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Gammer Gurton's Needle 24
Diccon: Well, rule yourself a space.
And Gammer Gurton, when she commeth anon into this place –
Then to the quean! 1 Let's see . . . tell her your mind, and spare not!
So shall Diccon blameless be, and then go to, 2 I care not!
Chat: Then, whore, beware her throat! I can abide no longer! 3
In faith, old witch, it shall be seen which of us two be stronger!
And Diccon, but at your request, I would not stay here one hour.
Diccon: Well, keep it in 'til she be here, and then out let it pour!
In the meanwhile, get you in, and make no words of this.
More of this matter within this hour to hear you shall not miss.
Because I knew you are my friend, hide it I could not, doubtless.
You know your harm; see you be wise about your own business.
So fare you well!
Chat; Nay, soft, Diccon, and drink. What! Doll, I say!
Bring here a cup of the best ale! Let's see! Come quickly away!
[Doll brings Diccon a cup of ale; he drinks it as Doll
and Chat exit into Dame Chat's alehouse]
THE SECOND ACT
The Third Scene
Diccon: Ye see, masters, that one end tapped of this my short device;
Now must we broach t'other too, before the smoke arise,
And by the time they have a while run, I trust ye need not crave it,
But look what lieth in both their hearts; ye are like sure to have it. 4
[Hodge enters from Gammer Gurton's house. Hodge
has changed to his badly-torn breeches. ]
Hodge: Yea; Gog's soul, art alive yet? What, Diccon, dare Ich come?
Diccon: A man is well hied to trust to thee; I will say nothing but "mum."
But and ye come any nearer, I pray you see all be sweet. 5
Hodge: Tush, man, is Gammer's nee'le found – that 'Chould gladly weet. 6
Diccon: She may thank thee if it isn't found, 7 for if you had kept thy standing,
The devil he would have fet it out, even Hodge at thy commanding.
1
Then to the quean: Then attack the whore!
2
Go to: go to it, fight her
3
Then whore . . . longer: Then let the whore watch her throat! I can't wait any longer [to choke her]!
4
Diccon is addressing the audience: "You see, masters, that I've tapped one end of my short trick. Now we must open the
second one, too, before the smoke begins (before it catches fire?). And by the time things have run awhile – I hope you won't
be too anxious – look what lies in both their hearts. I'm sure you'll see what it is."
5
But and . . . sweet: But if you are coming closer, I beg you to make sure you've cleaned yourself.
6
'Chould gladly weet: I would gladly know.
7
She may . . . found: She will know that it's your fault if it isn't found