_Poor Robin's Journey to London._
Poor Robin having never been in London in his life, and being very
desirous to see the city whose fame rang so loud in every man's mouth,
he resolved to make a jonrney thither, and spend some time in viewing
the rarities of the same; but because he was unacquainted with the city
customs, he got a companion of his to go along with him. No sooner were
they past Aldgate, but poor Robin seeing such a number of signs, he
whispered with his friend, "Certainly," quoth he, "they must needs be
all drunkards that live in this place. I never saw so many ale-houses
together in my life." And thereupon beckoning to his companion, enters
one of the shops and calls for a jug of beer; but they making him
acquainted with his error, how they sold no drink, but if he wanted
anything else they could furnish him with it. He presently without any
studying asks them to show him a pair of hedging gloves, whereupon
changing their opinion, instead of a fool they took him for a jeering
companion; and to fit him for his gloves had him to the pump and soundly
bedrenched him from head to foot. And having occasion to go through
Birching Lane, and being asked by the salesmen, "Countrymen, what lack
you?" "Marry," quoth he, "that which I fear you cannot furnish me
withal," and being importuned of them to know what it was: "Why," quoth
he, "that which you have none of I want, honesty." Night approaching,
poor Robin and his walking mate repaired to their inn, where, after they
had supped and drunk five or six jugs of beer with the host of the
house, and some of his men (for inn-keeper's servants drink most of
their beer at other men's cost), his friend loving no tobacco, and poor
Robin desiring the heathenish weed to pass away the time, they agreed
among themselves that every one of the company should either tell a tale
or sing a song. Poor Robin, who first mentioned the same, beginning in
this manner.