Page:Merry tales of the wise men of Gotham (3).pdf/20

 will ever have more company in another's houſe than his own, and moſt commonly in the ale-houſe. The ſixth ſaid, My huſband has flax and wool to ſpare, if I go to other folks houſes to do their work. The ſeventh ſaid, I ſpare both my husband's wood and clothes, for I ſit talking the whole day, at other folk fire-ſide. The eighth ſaid, Beef, mutton and pork are dear, I therefore take pigs, chickens, comes 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.

Aſh Wednesday, the Miniſter of Gotham would be a collection from his pariſhoners, and he ſaid unto them, My friends, the line 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, I don't think that two men in the pariſh can ſay their Pater-noſter. As for faſting, ye