REBECCA. ABRA.
REBECCA. I come to see, if Jacob be gone a-field yet;
A little slacking may all our purpose let.
But now that he is gone, he will be here at once,
Therefore I will call my maid Abra for the nonce,
That all thing within may be in a readiness.
Abra, where be ye, Abra?
ABRA. Here within, mistress.
REBECCA. Come forth: when, Abra? what, Abra, I say!
ABRA. Anon.
REBECCA. Must I call so oft? why come ye not by and by?
ABRA. I was washing my vessel forsooth, mistress, I.
REBECCA. And in very deed, look that all your vessels be clean.
ABRA. There is not one foul piece in all our tent, I ween.
REBECCA. Then make a great fire, and make ready your pot,
And see there be plenty of water, cold and hot;
And see the spit be scoured as clean as any pearl.
ABRA. If this be not quickly done, call me naughty girl.
REBECCA. Nay, soft, whither away? I have not yet all done.
ABRA. I thought ye would have had me as quick to be gone,
As when ye call Abra, ye would have me to come.
REBECCA. Then see ye have made ready cloves, mace, and cinnamon:
Pepper and saffron; then fet herbs for the pot;
ABRA. We will have the best that by me can be got.
REBECCA. And let no foul corner be about all the tent.
ABRA. If ye find any fault, hardly let me be shent.
Is there anything else but that I may go now?
REBECCA. Nought but that, when I come, I find no fault in you.
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