Page:Merry tales of the wise men of Gotham (6).pdf/22

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prayers will do him more good than my labour. Then said the second, I am profitable to my husband in saving of candle in winter, for I cause my husband and all my people to go to bed by day-light and rise by day-light. The third said, I am profitable in sparing bread, for I drink a gallon of ale, and I care not much for meat. The fourth said, I am loath to spend meat and drink at home, so I go to the tavern at Nottingham and drink wine, and such other things as God sends me there. The fifth said, A man 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 folk's houses to do their work. The seventh said, I spare my husband's wood and clothes, and sit all day talking at other folks' fires, The eighth said, Beef, mutton, and pork are dear, I therefore take pigs, chickens, conies, and capons, being of a lesser price. The ninth said, I spare my husband's soap, for instead of washing