_C. Custance._ Who tooke[439] thee thys letter Margerie Mumblecrust?
_M. Mumbl._ A lustie gay bacheler tooke it me of trust,
And if ye seeke to him he will lowe[440] your doing.
_C. Custance._ Yea, but where learned he that manner of wowing?
_M. Mumbl._ If to sue to hym, you will any paines take, 5
He will have you to his wife (he sayth) for my sake.
_C. Custance._ Some wise gentlemen belike. I am bespoken:[441]
And I thought verily thys had bene some token
From my dere spouse[442] Gawin Goodluck, whom when him please
God luckily sende home to both our heartes ease. 10
_M. Mumbl._ A joyly[443] man it is I wote well by report,
And would have you to him for marriage resort:
Best open the writing, and see what it doth speake.
_C. Custance._ At thys time nourse I will neither reade ne breake.
_M. Mumbl._ He promised to give you a whole pecke of golde. 15
_C. Custance._ Perchaunce lacke of a pynte when it shall be all tolde.
_M. Mumbl._ I would take a gay riche husbande, and I were you.
_C. Custance._ In good sooth Madge, een so would I, if I were
thou.[444]
But no more of this fond talke now, let us go in,
And see thou no more move me folly to begin. 20
Nor bring mee no mo letters for no mans pleasure,
But thou know from whom.
_M. Mumbl._ I warrant ye shall be sure.