Page:Merry tales of the wise men of Gotham (11).pdf/20

20 The Merry Tales of the said, My husband has flax and wool to spare, if I go to other folk’s houses to do their work. The seventh said, I spare both my husband’s wood and clothes, and sit talking all the day at other folk’s fire. The eighth said, Beef, mutton, and pork are dear. I therefore take pigs, chickens, conies, and capons, being of a lesser price. The ninth said, I spare my husband’s soap, for instead of washing once a-week, I wash but once a quarter. Then said the ale-wife, I keep all my husband’s ale I brew from souring; for as I wont to drink it almost up, now I leave never a drop.

TALE XX.

Ash Wednesday, the minister of Gotham would have a collection from his parishioners; and said unto them. My friends, the time is come that you must use prayer, fasting, and alms, but come ye to shrift, I will tell you more of my mind. But as for prayer, l don’t think that two men in the parish can say their Pater-noster. As for fasting, ye fast still, for ye have net a good meal’s meat in the year. As for alms-deeds, what should they give that have nothing? In Lent, you must refrain