And now farewell both spear and shield, See, see, what sighs my heart doth yield And take in hand a ditching spade. And you farewell, all gallant games, Wherewith I used, with courtly dames, And now farewell each dainty dish, To please this dainty mouth of mine; I now, alas, must leave all these, And make good cheer with bread and cheese. And now, all orders due, farewell: My table laid when it was noon; My heavy heart it irks to tell My dainty dinners all are done. With leeks and onions, whig and whey, I must content me as I may. And farewell all gay garments now, I must go range in woodman's wise; What shall I say, but bid adieu [Abridged from 39 stanzas.] Not long ago, as I at supper sat, In order served, with store of this and that, I did behold, (that well set out the rest!) Now gan I guess, by outward countenance, And though, perhaps, I missed some by chance, But let them be such as they were: by chance First, galliards; then larousse; and heidegy; "Old lusty gallant;"" all flow'rs of the bloom;" And then a hall! for dancers must have room. And to it then; with set, and turn about, Change sides, and cross, and mince it like a hawk; Backwards and forwards, take hands then, in and out; And, now and then, a little wholesome talk, That none could hear, close rowned in the ear; Well! I say nought: but much good sport was there. Then might my minion hear her mate at will: But let them leave such jealousy for shame! And, when friends meet, some merry sign must pass; Of welcoming unto each other's sight: Dancers, besides, may claim a kiss of right, But what? I had almost myself forgot To tell you on of this same gentle crew; As some must sit; while other danced anew: But to behold the graces of each dame! How some would dance as though they did but walk; And some would trip, as though one leg were lame; And some would mince it like a sparrow-hawk; And some would dance upright as any bolt; And some would fidge, as though she had the itch; And some would bow half crooked in the joints; And some would have a trick; and some a twitch; Some shook their arms, as they had hung up 'points: With thousands more that were too long to tell, But made me laugh my heart sore, I wot well. -- But let them pass: and now" sir we must part; "I thank you, sir, for my exceeding cheer.""Welcome (quoth the good man) with all my heart: "In faith the market serves but ill to year, "When one could not devise more meat to dress." Jesus! (thought I) what means this foolishness ? But let that pass.-Then, parting at the door, Such curtsies low, with " Pray you pardon me”"You shall not chuse"-" In faith you are to "blame." Goodsooth! (thought I) a man would think the same! Now being forth (with much ado) at last, Then part they all; each one unto their house; |