Chapter M: MUMBL. And I am well content

TIB. TALK. Sing on then by and by.

R. ROISTER (_aside_). And I will not away, but listen to their song;
Yet Merrygreek and my folks tarry very long.

Tib., An., and Margery do sing here.[72]

_Pipe, merry Annot, &c._
_Trilla, Trilla, Trillary._
_Work, Tibet; work, Annot; work, Margery;_
_Sew, Tibet; knit, Annot; spin, Margery._
_Let us see who will win the victory._

TIB. TALK. This sleeve is not willing to be sewed, I trow.
A small thing might make me all in the ground to throw.

Then they sing again.

_Pipe, merry Annot, &c._
_Trilla, Trilla, Trillary._
_What, Tibet! what, Annot! what, Margery!_
_Ye sleep, but we do not, that shall we try,_
_Your fingers be numbed, our work will not lie._

TIB. TALK. If ye do so again--well, I would advise you nay:
In good sooth, one stop more, and I make holyday!

They sing the third time.

_Pipe, merry Annot, &c._
_Trilla, Trilla, Trillary._
_Now, Tibbet; now, Annot; now, Margery;_
_Now whippet apace for the maistry:_
_But it will not be, our mouth is so dry_.

TIB TALK. Ah, each finger is a thumb to-day, me-think:
I care not to let all alone, choose it swim or sink.

They sing the fourth time.

_Pipe, merry Annot, &c._
_Trilla, Trilla, Trillary._
_When, Tibbet? when, Annot? when, Margery?_
_I will not,--I can not,--no more can I._
_Then give we all over, and there let it lie!_
[_Let her cast down her work._

TIB. TALK. There it lieth! the worst is but a curried coat.
Tut, I am used thereto: I care not a groat.

AN. ALYFACE. Have we done singing since? then will I in again:
Here I found you, and here I leave both twain. [_Exeat._

M. MUMBL. And I will not be long after. Tib. Talkapace!
[_She discovers R. Roister Doister._

TIB. TALK. What is the matter?

M. MUMBL. Yond stood a man all this space,
And hath heard all that ever we spake together.

TIB. TALK. Marry, the more lout he for his coming hither,
And the less good he can to listen maidens talk.
I care not, and I go bid him hence for to walk:
It were well done to know what he maketh here-away.

R. ROISTER. Now might I speak to them, if I wist what to say.
[_Aside._

M. MUMBL. Nay, we will go both of's, and see what he is.

R. ROISTER (_coming forward_). One that heard all your
talk and singing, i-wis.

TIB. TALK. The more to blame you: a good thrifty husband
Would elsewhere have had some better matters in hand.

R. ROISTER. I did it for no harm; but for good love I bear
To your dame Mistress Custance I did your talk hear.
And, mistress nurse, I will kiss you for acquaintance.

M. MUMBL. I come anon, sir.

TIB. TALK. Faith, I would our dame Custance
Saw this gear.

M. MUMBL. I must first wipe all clean, yea, I must.

TIB. TALK. Ill 'chieve it, doting fool, but it must be cust.