I cannot tell you; one knave disdains another; Wherefore take ye the one, and I shall take the other. We shall bestow them there as is most convenient; For such a couple, I trow, they shall repent That ever they met in this church here. Neighbour, ye be constable; stand ye near, Take ye that lay knave, and let me alone With this gentleman; by God and by Saint John, I shall borrow upon priesthood somewhat; For I may say to thee, neighbour Prat, It is a good deed to punish such, to the ensample Of such other, how that they shall mell In like fashion, as these caitiffs do.
In good faith, Master Parson, if ye do so, Ye do but well to teach them to beware.
Master Prat, I pray ye me to spare; For I am sorry for that that is done; Wherefore I pray ye forgive me soon, For that I have offended within your liberty; And by my troth, sir, ye may trust me I will never come hither more, While I live, and God before.
Nay, I am once charged with thee, Wherefore, by Saint John, thou shalt not escape me, Till thou hast scoured a pair of stocks.
Tut, he weeneth all is but mocks! Lay hand on him; and come ye on, sir friar, Ye shall of me hardly have your hire; Ye had none such this seven year, I swear by God and by our lady dear.
Nay, Master Parson, for God's passion, Intreat[180] not me after that fashion; For, if ye do, it will not be for your honesty.
Honesty or not, but thou shall see, What I shall do by and by: Make no struggling, come forth soberly: For it shall not avail thee, I say.
Marry, that shall we try even straightway. I defy the churl priest, and there be no more than thou. I will not go with thee, I make God a vow. We shall see first which is the stronger: God hath sent me bones; I do thee not fear.
Yea, by thy faith, wilt thou be there? Neighbour Prat, bring forth that knave, And thou, sir friar, if thou wilt algates[181] rave.
Nay, churl, I thee defy! I shall trouble thee first; Thou shalt go to prison by and by; Let me see, now do thy worst!
[_Prat with the Pardoner and the Parson with the Friar_.
Help, help, neighbour Prat, neighbour Prat, In the worship of God, help me somewhat!
Nay, deal as thou canst with that elf, For why I have enough to do myself. Alas! for pain I am almost dead; The red blood so runneth down about my head. Nay, and thou canst, I pray thee help me.