Page:Merry tales of the wise men of Gotham (11).pdf/19

Wise Men of Gotham.19 TALE XIX.

old times, during these tales, the wives of Gotham were got into an ale-house, and said, They were all profitable to their husbands. Which way, good gossips, said the ale-wife? The first said, I will tell you all, good gossips; I cannot brew nor bake, therefore I am every day alike; and go to the ale-house, because I cannot go to the church; and in the ale-house I pray to God, to speed my husband, and I am sure my prayers will do him more good than my labour. Then said the second, I am profitable to my husband, in saving of candle in winter, for I cause my husband and all my people to go to bed by day-light, and rise by day-light. The third said, I am profitable in sparing bread, for I drink a gallon of ale, I care not much for meat. The fourth said, I am loth to spend meat and drink at home, so I go to the tavern at Nottingham, and drink wine, and such other things as God sends me there. The fifth said, A man will ever have more company in another's house than his own, and most commonly in the ale-house. The sixth