibed, and Shopkeepers looked forth of their Doors, and Wives and Maids from their Lattices, and Swarms of quick-eyed mischievous favoured Lads peered forth of every Bulk; and my Mother cried, "Oh! weary on them! we may bide here all Night!" ... when, looking hard on the Shop to our left, she sayth, "Why here's the Golden Fleece!"

And so we made bold to enter, between a few Rolls of brown and gray Cloth; and found Master Hewet seated behind a Desk, holding a Pen, but not using it, discoursing with a sober-apparelled Friend, and ever and anon casting a quiet amused Look at the Turmoil on the Bridge. He was what I then counted a middle-aged, but should now reckon a youngish Man, somewhere betwixt thirty and forty Years of Age, of a good Presence and a piercing but pleasant Eye; and with that in his Carriage and Looks that discovered he had Something within him beyond the common, that tended to excite Affection and Veneration. So soon as his Eye lighted pleasantly upon us, "Surely, thou art the Widow Osborne!" quod he to my Mother, "and this, by his Favour, I am sure is the Son of mine old School-mate. He will, I trust, prove of as good Conditions."

And, putting down his Pen, he quickly led the Way into a pleasant Chamber at the Back, o'erlooking the River, wherein, a watering of some Flowers on the Window-sill, was a middle-aged Gentlewoman, clad in Black, of a benign Aspect, a mild hazel Eye, and a Tinct that had more of the Pearl than the Peach in it. "Sister Fraunces," quod Master Hewet, "here is Mistress Osborne;" whereon the Gentlewoman turned about and spake courteouslie unto my Mother, whom she made to sit down and take Wine and Spiced-bread; while I, as a mannerly Youth, stood in Presence of mine Elders. Then sayth my Mother to Master Hewet, "I come, Sir, in answer to your considerate Letter, to put my Boy in your Charge:—he's but country-bred, though a good Lad, and come of a good Stock ... not only born of a Woman, but taught of a Woman, alas that I should say so! save for his School-teaching." "Marry, his Brother-prentice, then, is one of another Feather," saith Master Hewet, smiling, "we shall see which turns out best. Leave your Son with me; and at the End of a Month or so, when he hath looked at the Trade a little, we will decide whether or no to have him bound." "Alas, Sir!" saith my Mother, with lengthened Face, "may not all be done now? I have two small Children at Home, mine Absence is untimeous, and Travelling is strange to me—I have the Fee ready, the Boy is willing, and you cannot choose but be satisfied with his Conditions, for the Lad is a good Lad, though 'tis his Mother that says so."

"Well," saith Master Hewet, after a little Thought, "the Course is uncommon, for we mainly like to prove a Youth and see whether he be likely to do Good at the Trade, and be a profitable and desirable Apprentice before we bind him; but since your Case is in some Respects singular, it shall be as you say; for, as it happens, this is one of the Days on which the Court and Master sit to bind and enroll 'Prentices." So forth we went: he making Way for my Mother, and I following last.

On our Way to Mincheon Lane, we fell in with an uproarious Rabble, that, with Shouts, were haling Somewhat through the Mud, which proved to be a Church Image; doubtless, just pulled down from its Niche. The Head was rare carven, and floridly painted after the Life; but the Trunk was nothing but a squared Block, with a Cross-piece for the Shoulders, and looked pitiful enow, now 'twas despoiled of its rich Clothing. An Ale-house Keeper at the Bridge end turned in-doors with Disgust at the Sight, which some of the Rabblement noting, they cried out, "Here's a Bone for you to pick, Sir Tobias!" and beset his Door. I afterwards learned he was an ejected Roman Catholic Parson.

When we reached the Clothworkers' Hall, the Clerk made out my Indentures; and then I was taken before the Master to be enrolled.

My Mother having paid the Fee, (Spoon-silver they jocosely called it,) unto Master Hewet, he did not pocket it, but put it into the Common-box: and the Business was done; my Master exchanging some pleasant Words with the Master of the Company, and the latter bidding me (in the only Sentence he spoke to me), mind the Clothworkers' Motto,—"My Trust is in God alone."

Then, my Mother and I took Leave of one another, aside, as 'twere, in the Doorway; for she was to lie that Night in Temstrete, at her Cousin Hale's, (who was a Broughton,) and return to Ashford on the Morrow. And she kissed me and wept sore, and sayth, "Ah Son, thou art full young to be cast out of the Nest ... fain I were to keep thee: but what though? Thou canst not always be at mine Apron-string, and thou hast a brave Spirit and a good Heart; wherefore, like Hannah, Wife of Elkanah, I will entrust my First-born unto the Lord, and see what he will do for thee.... And remember, Ned, thou art the Son of a Gentleman, and think the Eye of thy Father still upon thee."

Then quod I, in answer to my Mother, "Cheer up, sweet Mother, I will never disgrace him nor thee: so give over thy weeping, lest they should deem the Tears on my Face to be mine instead of thine ... don't melt me, Mother, lest they count me but a Boy, and make light of our Country Breeding."

"A Boy, indeed! What art thou more?" quod she, smiling through her Tears; and with one hearty Kiss and her Blessing, went her Ways.

On our Return to my Master's House, he, noting my Hair to be too long for a 'Prentice, (for, indeed, my Mother was rather vain of it,) gave me a Penny, and sent me to Master Soper the Barbitonsor, across the Bridge, to have it clipt. Here found I a Man having his Beard trimmed, and another, waiting for his Turn, playing a Mandoline. Seeing me look forth of the Lattice on the River, boiling and splashing below, and the Boats shooting the Arches and nearly pitching Head foremost down the Fall, he stayed his Hand, and told me how many Lives were lost in those Rapids by the Year. Then I made bold to ask him what was that great Fortress with Towers, on the north Bank.

"Thou art a Stranger in London, then," saith he, "for every Cockney knows the Tower, whose foundation Stones were cemented, they say, with Mortar tempered with Blood. And truly, Blood enow hath been spilt within it to bring a Judgment on its Walls. Henry the Sixth was murdered in the Tower, George of Clarence was drowned in the Tower, Edward the Fifth and Richard Duke of York, those pretty Innocents, were smothered in the Tower, Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard were beheaded in the Tower. And, for all it hath held a King's Parliament, and is our Citadel of Defence, a royal Palace for Assemblies, a Council-house for Treaties, a Treasury of Crown Jewels, the royal Mint of Coinage, the prime Conservator of Records, and the Armoury of warlike Provisions, yet, for the Tears and the Blood that have been shed in it, I could say, Down with it, down with it even unto the Ground! And methinks its evil Story is not yet wound up, but that a dark Cloud hangs over it e'en now. We shall see! we shall see! Many an ignoble Man rises aloft, many a proud Man is brought low. 'Tis time enough at one's Life's end to sing Gloria. Ah! our Bridge Tower, whereof I am Gate-keeper, hath another guess Foundation than Cæsar's; for on every one of its four Corner-stones is graven the Name of Jesus; deep, but out of Sight."

And he peered into my Face as he spake that Saying, to wit if I felt its Force.

"And now my Turn hath come to be trimmed," quod he, "so thou mayst thrum the Mandoline."

When I went back, there was a Man with a Burthen leaving the Shop; and my Master saith, "Follow this Porter to Master Askew's in Candlewickstrete, and bring home my little Daughter, who hath been spending the Forenoon at her Godfather's." So I went with the Porter, and on reaching Candlewickstrete, which was not full of Tallow-chandlers' Shops, but of Drapers, he shewed me Master Askew's House; and I entered and found him in Parley with a Man in a red Coat. Quod he, "Well, I suppose my Lord must have it, but I like not the Security;" and handed him over a heavy Bag that seemed full of Money. Said the Man in Red, stowing the Bag under his Coat, "You were best not offend my Lord, for I warrant the Loss of his Custom would make you the worse by a pretty Penny." "Tut!" cries the other, "we could better afford to lose the Court than the Court to lose the City." On which, they parted. "Who art thou, my Lad?" quod he. "I'm my Master's new 'Prentice," quod I, "come to fetch Mistress Anne." "Ah!" quod he, "then you're from Master Hewet, though you speak as if there were but one Master in the World.... Anne! sweet Anne!"

And, at his Call, there runneth in a fair little Gentlewoman, about six Years of Age. Sure, never was seen so sweet a Child! Master Askew caught her up in his Arms and gave her many Kisses, and told her she must return with me; whereon she came and placed her Hand in mine, in full Assurance of Faith. A Gentlewoman, not much turned of thirty, personable, and of the Complexion they call sanguine, followed her forth, with many Injunctions to tell her Father how good she had been, and giving her, at parting, a Piece of sweet Marchpane.

In the Strete, we were so beshoved about, that Mistress Anne presently made Request of me to carry her. So I took her up and set her on my Shoulder, and bade her hold on by my Hair; which she was pleased to say was shorter than mine Ears, or even than mine Eyelashes. And, in seeking to admeasure them, she nearly toppled down; so then I said if she were going to be unruly, besides blinding me with the Crumbs of her Marchpane, I must set her in the Stokkes. To which she made Answer, "Then you must put both my Feet into one Hole; and even then I shall slip them out." Thus prettily she prattled all the Way, till I told her I thought my Hair was at least shorter than her Tongue. When we reached my Master's Door, I was passing it unawares, when she lugged at mine Hair and cried, "Stop, Boy, stop; you must set me down." I said, "Then you must give me a Kiss." She sayth, "Humph, I've no Objection;" which I thought very funny and very pretty in so young a little Gentlewoman.

It was now Supper-time; and, my Fellow-'prentice being out, Mistress Fraunces shewed me how to lay the Cloth, set forth the Spoons, &c., and told me that London 'Prentices stood behind their Master's Chair at Meal Times. Just as Tib the Cook had set the Dishes on the Table, there entereth a hale, aged Man, white headed, with a merry Eye, and a thin Cheek besprent with lively red. My Master hailed him with Zest, crying, "Ha! Master Cheke! 'tis of long Time since we met! How fareth it with thee, Master Cheke? Come in, Man, come in and sup with us, and, if thou wilt, lie to-night in the Green Lattice; there's the old Bed made up."

"Old Bed!" quod the other, jocularly; is anything old fit to be offered to me that am so young and so fine? What though I'm from the Country, have I not Friends at Court? Marry, Man, my Kinsman is the King's Sub-tutor, and I've had Speech of him this Day."

"If you are too fine for old Friends, I have no more to say to you," quod Master Hewet, heartily, and taking his Place at Table, while his Visitor and Mistress Fraunces did the same. "You can't be our Master Cheke.... Now then, Sir, boiled or roast? You see, though 'tis Friday, we are not quite so scrupulous as we were wont of old Time, in regard to a broiled Bone or so ... here's nothing from salt Water save a Dish of Prawns."

"And very pretty Picking," sayth Master Cheke, "for a Man that hath had one Supper already off a King's Leavings ... for, you see, the pretty Boy goes to Bed at eight o' the Clock. What a young Miracle 'tis! A very Saint, Sir! excelling any Edward hath been canonized. Marry, my Kinsman said I should have seene the sweet Child blush, when 'twas told him he was King; and then fall a weeping for his Father, whom, peradventure, none other loved soe purely; for Love kindles Love, they say, and, of a Surety, if the old King loved any one, he loved him."

"Then, his Grace's Speech on his Crownation-day," quod Mistress Fraunces. "They brought him the three Swords, for the three Kingdoms. 'There ought to be yet another,' quod he, looking about; 'bring me a Bible.' When 'twas brought,—'This,' saith he, 'is the Sword of the Spirit; as the other three are the Swords of our Temporal Dominions: by them we govern, by this we must be governed, and under this we ought to live, to fight, to rule, and to guide all our Affairs.' A marvellous Saying for a Boy of nine Year old!"

"Ah! I dare say my Kinsman put him up to it," said Master Cheke, "but indeed 'twas well rehearsed and well remembered."

"Nay, I like not to hear the Credit of a good Thing taken away from its proper Owner in that Way," quod Mistress Fraunces somewhat warmly. "Why should we say, 'Such an One was prompted?' 'such a Thing was forecast?' Doubtless, we all get our Teaching ... from ourselves or others; and some few, I think, be Heaven-taught."

"Well, well," quod Master Cheke, shelling his Prawns; "'twas a pretty Word, we all must own. How he chode with his Nurse, e'en in the Nursery, for standing on a Bible to reach Somewhat off a Shelf!"

"And that was before he learned Lip wisdom of Master Cheke," quod Mistress Fraunces. "However, Sir, I disparage not your Kinsman, though I will not hear you disparage the King. Honour to whom Honour is due."

I saw an almost imperceptible uprising of Master Cheke's Eyebrows at this, as though he were inwardly saying, "Place to Ladies:" howbeit, Mistress Fraunces kept her Ground, and, I thought, becomingly. She thought so too, and mentioned afterwards that she had given it to him roundly.

Master Hewet was diverting the Discourse, when a Cry without of "Clubs! Clubs!" was followed by a Shrilling and Screaming like Swifts round a Steeple, and an uproarious Hallooing and Whooping all along the Bridge. Master Cheke started up, and then re-seated himself, muttering, "Young Rascallions!"

"And yet," quod Master Hewet, "they are the Stuff our sober substantial Citizens are made of. Oh, Sir, I don't mind speaking freely before my 'Prentice Lads. They will hear no dangerous Matter from me, and cannot be too early made to feel that we are all one Family. Let them be merry and wise; the Error is in aiming to be one without the other."

I would I could call to Mind othermuch that was said: howbeit, I was young and new to Service, and had not yet attained unto the Facility which practised Servitors have of noting each Thing said, hinted, or so much as looked at Table, while attending to such Orders as "The Mustard, Osborne" ... and so forth.

But, or ever they had well sate down, Mistress Anne had run in to wish good Night; and, contriving to tarry, had remained awhile at Master Hewet's Knee, noting all was done and said. And when, referring to some of the King's Council, Master Cheke said, "They are new to their Work, but will take kindly to it presently," she softly sayth, "Like our new 'Prentice!" which made all laugh.

When Master Cheke had departed, and the Day's Work and Prayer were ended, Mistress Fraunces said she would sit up for Miles Hackathrift, who was out too late, and bade me go to Bed, for that she saw I was weary: (and indeed I had ridden the Pillion twenty Mile that Morning.) Wherefore I thankfully crept up to the Loft a-top of the House, wherein were two Tressel-beds; and no sooner lay down than I was asleep; and might have slept all Night without so much as turning; but by and by I was arouzed by the Light of a Lanthorn held close to mine Eyes, which opened, somewhat dazed, on a red, swollen Face, that had too little Brow and too much Cheek and Chin. Then a surly Voice sayth, "So thou's the new 'Prentice, it seemeth! Good so! how prettily thy Mother in the Country hath had thine Hair cut!" I said, "It was cut in Town, not in the Country.—Go away, and take the Light out of mine Eyes, I pr'ythee.... I think thou hast been drinking Something stronger than small Ale, and hast broken thine Indenture." ... "Then I'll brake Something else," quod he; and gave me a Bang on the Head with his Lanthorn, that put the Candle out. Thereafter he had to go to Bed in the Dark; but I wot not if he grumbled thereat, so soon fell I again on Sleep, too weary to resent his Malefices.

CHAPTER II
 First Day of a London 'Prentice his Life

Thou mayest marvel, Hew, that I remember so well the minutest Circumstances of that, my first Day on the Bridge; but by Reason of a young, quick Apprehensiveness of Novelty, I remember that Day better than any other (but one) in the Year; and that Year better than many that came after it.

Early as I rose the next Morning, it would seem that some one was yet earlier than I; for my Master's large Bible lay open on the Table, as though some one had been a reading it. And, whereby my good Mother had early taught me, during the Famine of God's Word, to snatch a Mouthful of it whenever it came in my Way, albe it were but a single Sentence to chew the Cud upon pleasantly at my Work, I cast mine Eye upon the Page, and lighted by Hap on the Saying, "Whatsoever thine Hand findeth to do, do it with thy Might,"—when my Master's Hand was laid upon my Shoulder, and made me start.

"My Lad," quod he, "a Mind sequestering itself to the Exercises of Piety, lies very open to the farther Discoveries of divine Light and Love, and invites Christ to come and dwell in it." I louted low, to thank him for his Grace, albeit it seemed to me he took me for a better and wiser Lad than I was. But good Praise takes root and spreads; and there was no great Damage in his giving me a little more Credit than I deserved; inasmuch as we are not born good, but made good.

Thereafter, Master Hewet taketh me to the very topmost Floor of our House, next the 'Prentices' Loft, and openeth a creaking Door; whereon we enter a low, longish Attick, containing two Looms, at one of which sate a Man weaving. There was a Lattice almost the entire Length of the Attick, looking down upon the bright shining Thames, then sparkling in the Morning Sun, and all in a Tremble beneath a smart Breeze, while heavy Barges and light Boats full of Garden Stuff for the Markets were passing to and fro. The Chamber, though abject to look at, was delightsome to look from; and the Air was so clear that I could see a Housewife in a Stamel Petticoat cheapening Neats' Feet on the Bankside, and the Easterlings unloading their Cargoes at the Steelyard. But the Man at the Loom had no Eye for these Things; he seemed not much under fifty Years of Age, and had a pale, pain-worn Face, and patient, gentle, though not happy Aspect. A Blackbird in a Wicker Cage hung at the open Window; there were some two or three old Books on a Shelf, and a dozen Flowerpots or so on a little Ledge outside the Attick, between the Roofs, which was railed in and made into a Sort of little Garden.

"Here's a Man, now," quod my Master to me in a low Voice, "hath so little Care for aught beyond these four Walls, as never e'en to have spared Time to look on Fisher's Head at the Bridge End all the While the Strete was so thronged with the gazing Rabble as that scarcely a Horse nor Cart could pass. Nor do I believe he would have cast a Look up at poor Sir Thomas More, save on his Way to the Burreller's. A fair Morning, Tomkins!"

"A fair Morning, as you say, Master," returned Tomkins, "I wish you Joy of it."

"Here's your new Scholar," quod my Master; "you will set him going, and are scarce likely to find him more awkward than Miles."

"I hope I shall find him a good Deal less so, and less froward, too, or I sha'n't count him good for much," quod Tomkins, turning about, and looking hard at me. "I like his Face, Master," quod he.

"Here, give him the Shuttle, and let us see how he will handle it," quod Master Hewet.

"Not mine, he may have Miles's," interposed Tomkins, rising with some Difficulty and going to the other Loom; and I then observed he was very Lame. "Here, Lad, see, this is the Way," quod he.

So I tried, awkwardly enough, and made them both laugh; and laughed too. But I went to it with a Will, and anon they said I was mending.

"Miles might have done an Hour's Work by this Time," observed Tomkins, "but I've seen nought of him."

"Because Mistress Fraunces hath sent him to Trolop's Milk-farm for Curds and Cream," quod my Master; "don't be hard upon him."

"I wish he may not do what he did, the last Time I sent him of an Errand," quod Tomkins dryly—"tarry by the Way to see a Horse-dealer hanged."

"That would have spoiled my Relish for Curds and Cream," quod Master Hewet, "I think he must have returned ere this—Ned shall bring up your Breakfast, Tomkins."

As we went down, "Do all thou canst, Ned," quod my Master, "in the Way of small Kindnesses, for that poor Journeyman Freeman.—A few Years since, a Horse trod upon his Foot and lamed him for Life. My Wife, who was his Foster-sister, and felt a Kindness for him, had him here to nurse; and, by the Time he had recovered as much as he was ever likely to do, he had become so fond of us and of his Attick, that, albeit our Ordinances are somewhat stringent against Master Clothworkers keeping Weavers at Journeywork in their own Houses, the Wardens have overlooked it in his Case, and let him abide on Sufferance. And though I don't expect to make my Fortune by any Weaving I get out of you or Miles, and have indeed Plenty of very different Work for you, yet 'tis well you should know somewhat of the Practice of your Craft, and I look to you to attend to it whenever you would otherwise be in Idleness."

When we reached the Ground-floor, there was Mrs. Fraunces buying Roses and Gilly-flowers at the Door, which she afterwards set in Midst of the Breakfast-table; for 'twas a notable Way of hers I always observed from the first, to contrive to give e'en the simplest Meal the Air of a little Banquet, whether by a Posy, a Dish of Fruit, or whatever it might chance, to grace her plain, plenteous Providings.

The first Note I had of Miles Hackathrift being at Hand, was when I returned from carrying up to Tomkins his fried Fish and Bracket. He came behind me, took me by the Shoulders, and gave me a smart shaking.

"Come, now," quod I, when he had done, "art thou going to be civil or troublesome?"

"Troublesome," replied he decidedly.

"Oh! well," quod I, "then we shall not come to a good Understanding, it seems, till I have given you a Beating; but for your Sake I'll put it off as long as I can."

"Your Time is mine, sir," quod he, "don't be in a Hurry, nor yet put it off too long. The smallest Favour shall be cheerfully accepted."

"Ah," quod I, "if that were a true Word of yours, how pleasantly we might get on together."

"Pleasantly! quite the other Way, I think," quod he. "Why, quarrelling's the very Spice of Life!"

"Keep Spice for rich Men's Tables, then," quod I, "I can eat my Breakfast very well without it."

"Ah!" saith he, "you've been brought up by your Mother!"

"And what if I have?" quod I quickly.

"Have you, though?" quod he, laughing. "Marry, you have now told Tales of yourself! Though I could have guessed it."

"May there never be a worse Tale to tell of you," quod I. "How mean you?" quod he, bristling up. "Just what I say and no more," quod I; "my meaning is full simple, I think." "Like yourself, then," quod he; "I don't believe you could say Bo! to a Goose." "Nor Pruh! to a Cow, perhaps," quod I. "Lads! Lads! be quiet there!" cries Mistress Fraunces from the Parlour.

"What would be the Effect of that, though?" quod Miles, without minding her, as soon as he had done Coughing by reason of a Fish-bone that stuck in his Throat. "To set them scampering," quod I, "as I did one Day, into the midst of a Pleasure Party." "Ha, ha, ha!" cries he, "I'll try that in Trolop's Fields; there are Lots of Cows there, and Pleasure Parties too on Summer Evenings. Lovers and Loveresses, a eating of Curds and Whey!"

—"Really, Brother," saith Mistress Fraunces, the next Time my Master went into the Parlour,—for though her Voice was low and sweet, it was so distinct that oft-times I could not help hearing what she was saying,—"truly, Brother, those Boys of yours wrangle so when they're together, that it is Misery to hear them."

"Boys will be Boys," quod he, peaceifyingly, "I was one myself a long while ago. However, if they have said anything punishable, I must beat them; but, if not, put a little Cotton Wool into your Ears, Sister Fraunces."

"Nay," quod she, relenting, "there was nothing punishable in aught they said; and, as to getting them a Beating, they'll give each other enough of that, I'm thinking. 'Twas such give and take, snip and snap, parry and thrust, as that I could scarce forbear laughing."

"Don't stop your Ears with Cotton Wool, then," quod my Master cheerily, for a hearty Laugh is worth a Groat. "They'll have little Time for Fighting, this Morning, for I have Plenty for them to do."

Despite of this, however, Miles found Time for a little more "snip and snap," as Mistress Fraunces called it, before Dinner. Seeing me start forth on an Errand as he returned from one, he quietly saith in passing, "See how pretty he looks with his Cap on!" whereon it struck me that every 'Prentice Boy I had seen running about had gone bareheaded; and, smiling, I put my Cap in my Pocket.

In those Times, Hew, the Saturday Afternoon was somewhat between a Holiday and a holy Day. People went to Evening Service at three o'Clock, and, after that, there was no Business done, save in preparation for the Sabbath; and thoughtful People enjoyed an holy Pause, and young light Hearts took their Pastime.

Miles, with Mischief in his Eye, proposed to me a Row on the River, which I, nothing afeard, agreed to, for I had been in a Punt aforetime, if not in a Wherry. He refused the Aid of a Waterman, saying lightly, "This young Gentleman knows the Use of a Scull;" and, running hastily along the Boat to secure the Stroke-oar, his Foot tripped against a Thwart, and he lost his Balance and fell into the River. I guessed where he would come up, and, sitting on the further Gunnel to trim the Boat, held the Oar to him, and guided his Hand to the Side, which enabled him to scramble in. The Watermen, who had run down to us as soon as they saw him fall over, laughed when they saw him safe, and cheered me; and he, looking rather foolish, sayth, "Well, I told them thou knewest the Use of a Scull." I asked him which Way we should pull; howbeit, he was so drenched that he must needs go Home to change his Clothes, and bade me give the Waterman a Penny, saying he had not so much as a Genoa Halfpenny about him just then to buy a Custard at Mother Mampudding's. When he had changed his Under-garments, and hung his Gown at the Kitchen Fire, he amused himself by dropping Pellets from the Window on the People in the Boats that shot the Arch beneath; and Tib, with her Head stretched forth of the other Half of the Lattice, offered to Rehearse unto me the Name and Calling of every Dweller on the Bridge, from the Parson and Clerk at the one End, to the old Lady that lived all alone by herself with her Cats at the other. Howbeit, Miles, tiring of waiting for his Gown to dry, put on another, and bade me bear him Company to Finsbury Fields. But first he lay in Wait behind the Door, and then stole subtilly forth, like a Cat that had been stealing Cream; and on my asking him why, he laughed and said, only that Mistress Fraunces might not see him in his Sunday-gown of a Saturday, for that would be contrary to Rules and Regulations.

Arrived at Finsbury Fields I saw what was certainly the finest and busiest Sight I had ever yet seen in my Life; which indeed is not saying much. The Fields themselves were open and pleasant, with plenty of Windmills in full Rotation in the Distance; their white Sails playing afore a dark Rain-cloud; and the Stretes that led to them beyond Moor Gate, full of Shops kept by Bowyers, Fletchers, and Stringers. Here, on the open Ground, we found, I say not Crowds, but Shoals of lithe and limber 'Prentices; and of athletic Freemen, too, and grave and weighty Citizens, where was Room for all—with Archers' Butts set up in various Directions; and an infinite Number of the finest young Men the City could turn out, practising at them with their long Bows; none of them being allowed to shoot at a Mark nearer than eleven score Yards. Numbers of the Masters, standing by, were watching, encouraging, and applauding them, to their great Increase of Emulation. Others again were using their Wasters and Bucklers, others kicking the Football; in the more open Ground, Citizens' Sons were racing on Horseback, and some of them practising Feats of War; others were wrestling, leaping, and casting the Stone. And on every Hand, Venders of Cakes and Suckets. On the Field, we came unawares upon Master Hewet, who spake us kindly, and noted not the Matter of Miles' Sunday-gown. And so the Day ended.

As we went Home, Miles told me how the Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs were accustomed on St. Bartholomew's Day to see the City Officers wrestle with all Comers, at a set Place in Clerkenwell; and, two or three Days after, to witness the shooting of the broad Arrow, both of which I thought I should much delight to behold; but was quite unfit for when the Time came; as thou, in due Course, shalt know.