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Gammer: By the Mass, 'Chi'll rather spend the coat that is on my back!
Thinks the false queen by such a slight that 'Chi'll my nee'le lack?
Diccon: Slip not your gear, I counsel you, but of this take good heed: 1
Let not be known I told you of it, how well soever you speed!
Gammer: 'Chi'll in, Diccon, a clean apron to take and set before me;
And Ich may my nee'le once see, 'Chi'll sure remember thee! 2
[Gammer Gurton exits into her house]
THE SECOND ACT
The Fifth Scene
[Diccon remains]
Diccon: Here will the sport begin! If these two once may meet,
Their cheer, durst 3 lay money, will prove scarcely sweet!
My Gammer, sure, intends to be upon her bones
With staves or with clubs or else with cobblestones,
Dame Chat, on the other side, if she be far behind,
I am right far deceived; she is given to it of kind. 4
He that may tarry by it awhile, and that but short,
I warrant him – trust to it – he shall see all the sport.
Into the town will I, my friends to visit there,
And hither straight again to see th' end of this gear.
In the meantime, fellows, pipe up your fiddles! I say take them,
And let 5 your friends here such mirth as you can make them!
Gammer Gurton's Needle 28
[Diccon exits down the street. Musicians play. Act 2
ends.]
1
Heed: notice
2
'Chi'll in . . thee!: I'll go inside, Diccon, to put on a clean apron; if ever again I see my needle, I'll be sure to remember to
reward you!
3
Durst: I would dare
4
Given to it of kind: that way (angry and combative) by nature
5
Let: lend or give