A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume I Part 50

FRIAR.

Leave thy railing and babbling of friars, Or, by Jis, I'sh lug thee by the sweet ears![176]

PARDONER.

By G.o.d, I would thou durst presume to it!--

FRIAR.

 

By G.o.d, a little thing might make me to do it--

PARDONER.

And I shrew thy heart, and thou spare--

FRIAR.

By G.o.d, I will not miss thee much, thou slouch; And if thou play me such another touch, I'sh knock thee on the costard, I would thou it knew--

PARDONER.

"Marry that I would see, quod blind Hew." [177]

FRIAR.

Well, I will begin, and then let me see, Whether thou darest again interrupt me, And what thou would once to it say--

PARDONER.

Begin and prove, whether I will, yea or nay--

FRIAR.

And to go forth, whereas I left right now--

PARDONER.

Because some percase will think amiss of me--

FRIAR.

Our Lord in the gospel showeth the way how--

PARDONER.

Ye shall now hear the Pope's authority.

FRIAR.

By Gog's soul, knave, I suffer thee no lenger--

PARDONER.

I say some good body lend me his hanger, And I shall him teach by G.o.d Almighty, How he shall another time learn for to fight!

I shall make that bald crown of his to look red; I shall leave him but one ear on his head!

FRIAR.

But I shall leave thee never an ear, ere I go:

PARDONER.

Yea, wh.o.r.eson friar, wilt thou soe--

[_Then they fight_.

FRIAR.

Loose thy hands away from mine ears--

PARDONER.

Then take thou thy hands away from my hairs; Nay, abide, thou wh.o.r.eson, I am not down yet; I trust first to lay thee at my feet.

FRIAR.

Yea, wh.o.r.eson, wilt thou scrat and bite?