individual, more of consequence than these, who attained to an
established reputation for their humour. The Devil's pranks have been
referred to; Joseph's rusticity also; and the obstinacy of Noah's wife
has been obscurely hinted at. Her gift lay in preferring the company of
her good gossips to the select family gathering assembled in the Ark,
and in playing with Noah's ears very soundingly when at length she was
forcibly dragged into safety. Two short extracts from the _Chester
Miracle_ will illustrate her humour.

(1)

_Noye._ Wyffe, in this vessel we shall be kepte,
My children and thou; I would in ye lepte.

_Noyes Wiffe._ In fayth, Noye, I hade as leffe thou slepte!
For all thy frynishe[24] fare,
I will not doe after thy reade[25].

_Noye._ Good wyffe, doe nowe as I thee bydde.

_Noyes Wiffe._ Be Christe! not or I see more neede,
Though thou stande all the daye and stare.

_Noye._ Lorde, that wemen be crabbed aye,
And non are meke, I dare well saye;
This is well seene by me to daye,
In witnesse of you ichone[26].

(2)