For that, maſter, ſaid he, let me alone; I warrant you I'll do your buſineſs effectually, never fear it. So he got him a long Sword by his ſide and a tabor or pipe to play, and keep him awake if any drowſineſs, or the like, ſhould overtake him.
The charge being given, and he thus accoutered, the two Friars went to reſt in the next apartment. Miles then began to pipe and ſing ſongs of his ſweethearts and frolics.
Beſſy that is ſo frolic and gay,
Like a cat ſhe loves with her tail to play:
Though ſometimes ſhe'll pant and frown,
All's well if you lay her down.
She'll never ſay nay, but ſport and play:
O Beſſy to me is the Queen of the May:
For Margery ſhe is peeviſh and proud;
Come fidlers then, and ſcrape the crowd.
Whilſt his merriment paſſed, after a hoarſe noiſe, like thunder almoſt ſpent, the head ſpoke diſtinctly, Time is. O ho! ſays Miles, is this all the news you can tell me? well copper-noſe, has my maſter taken all this pains about you, and you can ſpeak no wiſer? doſt thou think I am ſuch a fool to break his ſweet ſlum for this? no, ſpeak wiſer, or he ſhall ſleep on. Time is, quotha! why I know time is, and that thou ſhalt hear, goodman kettle jaws.
