ESAU. If we have luck this day to kill hare, teg,[258] or doe,
Thou shalt eat thy bellyful, till thou criest ho.
RAGAN. I thank you, when I have it, Master Esau.
ESAU. Well, come on, let us go now, servant Ragan.
Is there anything more, that I should say or do?
For perhaps we come not again this day or two.
RAGAN. I know nothing, master, to God I make a vow,
Except you would take your brother Jacob with you:
I never yet saw him with you an hunting go,
Shall we prove him once, whether he will go or no?
ESAU. No, no, that were in vain, alas, good simple mome:
Nay, he must tarry and suck mother's dug at home:
Jacob must keep home, I trow, under mother's wing;
To be from the tents he loveth not of all thing.
Jacob loveth no hunting in the wild forest:
And would fear, if he should there see any wild beast.
Yea, to see the game run, Jacob would be in fear.
RAGAN. In good sooth, I ween he would think each hare a bear.
ESAU. What, brother mine, what a word call ye that?
RAGAN. Sir, I am scarce waked: I spake, ere I wist what.
ESAU. Come on your ways, my child, take the law of the game.
I will wake you, I trow, and set your tongue in frame.
RAGAN. O, what have you done, Master Esau, God's apes?
ESAU. Why can ye not yet refrain from letting such scapes?
Come on, ye must have three jerts[259] for the nonce.
One--
[_Beats him_.
RAGAN. O, for God's love, sir, have done, dispatch at once.
Pages:
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130