RAGAN. Is there any pottage left for me, that thou wot?
MIDO. No, I left Esau about to lick the pot.
RAGAN. Lick, quod thou? now a shame take him that can all lick.
MIDO. The pot shall need no washing, he will it so lick;
And by this he is sitting down to bread and drink.
RAGAN. And shall I have no part with him, dost thou think?
MIDO. No, for he pray'd Jacob, ere he did begin,
To shut the tent fast, that no mo guests come in.
RAGAN. And made he no mention of me his servant?
MIDO. He said thou were a knave, and bad thee hence avaunt:
Go shift, where thou couldest, thou gottest nothing there.
RAGAN. God yield you, Esau, with all my stomach cheer![265]
MIDO. I must in again, lest perhaps I be shent,
For I asked noboby licence, when I went. [_Exeat_.
RAGAN. Nay, it is his nature, do what ye can for him,
No thank at his hand; but choose you, sink or swim.
Then reason it with him in a meet time and place,
And he shall be ready to flee straight in your face.
This proverb in Esau may be understand:
Claw a churl by the tail, and he will file[266] your hand.
Well i-wis, Esau, ye did know well enou',
That I had as much need to be meated as you.
Have I trotted and trudged all night and all day,
And now leave me without door, and so go your way?
Have I spent so much labour for you to provide,
And you nothing regard what of me may betide?
Have I run with you while I was able to go,
And now you purchase food for yourself and no mo?
Have I taken so long pain you truly to serve,
And can ye be content, that I famish and starve?
I must lacquey and come lugging greyhound and hound,
And carry the weight, I dare say, of twenty pound,
And to help his hunger purchase grace and favour,
And now to be shut out fasting for my labour!
By my faith, I may say I serve a good master,
Nay, nay, I serve an ill husband and a waster.
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