Page:Merry tales of the wise men of Gotham (10).pdf/8

8 ly he took a coulter, and heated it red hot, and thrust it into the straw at the end of his forge, and set it on fire, and burnt it up. Then, said the smith, I told thee I'd fire them out of their nest.

TALE VII.

On Good Friday the men of Gotham consulted together what to do with their white herrings, sprats, and salt fish, and agreed, that all such fish should be cast into a pond or pool, in the midst of the town, that the number of them might increase the next year. Therefore every one that had any fish left, did cast them immediately into the pond. Then said one, I have gotten left so many red herrings. Well, said another, and I have left so many whit- ings. Another immediately cried out. I have as yet gotten so many sprats left. And, said the last, I have gotten so many salt fishes, let then go togeth- er in the great pond without any dis- tinction, and we may be sure to fare