Page:History of John Cheap the chapman (3).pdf/1



OHN CHEAP the Chapman, was a very comical short thick fellow, with a broad face and a long nose; both lame and lazy, and something leacherous among the lasses: He chused rather to sit idle than work at any time, as he was a hater of hard labour. No man needed to offer him cheese and bread after he curst he would not have it; for he would blush at bread and milk, when hungry, as a beggar doth at a babee. He got the name of John Cheap the Chapman, by his selling twenty needles for a penny, and twa leather laces for a farthing.

He swore no oaths but one, which was, let me never sin.

He used no imprecations, But let me never cheat nor be cheated, but rather cheat, &c.

He gave bad counsel to none but children, to burn the bone combs, that their mother might buy another when he came again.

He never fought with any but dogs, and the good wives daughters in their daffing, and that's not dangerous.