CHAP V.
THE Tinker being rewarded with a crown for his dexterity, went away; but one day being in merry talk with our Courtier, he changed his tone sadly, and told him, That a butcher, on such a road, kept a lion-like mastiff-dog: that he was not so much afraid to encounter him, as that if he would kill him the butcher, as he told him, would send him to jail and punish him at the next sessions, having one Justice Clodpole on his side, who was his landlord, and whose house he served with meat, and doubted not would hearken to any thing he said against him although ever so false and unjust.
Sir John having listened to his complaint, and laughed, bid him be of good cheer, for himself would try the dog adventure. Upon this he ordered some clothes to be brought, which the Tinker stripping, put on, and the Knight put on his, except his shirt, and taking his budget, pike-staff, kettle, and hammer, away he went, beating his kettle, and crying Work for a Tinker, till he came near the butcher's house. The dog soon heard the tink, tink, and away he runs open mouthed to meet the Tinker, they laughing to see how he would fright him; but Sir John having now thrown down his budget, was ready to receive him with the pike end of the staff, and after the dog wheeled, he returned and advanced eagerly to fly at his throat, but he thrust the pike of his staff into his breast; upon which he ran away howling, and tracing the ground with his blood, till
