Page:History of Jack of Newbury.pdf/10

10 some little time in overlooking the journeymen.

The next morning the new married bride was visited by divers gossips of her acquaintance, who each of them spent their verdict what the event of this her hasty marriage would be; which exceedingly discouraged her; however, at last she said, I will take care and order that I will so curb him at first, that I will make sure he shall never crow over me in the least, I warrant you.

And indeed she began to grow as great a gossip as any in Newbury, and would sometimes come home very late at night, insomuch that once her husband John went up to bed and locked her out, and took the key up into his chamber. And when the good wife found she was locked out, she knocked very hard, till at last her husband looked put of the window, and told her to look out her lodging that night at the place she had been sitting all day. Such gossips as you, says he, the cage is he fittest lodging for. Go directly to the constable and bespeak you a bed of him

O dear husband, quoth she, be not so angry; I pray you give me leave to come