and his chin sound: all which was written and noted in tables, and
subscribed with the hands of witnesses to confirme the same. Which done
I sayd unto the matron, Madam I pray you that I may have all things here
necessary. What is that? (quoth she). Marry (quoth I) a great lampe with
oyle, pots of wine, and water to delay the same, and some other drinke
and dainty dish that was left at supper. Then she shaked her head and
sayd, Away fool as thou art, thinkest thou to play the glutton here and
to looke for dainty meats where so long time hath not been seene any
smoke at all? Commest thou hither to eat, where we should weepe and
lament? And therewithall she turned backe, and commanded her maiden
Myrrhena to deliver me a lampe with oyle, which when shee had done they
closed the chamber doore and departed. Now when I was alone, I rubbed
myne eyes, and armed my selfe to keep the corpes, and to the intent I
would not sleepe, I began to sing, and so I passed the time until it was
midnight, when as behold there crept in a Wesel into the chamber, and
she came against me and put me in very great feare, insomuch that I
marvelled greatly at the audacity of so little a beast. To whom I said,
get thou hence thou whore and hie thee to thy fellowes, lest thou feele
my fingers. Why wilt thou not goe? Then incontinently she ranne away,
and when she was gon, I fell on the ground so fast asleepe, that Apollo
himself could not discern which of us two was the dead corps, for I lay
prostrat as one without life, and needed a keeper likewise. At length
the cockes began to crow, declaring that it was day: wherewithall I
awaked, and being greatly afeard ran to the dead body with the lamp
in my hand, and I viewed him round about: and immediately came in the
matron weeping with her Witnesses, and ran to the corps, and eftsoons
kissing him, she turned his body and found no part diminished. Then she
willed Philodespotus her steward to pay me my wages forthwith. Which
when he had done he sayd, We thanke you gentle young man for your paines
and verily for your diligence herein we will account you as one of the