Page:Merry tales of the wise men of Gotham (6).pdf/23

23 once a week, I wash but once a quarter. Then said the ale-wife, I keep all my husband's ale from souring; for as I was wont to drink it almost up, now I never leave a drop.

TALE XX.

ON 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, don't think that two men in the parish can say their Paternoster. As for fasting, ye fast still, for ye have not a good meal's meat in the year. As for alms-deeds, what should they give that have nothing? In Lent you must refrain from drunkenness and abstain from drink. No not so, said one fellow, for it is an old proverb, that fish should swim. Yes, said the priest, they must swim in the water. I crave thy mercy, quoth the fellow, I thought it should