Page:Merry tales of the wise men of Gotham (9).pdf/2

 MERRY TALES

WISE MEN OF GOTHAM.

TALE I.

HERE were two men of Gotham and one of them was going to Nottingham market to buy sheep, and they both met together on Nottingham bridge. Well met, said one to the other; whether are you going? said he that came from Nottingham. Marry, said he that was going thither, I am going to the market to buy sheep. Buy sheep! said the other, which way will you bring them home? Marry, said the other, I will bring them over this bridge. By Robin Hood, said he that came from Nottingham, but thou shalt not. By my maid Margery, said the other, but I will. You shall not; said the one; I will, said the other. Then they beat their staves one against the other, and then against the ground, as if an hundred sheep had been betwixt them. Hold there, said the one. Beware of my sheep leaping over the bridge, said the other, I care not, said the one. They shall all come this way, said the other