Here beginneht [sic] a merye iest of a man that was called Howleglas, and of many marueylous thinges and iestes that he dyd in his lyfe, in Eastlande and in many other places

¶ Howe Howleglas as he was borne , was christened thre tymes vpon one daye .

YN the lande of Sassen , in the vyllage of Ruelnige , there dwelleth a man that was named Hicholas Nowleglas that had a wife named Wypeke , that lay a childbed in the same wyllage : and that chylde was borne to christening & named Tyell Howleglas . And than the chyld was brought into a tauerne where the father was wyth his gosseppes and made good chere whan the mydwife had wel dronke , she toke the childe to bere it home , and in the wai was a litle bridg ouer a muddy water . And as the mydwife would haue gone ouer the lytle brydge , she fel into the mudde with the chylde , for she had a lytel dronk to much wyne , for had not helpe come quickly the had both be drowned in the mudde . And whan the came home with the childe , the made a kettle of warm water to be made redi & therf they washed the child clen of the mudde . And this was Howleglas thre tymes in one dai cristened Once at the churche , once in the mudde , & once in the warm water

¶ Howe that Howleglas whan that he was a chylde , aunswered a man that asked the waye .

VPon a tīe went Howleglas father & mother out & left Howleglas withī the house Than cāe ther a man rydyng half into the dore & asked is there nobody within ? than answered the chyld yes ther is a man & a halfe , & a horse head . Than asked the man wher is thy father ? And the child answerid & sayd , my father is of yl , making worse : And my mother is gone for scath or shame And the man sayd to the childe , how vnderstandest thou that ? & than the chylde sayd : My father is makyng of yl worse , for he ploweth the felde and maketh great holes that men should fall therin whan the ride And my mother is to borow bread , and whan she geueth it agayne and gyuete lesse it is shame , and whan she geueth it & geueth more that is scathe . Than said the man which is the way to ryde ? and the chyld aunswered and sayd there where the gees go , and than rode the man his way to the gees and when he came to the gees the flew into the water , than wist he not wher to ryd but turned again to the chyld and sayd the gees be flowen into the water , and thus wot I not what to doo nor whether to ryde Than aunswered the childe ye must ryde where as the gees go , and not where the swyme . Than departed the man and rode hys way & marueyled of the answer of the childe .

¶ Howe Howleglas sat vpon hys fathers hors behind hym .

MAny greate complayntes cāe before the father of Howleglas , how his sone was a deceuer of folkes , and a great mocker . This complaint was made on hym whan he could go , and whan he lay in the cradle , he tumbled vpon the quisshins wyth hys arse vpward , and whan he came to the age of nyne yere old : he let no vngraciousnes scape fro hym , in so muche that all the neybours complayned on hym . Than sayd his father to him howe commeth this that the people complayneth soo to mee , they say that ye be a mocker & a deceyuer ? Than sayde Howleglas good father I doo nobody harme and that shall I shew vnto you . Take a horse and go vpon his backe and I wyll ryde behind you than you shal see what the people wyll say to me and than lyght his father vpon his horse and toke his soone behynde hym , and whan he was vpon the horse he shewed the peple his arse . Than said the folke what vngracious knaue and begyler is that ? Than sayde Howleglas to his father nowe may ye heare , I holde my peace and speake neuer a woorde , and yet saye the that I am a knaue and a deceyuer of folke . And than his father toke him and sette hym before hym on the horse , and than began he to grin & put out his tongue vpon the people that his father sawe not , & than the people sayde see what a cursed young knaue is there . Than sayd his father to Howleglas , thou was borne in an vnhappy tyme , for now thou sittest before me & doest no body harme : & yet for al that they do call the a knaue and a begiler . And so departed Houleglas father out of the land of Mayd a brochim a village from thence where his wyfe was , & within short space dyed And than abid Howleglas mother with him , and eat and dranke together suche as the might gette , for she was but pore , & Howleglas would go to no craft but when he was sixtene yeare old he began to daunce vpon a corde , and no otherwyse .

¶ Howe Howleglas fell fro the rope into the water wherof the people had good sporte .

VPon a tyme Howleglas played vpon the corde that was set ouer the water , wher he made good sport , but at the last there was one that cut the rope , so fell he into the water & wans all to wette , & he came out as well as he might , for the lytle spyte he thought to quyte thē agayn . And said to thē come agayne to morowe and I wyll doo many more wondres vpon the rope . And the next dai after came Howleglas and daunced vpon the corde , and than he sayde to the yonge folke ye shall see what newes I can doo . Gyue me euery body your ryghte shoe vpon the rope ende so they dyd , and the olde men also . And whan he hadde daunced a whyle he caste them their shone vpon a hepe and bad them take their shoen eche of them a gayne . Than ran they after their shoene and for haste one tumbled ouer the other , and than the began to ly together by the eares , and smyte with their fystes soo hard that the fell both to the yearth . One said weping this is my sho , and the other laughed and cryd that is my shoe . And thus for their shoene laye they together by the eares . Than began Howleglas to laughe , crying seeke your shoene : eesterday ye bathed me , and he lept fro the corde and went his way to his mothers , & durst not come out agaī in the space of a moneth . And so he taried with his mother , wherof his mother was glad but she knew not the cause why he dyd with her , nor what he had done .

¶ Howe Howlglas mother learned hym and bad hym go to a crafte .

Wybeke the mother of Howleglas was glad that her sonne Howleglas was so sottele and wyse , & she sayd that he myght not lyue so and get moni as therwith . And than she sayde to her sonne that he should learne a craft . And than answered Howleglas to his mother , what thing it that that a body should dyspose himself to , that should abid by him al his life And his mother aunswered clene contrary & sayde that me also thinketh for in .iii. daies I haue had no bread in my house should I not abid & suffre al my lyfe ? I had leuer die . Than said Howleglas this is not an answer to my question , but I will aunswer now to yours , & said . A poore man that hath nothing to eate he must fast saint Nycholas day , and he that hath meate may eat on saint Martins euen . And in likewyse it is with you .

¶ Howe Howleglas gat bread for . his mother .

AS Howleglas mother was thus without bred than be thought howleglas how he might best get bread for her . Than went he out of the village to a towne thereby called stafforde , & went into a bakers house , where he asked the baker if he wold send his lord for . iii.s . bread . som whit and some rye , & he named a lorde that was of an other land , but he at that tyme was lodged at an Inne in the towne , & bad the baker let one go with him & that he should haue his money & the baker was content . And than Howleglas gaue the baker a bagge that had a hole in the botom , & therin put he the bread & so departed with the bakers ladd & whan he was in an other streat he let fal .iii. whyte loues at the hole in the durt . And than bad howleglas to the bakers seruaunt sete downe the bagge & goo fetch me other whyte breade for this , for I dare not bere it to my lord . And than went the bakers seruaunt home to chaunge the bread , and in the meane whyle went Howleglas with the sacke of bread home to hys mothers . And whan the bakers seruaunt came again to the place and found not Howleglas , he retourned home againe & told his master how Howleglas hade serued him . A than the baker heard that Howleglas was gon his way with his bread : than ran the baker to the Inne that Howleglas named him , & asked the seruantes of the lordes for Howleglas , but the said ther came none suche , & than knew the baker that he was deceyued & so returned home . Than said Howleglas to his mother , eate and make mery now you haue it & whan you haue nomore ye must faste .

¶ Howe Howleglas creeped into a bae hyue , & howe he was stolen in the nyght

VPō a tyme went Howleglas with his mother to the didecagion of the churche . And there he dranke so muche that he was dronken , & than wente he into a garden therby , where stode many bee hiues & ther he sought wher he might haue a place to slepe in , & at the laste he founde an emptye bee hyue , wherin he put hym self to slepe for that nyght . Than came therin the ded of the nyghte , two theues for to steale a way the hyues , and they felte which of the hyues was heuiest , for they thought therin was moost hony , so at the last they felt the heuy that Howleglas was in and than sayd the thefe too his felowe here is on that is very heuy this will I haue , take thou another & let vs go . Than toke thei the bee hiues on ther neckes & departed . Than awoke Howleglas & herd al what the said , And it was so darke that the one knew not the other Than put Howleglas his hande out of the hyue , and pulled the foremost by the heare where with he was angry and saede to his lelowe behynde hym , Why pullest thou me by the here ? And than he answered . I pull thee by the here & I haue as muche as I can do to bere my hyue , And within a whyle after he pulled the hyndermoste by the here that was ryghte angrye and sayde , I bere so heui that I swete , and for al that thou pullest me by the hery ? Thou andswered thee for moste thou lyest , how should I plucke thee by the here and I can scantly fynde my waye , and thus went the chydyng by the way and as they were chiding : Howleglas put out his hand againe & puled the foremoste by the here , wherof he was angry and set downe hys hyue and toke his felowe by the head , & thus they tumbled together by the here in the strete and at the laste whan the one had well beten the other , the ran their waye and lefte the hyues lying . and than slepte Howleglas in the be hyue til in the mornyng , and than he arose and went forthe , and as he wente he came by a castell and went in , and the lorde asked him if he wold haue a maister and he said yes , and than the lord hired hym and vpon a tyme he rode with his maister bi the way wher stode hempe . Than said his maister to him whan thou fyndest suche seede shyte therin , for there with men be hanged vpon the gallowes , and vpon the wheeles , both theues and morderers . Than answered Howleglas that he wold do it and his maister said so because that he was a thefe , and in the night went a robbyng and a steling for he lyued almost therby . On a tyme as his maister was at supper the cooke called Howleglas and badde hym go into the seller & fetche him the mustarde out of the pot . And than went Howleglas & he vnderstode that the cooke bad him go fetch a hempen rope . Than marueyled he what he ment for he neuer sawe none afore . Than thought he , wyll he binde me therwith , than went Howleglas into the seler , and there he sought about , and at the last he found the pot , with mustard , and than he remembred hym & sayd , my maester bad me that where I found any such sede that I shold shite therin , and than he put his arse ouer the pot , and shyt therin a great heape , and than he styrred it about together and brought it to the coke and than he cooke dressed the mustarde in saucers and send them to the table and the lorde tasted , and it sauored il than said he to the cooke what haue you ground in the mustarde , for it sauerethe lyke as there were a turde therin ? And than began Howleglas to laughe , than said his maister wherat laughest thou ? thynkeste thou we con not taste ? than taste thou . And than aunswered Howleglas I eate no mustarde , for wote you not what ye bad me do whan that werode ouer suche sede , that whan I found such sede you that than I should shyte in it for with such sede you sayd men were hanged : and so haue I shytten in the seede . Than saide his maister , a thou vnhappy knaue this seede is not lyke the sede of hemp : but I knowe this by very good reason that thou hast dōe it of cursednes & great falsnes , and than he toke a staffe and wold haue smyted Howleglas . And than Howleglas tooke his legges and ran away , & his maister after him , but he coulde not ouer take him . Than he returned home agayn and Howleglas would no more come there .

¶ How Howleglas was hered of a priest .

AS Howleglas ran out of the castel , he cam to a village that was called Buddest in the land of Brounswike . And ther came a priest to Howleglas and hyred hym , but he knew him not : & the priest sayd to hym that he shoulde haue good dayes and eate and drynke the same meate that he himselfe & his woman dyd . and al that should be done with halfe the labour & than sayd Howleglas that there after would he do his diligence . Then dressed the priestes woman to chikins and she bad Howleglas turne and so he dyd , and he loked vp and sawe that she had but one iye , that whan the chikins were enough : than he brake one of the chikyns fro the spyt , and eate it with out any bread , and when it was dener tyme , came the woman into the kechin where Howleglas turned , & thought to take vp the chikyns : and whan she was come , she founde nomore there but one chikyn . Than sayde she to Howleglas , where is the other chikyn ? there were two chyckins than answered he to her , lift vp your iye : & than shal you se the other chiken , than was the woman ther with angry & knew well that Howleglas mocked her and than she ran to the priest & told him howe she had dressed .ii. chykins , & whan she came to take thē vp shee found but one , & than he mocked me because I had but one iye : than went the priest to Howleglas , & said whi mocke ye my woman : there was .ii. chikyns ? than answerd Howleglas & said that was truth , I haue said to the woman that she should open her eyen , and shee should se well where that other chekyn was become . Than laughed the priest & sayd she cannot se she hath but one iye : than sayd Howleglas to the priest , the on chykin haue I eaten , for ye sayd that I shold eate and drinke as well as you and your woman , and the one I eate for you , and the other I eate for your woman for I was afrayde that you shoulde haue synned , for the promise that ye promysed me , & therfore I made mesure Than sayd the priest I care not for the chikens but I wold haue you please my woman and do after her . Then sayd Howleglas I do your commaundement and that the woman bad him do , he did but halfe for she bad him fetch a boket of water , & he went & brought it but halfe full of water , & whan he shold brynge two loogges he brought but one , & when he should geue the beastes two botels of hay , he haue thē but one , & whan he should fetch a pot ful of bere , he brought it halfe full , & so did he of many other thinges mo . Than complayned she to the prest of Howleglas again than sayd the priest . I bad that you shold do as she bad you and Howleglas answered I haue done as ye had me for ye said to me that I shold do al thing with halfe labour And your woman would fayne see with both iyes : but she seeth but with one iye and so do I halfe the labour & than the priest laughed : and than said the woman , wyl you haue this vngracious knaue am lenger : than wil not I tary no leuger with you but depart . Than gaue the priest Howleglas leue to depart for his womans sake , but whan the paryshe clerke was dead of the village , than sent the priest for Howleglas , & holye hyme so muche that that he was made the paryshe clerke

¶ Howe Howleglas was made clerke of Buddenestde ,

AS Howleglas was clarke of the Churche , he shuld helpe the priest to sing masse , and as he stode afore the alter with the preest , the preest lette a great fart that al the churche range therof . Than said Howleglas syr person what offer you there , our lord for frankinsence ? Than answered the person , what haste thou to do there wyth ? for I haue the power to shite in the middes of the churche , and I wyll . Than said Howleglas I hold a barel of beare that you shal not shyte in the myddle therof . Than sayd the pryest I holde you , thynke you that I am not so hardy nor bolde to doo that ? Than tourned the parson hym about and went and shite in the church a great heape and sayd clarke I haue wonne the barell of bere , than siyd Howleglas that ye haue not , for we wyl first meete whether it be in the middes of the church or not And than they met it , and it lacked of the mydle more than vi . fote , and than wan Howleglas the barell of bere , werof the priestes leman was angry , & sayd you wyll kepe this vngracious knaue so longe with you that at the last he wyll shame you . And than in the meane season while Howleglas was paryshe clarke , at Easter they should play the resurrection of our lord , & for because than the mene wer not learned nor could not read , the priest toke his leman and put her in the graue for an aungell , and this seing Howleglas toke to hym , ii . of the symplest persons that were in the towne that plaied the .iii. maries , and the parson plaied Christe , with a baner in his hand , than saide Howleglas to the symple persons , whan the aungel asketh you whome you seke . you may saye the pa●●●●●●eman with one iye . Than it fortuned that the tyme was come that thei must playe & the angell asked them whom they sought & than said they as Howleglas had shewed & lerned them afore . & than answered they , we seke the priests leman with one iye : and than the priest myght heare that he was mocked . And whan the priestes leman herd that , she arose out of the graue and would haue smyten with her fist Howleglas vpon the cheke . but she missed him & smote one of the simple parsons that played one of the thre maries , & he gaue her another , & than toke she him by the heare , & that seing his wyfe : came running hastely to smite the priest leaman , and than the priest seing this : caste downe hys baner , and went to helpe his woman , so that the one gaue the other sore strokes and made great noyse in the churche And than Howleglas seyng them lyinge to gether by the eares in the bodi of the church , went his way out of the village and came no more there .

¶ Howe that Howleglas would flee fro the towne house of Meybrough .

AFter that cāe Howleglas to Maybrough wher he dyd many marueyleous thynges that his name was there wel knowen . Than bad the principal of the towne , that he should do some thing that was neuer sene before : Than sayd he that he woulde go to the highest of the counsail house , 〈◇〉 ye fro it , and anon that was knowen through all the towne that Howleglas woul flye fro the tope of the councel house , in somuche that all the towne was ther assembled & gathered in the market place to see him . Vpon the top of the house stod howleglas with his hands wauering as though he would haue flyen 〈◇〉 ●●an the people loked whan he should haue flyed : wherat he laughed , and sayde to the people : I thought there had bene no more fooles but my self ? but I se wel that her is a hole town ful . For had ye altogether said that ye wold haue fliē : yet I wold not haue beleued you . And now ye beleue one fore that sayth that he will flye which thing is vnpossible for I haue no winges , & no man can flie without wynges . And than went he his waye fro the top of the counsail house & lefte the folke there standing . And than departed the folke fro thence som blaming him & som laughing saying he is a shrewed fole for he telleth vs the truthe .

¶ How Howleglas made him selfe a phecision . and how he begyled a doctour of the Byshopps of Mayborough .

THe byshope Eryme of Mayborough , Earle of Quecforthe & all his nobles loued Howleglas , for that he did many propre conceites , and therfore the Bys●hoppe gaue him meate and drynke , clothe , and wages . The bysshop had a ryghte wyse doctoure withe hym and he in no wyse myght here norse no foles . So vpon a tyme as he sawe Howleglas there , he sayd to the byshoppe and the lordes men , you shoulde lette come in lordes Courtes wyse men , and no fooles : for the wyse men , will be conuersaunt with wyse men and geue wyse reasons . And fooles will be conuersaunt with fooles , and geue folish reasons . And than aunswered they and sayde that reason is false , for he that folishnes wyll not here nor see , he maye well depart from them . There bee also that thynke themself wise that bene often temes defiled of fooles , it belonges to prynces , lordes , and barrons , to haue in their courtes fooles : for oftentymes they driue a wai heuy thoughtes and fantasies and melancoly . Where lordes be , there will be also fooles . Than sayd Howleglas to the lordes , what argument haue you had withe the doctour for my sake ? forsoth he shal be quit & you will helpe me therto : and they sayde all yes . Than departed he out of the court by the space of .iii. wekes , and than came a gayne to Genckestayne , and than he came to the lodging there where the doctour laye and was sicke for the whiche likenes he sought for helpe : Than sayd the lordes , that there was come a runninge man and a maister of Phisecke that had helped mani people . The doctour knewe not Howleglas . and than he tooke hym by the arme and ledde hym into his lodgyng where he spake to hym & sayde , and ye can helpe me , I shall contente you well for your labour : Than aunswred he I trust to helpe you , but first I must lye by you one nyght , that I may couer you wel that you may swete , and by the ayre of the swete , I shall well knowe what syckenes it is that you haue . And than the priest wenyng that al had bene true : graunted to him and than gaue Howleglas to him a strong purgacion for to make him shyte , but he said to the doctour that it was a medicī to meke him to sweat , and the doctour beleued hym . And than went Howeleglas into the garden , and there stode a pot , the which Howleglas toke and shit in , and he tooke the pot & put it betwene the bed and the wal of the doctour , that the doctour knew it not , and the doctour went a fore to bed , & than came Howleglas to bede , and the priest turned him to the wall where the pot stode , and then he felt such a stinke of the durt that stode in the pot , so that he tourned his head a gayn toward Hawleglas , than let Howleglas a great stynking fart , and than tourned the doctoure a gain toward the wall . and than stanke the durte in the pot , & thus suffred the doctour the stynke half the night that him thought his heart did break and than began the medicine to worke so much that he be shyt al the bed , than said Rowlegias how do ye maister doctour ? me thinke your swete stinkethe very sore the doctoure thoughte in his mynde that knowe 〈◇〉 I well enough but he myght not speke because of the stinke . Than said Howleglas I wil go fetch you a candell , & se how it is with you , and as he rose he let a gret fart Than sayd the doctour , alas I dye . But he thanked God that Howleglas was gone : that he myght haue some ayre . Than began the daye to appeare , & soo departed Howleglas his way . And than loked the doctour by the beddes syde : and ther founde the pot of durt that stanke so , and than tooke he it and cast it a wai , and than knew he wel that he was mocked . And within a whyle came the byshop & his nobles to viset the doctour , and whan the came to his chamber , the asked hym howe he fared and he aunswered and sayd neuer worse . For I am all moste dead . Than he tolde the beshop how the maister of phisicke had serued hym and than began the byshop to laugh and all his lordes And sayd this cometh to passe all after your wordes . For ye sayd that fooles wold haue couersacion with fooles : and geue folysh reasons , and wise men would haue conuersacion with wyse men : & geue wyse reasons . But I se that mani wyse : be made fooles of fooles , & so be you : For if that ye wold haue suffred howleglas and sayd nothyng : ye had not be mocked of hym . For the phisicion that was with you was Howleglas , and that we all knewe well enoughe . But in no wyse we wold shew you : for because ye were so wise that he shold be begyled of a foole . For ther is no man that is wyse , but he must know fooles , for wher no fooles be , how should men know wyse folke ? And than the doctour held his peace and spake no more , and than neuer after durst he complaī more of fooles , but let them do all that they would after theyr owne mynde .

How Howleglas made a sicke childe shite that a fore myght not shyte , and howe he gat great worshyp therof and prayse .

MEn let alone , and take no hede of cunning men that dwel bi thē : but profer thē a litle or nought for ther labour , nor be beloued : but rurall persones , & vacabundes haue all their desyre . As it is don to Howleglas , that came into the lande of Hyldeshe , in a lodging wher the good man was not at home , but Howlegias was welcom to the good wife of the house . In the house there was a sicke chylde lying by the fyre . And than Howleglas seing the chyld lye so : he asked his hostise , what sicknes that the chyld had ? Than answered the woman to Howleglas & sayde , if the chyld might go to the draught : he shold do well ynough . And than aunswered Howleglas therto , know you no remedy than aunswered the Woman ? Can ye helpe the chylde ? & ye can : I shall geue you that ye shall be pleased therwith . Than answered Howleglas , that is but a lytle thing to do , nor no cunning . For I wil take no thyng therfore . And so departed the wife into the garden , and in the meane whyle : dyd Howleglas shyte a grean turde , & than set he the shyting chayre ouer the turde , and set the chylde theron , as though the chylde had done it . Than came the woman out of the garden & asked wo had done that . And than answered Howleglas I haue done it . ye sayd that the chyld could not go to the draught , therfore I haue set the chylde in the chayre . Than toke the woman the chylde awaye , and sawe so much durt vnderneth . Than said she to Howleglas , this is it that hath hindered the chyld so long for this great cure ye must haue great thanke therof Than sayd Howleglas suche maistery can I do with lesse cost . Than sayde the woman I praye you larne me that cunnyng and I will geue you thear for what you wyll haue . Than sayd Howleglas . I muste nedes depart from hence , but whan I come a gayne I wyll learne you that science and learnyng and then wente he into the stable and sadled his horse and toke his leue and so departed from thence . But he tought not his hostes that science : but so departed .

¶ How Howleglas made hole al the sicke folke , that were in the Hospitall , where the spere of our lorde is

VPon a tyme Howleglas came to Northeborough , and he set vpon the churche dores , & vpon . the Guyld hal , & euery place that all the people in that towne myght knowe that he was a great maister of Phisicke : That al sicke he could make hol And than the maister of the spytle house , where the sper of our lord is : had mani sicke folkes in his house than went the maister of the hospytall to Howleglans & asked hym , yf he could helpe sicke men , or lame men and make them hole ? & he woulde reward him after his owne pleasure . Than answered howleglas to the maister of the hospital , wyl ye geue me .cc. golde gyle dens , and I shal recouer and make thē hole of all the sicknes , & deases , and will haue no money tyll all the sicke persons be deliuered out of the hospital . These wordes pleased the maister of the hospitall veri wel . And he gaue hym some money in his hande . Vpon . the morowe after came howleglas to the hospital with .ii. men after hym , & than he asked the sicke folke , on after the other , what desease they had , anb whan he hadde asked them all than he made thē swere vpon a booke that thei should kepe his counsail whatsoeuer he said to them . They answered that they would , than saide Howleglas to them , I haue vndertaken to make you all hole whiche is vnpossible , but I must nedes bren one of you all to pouder . And than must I take they pouder of him : & geue all the other to drinke therof , with other medicines that i shall minister therto And he that is the last , whan I shal cal you out of the hospitall , and he that can not go : shal be he that shal be brenned . For on wednesday next comming . than shall I come before the maister of the hospitall , and than shall I call and he that slepeth longest shall pay for al than prepared euery one of the sicke folke their crutches , & gere that thy wold eot be the laste . And whan Howleglas was come to the maisters of the hospitall : than called he thē , & than they ran out of the hospitall , & some of them had not bene out of their bed in .x. yere before . than whan the sicke folke were out of the hospital . than asked he his mony , & than the maister gaue it him & than he departed . And within .iii. daies after came again the poore men to they hospital : & complained of ther sicknes , & than the maister of the hospital said to them , how commeth this to passe ? I gaue the maister of phisik a great summe of mony to make you hole . than answered the poore folke , he hathe deceyued you and vs bothe , for four dayes past he came to euery one of vs , and sayd to vs that he should come on wednisday next coming and heale vs , but he sayd he must nedes first bren on of vs , and sayd that should be he that whan he shold cal , shold be the last out of hys bed , and the pouder of hym shold they drinke & be made hole therwith . than knewe the maister of the hospitall that he was deceyued and begyled , and than toke he the poore folke into the hospitall and put euery one in their bedde as the were before but he dyd all a gaynst his wyll .

¶ How that a baker hyred Howleglas to be his seruaunt .

VPon a time came Howleglas to a baker for to dwell , and the baker had ned of a seruant and than he hyred Howleglas . In the next mornynge after , must the baker bake : so the nyght before must Howleglas syft thei meale without a candell . Than said he to his maister , ye must geue me a candel . Than aunswered the baker I neuer gaue a candel to boult with but the did boult in the mone light . Than aunswered Howleglas I am contente , than went his maister to bed to slepe .iii. houres , and in the mean whyle , let he the bulting bag out of the window in the mone shine and than began he to boult the flowre vpon the erth in the garden . Than arose his maister and thought to haue baken : and came to the boulting house , and than he sawe that Howleglas , had boulted the meale in thei garden vpon the bare grounde . Than sayd the baker to Howleglas , what the deuyll doest thou thinke , the mele cost no more but strawing vpon the earth ? than aunswered Bowleglas to his maister . I haue doone as ye bad me : for it is boulted in the mone shyne . Than aunswered the baker . I badde thee that thou shouldest boulte it by the mooue shyne : & than answered Howleglas , so I haue done , for it is syfted in the mone shyne , and without the mone shyne . And than sayd howleglas . There is not much mele lost , but that we mai take it vp a gayne . And than answered the baker it is to late nowe for to bake , for our dowe is not made .

Than answered Howleglas to his maister & sayde , I shall helpe you wel . your neighboure hath dowe redy made in the kneding trough , & I wyll go fetch that : & put yours in the stede . Than was the baker much angry and bad hem to the galowes & fetche that was vnder it , and than said Howleglas he woulde , & than he departed to the galowes , & whan he came there : he found nothing els but a few bones & those he toke vp & brought home with hym . And than said to his maister , I haue brought that that I haue found vnder the galowes what wil ye do wite it ? Than was the baker more angry & sayd . I shall complayne on the , thou haste stolen away the kynges iustice . than wente oute to the market & Howleglas folowed & than came the baker to the burges of the town , & began to complaine . And than came Howleglas & stode by the baker , & therwith was thei baker so angry that he wiste not what to saye to the burges and said angerly to Howleglas , what wilt thou haue ? than sayd Howleglas I must nedes se the complaynt that ye make on me . than answered the baker , go out of mi sight thou vngracious knaue , than aunswred Howleglas to they baker , if I were in thy iyes , than must I nedes passe through thy nose thrills whan thou shyttest thi iyes . than departed the burges . & knewe wel that he mocked . And than shewed Howleglas his arse to the baker , and asked hym if he coulde bake suche a lofe in his mouth . A than departed he & left the baker standyng in the market place .

¶ How howleglas was put in wages with the foster of anhalte , for to watche vpon a toure , to se whan his enemies came : and than for to blowe an horne to warne them therof .

APon a time the erle of Anholte hired for a true wayther Holeglas , for he had many enemies & for that couse he must haue many souldiers in wages that he must geue meate to . But Howleglas that was in the toppe of the toure , was not of the meriest , for the was forget . Wpon a tyme cam his enemies , & fetched a waye a great flocke af the earles beastes , & that sawe Howleglas . but he helde his peace : & that was spyed and shewed to the earle . And than the erle asked hym , why he dyd lye so styll & blew not . Than aunswered Hdwleglas , I dyd daunce for my meate . Than sayd the earle . wil ye not blowe enemies . Than aunswered Howleglas I dare not , the fielde is so ful of enemies . For if I should blowe : they wold come & slee you at youre owne gate . And than the earle was content & departed And within a while after was Howleglas agayne forgotten , And whan the earle was at dyner and had gread daintes before him : Howleglas blewe enemies . And by & by the erle & al his souldiers rose fro the table & dressed thē in harnes & ran to the gate , but they founde no enemies , In the meane whyle toke howleglas as much meate as he would haue fro the earles table . Than the souldiers and the earle came in & called Howleglas to them , & the erle asked hym why he blewe enemies & there were none . the erle sayd it was a trayterous dede , & than he put him out of office . Than must he nedes run with his footemen to syghte with their enemies , than saide he that for thinketh me . I wold I wer hence but he could not Vpā a time came enemies than went the souldiers out vpon them , and Howleglas was last : and whan they retourned agayne he was the fyrste in at the gate , at the last the erle had knowlege and came to Howleglas , and asked what was the cause that he was the last out , and the first in ? Than answered Howleglas to the erle . worshypfull lord if it plese you , whan your souldiours made good there : I stode vpon the tour fasting and therfore I am not so strong as your souldiers be , and that is cause that I am last oute : and the fyrst in . And you wil geue me meate ynough as ye do the other , than shall I be the first . Than answered the erle , thynkest thou that I wyll kepe the so longe as I haue kept the , to do nothyng but mocke vs in this maner , as ye haue done so often ? Than gaue he Howleglas leue to departe , wherof he was very glad , for he loued no fyghtyng : and so departed he .

¶ How Howleglas whan the kinges foole of Casmery of Poseyn withe a great point of folishnes .

THe kyng of Casmer he had with him a certayn foole , whiche foole could playe vpon the fedle , wherfore the kyng loued hym much & set great price by hym . Also the kyng harde oftentymes tell of Howleglas : but he neuer could se him . And on a time it fortuned that howleglas came in to the kynges palaice for to aske dwelling , wherof when that the kyng wist that Howleglas was come there to dwell : he was very glad therof , and toke him in , and made hym goodly there . So it fortuned that the kinges foole and Howleglas could not agree , and that spyed the kyng well , and thought in his mynde what shal I doo ? and than he made thē both to be brought before him in the hall and than he sayde to them . Whiche of you two can the moste foolyshnes ? And one of you doo that the other wyll not do : I shall geue hym newe clothyng , and .xx. ducates 〈◇〉 he had done to them : for that he was welcome to no place that he came to wher he had be much made of before all in his youth , Than bethought Howleglas in what maner he might get mony with litle laboure . Than wente Howleglas & got him a priestes gowne , & dressed him like a scolar . Than went he in to a certayne churchyard where he found a dead mans head , and than he toke the bead vp , & made it cleane And whan it was cleane he bare it to a sertayn goldsmythe , and bad him that he shoulde bande the head with syluer bandes , & he said that he would content him , & so he did , Ind whan it was done : he contented the goldsmyth , & than departed he to a village nere ther by wher it was the dedication day . And than came he to the parson of the churche & saluted him , and than he told him that he had a relyke , & he prayd the curate that he wolud do so muche for him : that he wold shew it vnto the parish , that they myght offer to it . And he said to the person that he shold haue the one halfe of the offering . And than the parson moued with couetise : graunted to hym , for he was glad to get mony . Than tolde he to the people of his parish . This man that here standeth hath brought a precious relike , he that offerth therto hath great pardon , He shall come into the pulpet and declare it vnto you . Than went Howleglas into the pulpet , & than told he the people of the relik that he had ther , & he said that the head spake to him and that it bad him , that he shold bild a church ouer him and that the mone that the church should be bilded with , should be wel gotten . And whan the men and the women should come offer : than sayd Howleglas to the women . Al those that haue made their husbandes cuckonlde should sit styll and come not to offer , for the hed bad hym that I should not receiue the offering , & than he came down out of the pulpet , & whan he was come down , than came the poore men & ther wiues & offered to the head . And ther was not on woman but she offered because that he had sayde so , and he gaue them the blessyng with the head , and there were som that had no mony , and they offered there rynges , and some of thē offered twyse or thryse , because that would be sene , and thei that were gilti presed first . And thus receyued he the offering both of the good & of the yll , so that he had gotte a great som of mony by that sayde practyse . And whan thei had all offered , and that ther was no more that came : than he sayde to them . All ye men and women that here hath come , and offered to this head be honest and good and more ouer I charge you on payne of cursyng , that there be not on of you that the other slaundar or backbite , for if you had not bene good & honest : I shoulde not haue receued your offerynge . And whan the poore men of they countrey hearyng Howleglas speake in this maner , they beleued hym . And whan the masse was done , than came the parsone to Howleglas and sayd to hym , that he shold geue to hym halfe of the offeringe . And than deuided Howleglas the offeryng , and gaue the parson a parte therof , that the parsone was well content therewith And than departed Howleglas from the parson , and than the women ther a bout were veri glad of Howleglas & made much of him . So abode he longe with them and spent none of his mony , in such maner colde he cloke and hyde his vnhappinesse and falsenesse .

¶ How Howleglas came to the towne of Banberch and how he did eate for mony .

VPō a tyme came Howleglas from Norenborough to banberce , where he entred in to a lodging , wher was a mery hostise , she had Howleglas often tymes welcome , for she sawe by his clothinge that he was a mery gest . And as dyner tym came the hostise asked him if that he would go to dener . and she asked him also if it pleased him to be at the twelue penie table . Than aunswered Howleglas and sayd , to his hostice , I am but a poore man . I pray you for gods sake to geue me my dyner . Than sayd the hostise , the baker and the butcher , wyll not be so payde . And therfore must I haue moni , for there is none in my house , but they eate and drinke all for mony . Than aunswered Howleglas , For mony do men eat and drinke in good fayth so wyl I ? Than answered the woman to him . What table wyl you be at ? For at the lordes table thei geue me no lesse than to shylinges , and at the marchauntes table .xvi. pence , and at my houshold seruantes geue me twelue pence . Than aunswered Howlealas to his hostyse . Sythe I must nedes eate and pai mony , than geue me the best meate that you haue , And than he set him down at the lordes table . And than his hostise brought to the table , the best meat . & drinke that she had , and she had him make good cher , she sayd oft much good do it you gentel sir . And howleglas thanked his hostise many times . He eat & dranke & made him wel at ease . And he eat so muche of the good meat that he swet againe . whan that he had made hym well at ease , & eaten and drunken al that he would : than bad he his hostise too auoyde the table , for he sayde he muste departe from thence . And right shortly at his commaundmente the table was auoyded . And so he arose and stode by the fyre , & whan he was thorowe warme he toke hys leue with his hostyce , & would haue departed . That seyng the hostyss : toke hym by the sleue , & bad him to geue her .ii. shyllynges for his dyner . Than answered he god thank you , for you haue remembred me , I must haue two shyllynges of you . For you sayd to me , that there came no maner of persones within your house , but that the eat for mony . And whan you had tould me that : I sat me downe & said , I would do the same . And I ate so muche that I swete again , and therfore you geue mony . Than saide his hostise , muste I geue the mony to eat my meat & drinke my drink such gestes I may haue gret plenty . Pay me mi moni shortly , for the bakers and bruers , will not be so answered Than aunswered Howleglas to his hostise , geue me my mony , for thynkest thou that I wyll eate so much and laboure my selfe so fore as I dyd , not to be payd for mi laboure ? yet I had much leuer neuer to haue sene the nor thy house , For I haue eaten so muche for mony , that mi belly , is lyke to burst , would you that I should haue such great laboure & not to payd there fore ? I haue other thynges to do , than to stande chatting here with the : and therfore come of lightly & geue me my mony , and let me be gone , for I haue right well deserued it . Than sayd his hostise to hym . Syr you haue eaten my meate , and dronken mi drinke , and bi my fyre , you haue had your ease , and all at your owne desyre , wherfore I praye you to geue me mony . And he aunswered ryght angerly . woulde thou haue me to paye mony , and I dyd eate therefore , thei whiche is to my great harme ? Than she answered to Howleglas , if your eatyng do you harme , I am not the cause therof but your eatyng is to my losse , not onely that I haue lost more than that cometh to . And than she saide depart thou fro my house and neuer after this that thou be so bold once to enter within my dores . Than sayd Howlegas , wil you on your conscience take mi labour for nothyng : well fare well . And than departed Howleglas , and he was glad that he had so scaped fro her , & she was glad that she was so delyuered of hym .

¶ Howe Howleglas went to Rome to speke with the Pope .

THan whan Howleglas had longe occupyed hys falsenes : than he remembred this old prouerbe . I will to Rome mi maners to amende : & home againe my lyfe for to ende . And than departed he too Rome , where he shewed parte of his vngraciousnes , & whan he came to Rome , he lodged with a wydow and they wydowe did ofte beholde him in the face and because he was a fayre yong man : she saed oftentymes , sir you be ryght well come . Good syr she sayde from whence be you ? I am of Sasson : and my coming hether is for to speake with the Pope . Than answered she to Howleglas good frende you may see him : but you shal not speake with hym . For I that am borne in Rome , woulde haue geue an . C. ducates to speake to him , but I could neuer speake to him . Than sayd Howleglas . Hostyse will you geue an . C. ducates : and I shall bring you to to the speche of the pope ? And she sware to him bi her faith she would , for otherwise it would cost her more in gyftes . Than on a time should the pope syng masse his owne persone , at saynt Ihon Lat eraū . For euery fowre wekes he must sing masse there . And as the pope was at masse : than Howleglas drew nere to the aulter . And whan the pope was at the holy sacramente : than tourned Howleglas his back to the aulter . And that seyng all the cardinalles , whan masse was done the came to the pope , and the tolde to his grace , that there stode a fayre younge man , all the whyle that ye were at masse , and harde it deuoutly tyll the time of the leuacion . And whan that you lifted vp the chalyce aboue your head : than tourned he his backe toward the sacramente of the aulter . Than sayde the pope , that is a thyng to be loked on , for it is a great dobte whether that man beleue well or not . And therfore it is nedefull for vs to sende for that man , & to examin hym what errour it was that he helde . the cardinalles andswered , that were the best . than the pope sende for Howleglas to his Inne : and the messanger brought him to - the pope . and whan he came before the pope , & the cardinalles , they began strayghtly to examyne hym and they asked of hym , what was his belefe ? than answered Howleglas to the pope . I beleue as a true christen man ought for to beleue . And I beleue in Iesu christe . and I beleue in that , that our holi mother the church doth teach me , and I beleue as my good hostise dothe beleue , and he named her before the pope , and al that noble congregacion . And than sent the pope a messenger to the Inne , where that Howleglas was lodged , & whan he was there , he came to the hostise & bad her that she shold make her ready , for she must nedes go with him to the pope . wherof she had great marueile , and made her redy and so went with him to the pope . And whan she was come before thei pope , he asked her what her belefe was . And she answered to the pope . Reuerend father , I beleue as a true christen woman should do . For I beleue as the holy churche beleues , and also I beleue in al that the holy churche bindes me to . Than said Howleglas the same beleue I. Than the pope asked him , why he turned his backe to the holy sacrament whan he did minister it ? Than sayde Howleglas to the pope . Reuerende father in god , I thought in my mynde whan that you lyft vp the blessed sacrament , that I was not worthy it to beholde , nor there on to loke , tyll the tyme that I was confessed , & made cleane of all my synnes . And than was the pope with that answere marueilously well contented and pleased , And after that the pope bad him that he shold confesse him of his synnes , and to make him clene therof and that sayd : he gaue his benediction to Howleglas and his hostyse , & so they twaine departed . And shortly after departed the pope with all his cardinalles into the palayce , and so Howleglas was quyte therof .

And than sayd Howleglas to his hostise I must haue my , C. ducates that I haue erned . And than the woman gaue him the . C. ducates , whereof he was glad , and he sayd to his selfe that he was the better for that Iourney to Rome .

¶ How Howleglas deceyued the Iewes with durte .

WHan Howleglas the great deceyuer had bene at Rome : than came he to the towne of Frankeforde , where a marte or a greate market was kepte . And as Howleglas went about the market : he spyed a younge man goe with muske of Alexander to sell , that whyche was well solde and muche sette by .

Than sayde Howleglas to his selfe , I wyll goo with some marchaundise for to sell , as well as that yonge man doth . And he thought in his mind , how he might fynd some practese to get mony without labour . Than thought he in his mynde euery nyght what was best to do , for the flene did bite hym , that he coulde not slepe . And he would ryght gladly haue taken them : but he could not . And when that the daye began to spring he arose and walked forth and as he walked , than spied he by the way a fayre fyg tree , the which bare goodly fruyte . And than went he and gathered two or thre of them , and than he sayde to him selfe this is good for my marchaundyse and brought them with hym into Frankforth in Portyngale , to the place wher he was lodged and he dressed them after his mind . And whan he had dressed them : he put them in his arse and tempered them with his durte , and let them lye thereby hym , by the space of .ii. or .iii. dayes , that they should not smell to much of durte . And in a mornyng by tymes he arose oute of his bed , & wente to his hostyse & hyred a litle table , & than he went into the market , & bought two or thre silken clothes , and therin a house he crussed these portingales fygges , that had lyen so longe in his arse : withe they silken clothes , lyke as it had bene the must . Than toke he his table and wente into they market , and set vp his table . And whan it was vp than shewed he the portyngale fygges , that he had made like as it had bene must . Than came ther many marchantes of diuers landes to hym , and thei asked hym what marchaundyse he had to sell : and he stode stel and gaue none of them no answere , wher of the marueyled , and so departed . And at they laste : there came to him two Iewes , & the asked hym what marchaundyse he had there to sell ? and than answered Howlegas to them , and sayde . This is a precious thing , for all those that do eate of it , or those that smell to it , they shall sae the trouthe by and by . Than went the Iewes to counsaill what was best to be dōe Than sayde the oldeste Iewes of them all . Me thynke it is best and moste expedient for vs to bie that marchaundyse , for than shal we know whan that our Messyas shall come therfore I counsayle you to bye it , for it shal be to vs a great Iowel & comfort and continently they were a greed al , for to bye the marchaundyse of Howleglas , And than the returned with right great hast vnto Howleglas . And whan they were come : they asked the price of on of the Prophetus that was wrapped in the sylke . than aunswered Howleglas to the Iewes , Departe fro hence , and let my marchaundyse alone , for it is to costly for you to bye : for one of them shall cost you .v. C. goulde gyldens , and ye will haue it than aunswered the Iewes to Howleglas and sayde . the pryce is all to great for vs : than said he , that I tolde you before and therfore if thou wyll not bie it , than departe shortly from hence , And than the Iewes hering Howleglas speake so sharpely to them , and made no more count vnto them : than then beleued him , & continently they gaue to him .v. C. gold gildens without speaking of any more wordes , for he spake so angerly that they were a frayde to displease hym . And whan they had bought it : they brought it too the principall Iewe . And the caused him to aggregate all the Iewes , both olde and young when the were assembled : than was there one stode vpon the scaffolde , that was called Akypna . And he sayde that be the mighte of God they had gotten a Prophetus and he said he that shold haue it in his mouth should prophecie the truth , and than he sayd to the Iewes . By this prophetus we shall know when our Messias shal come . And he commaunded them to fast thre dayes . And than should Isaake take it in his mouth , & prophecy the truth , and so he did . And as he had it in his mouthe , on the hyghte Maysayes , and an other Isaac that were the seruauntes of god they asked hym howe it sauoured ? and he answered I am inspired with the holy ghoste , to prophecy the truth . There must be an other of gods seruauntes to haue it in his mouth , and so they dyd , whan he had tasted therof he sayde : I ame inspyred with the holy ghost . I shall tel you the truthe , we are begylede for it is noo ther thynge but a turde , and they tasted and the turde hanged in theyr tethe , wich the here that he had cut fro his arse , and than they knew well that they were deceyued . And forthwith departed Howleglas fro thence , and he went toward his owne countrye , and made good chere with good felowes homewarde . as long as the mony would last .

¶ How Howleglas had gotten the parsons horse , by his confession .

IN Resendring in that villag was a parson , that hade a fayre horse , and a proper handemayden which he loued one as the other : than it fortuned that the duke of Bronsewyke on a tyme sawe the horse , & whan that he had sene the horse : his mind rane so muche on the horse , that he must nedes haue hym . Than vpon a tyme cam the duke , and desired the horse oftentimes of the parson , & the parson sayd him nay . Than was the duke sory because he might not haue the horse , & he durst not take by forse : for he was one of the counsayll of Broneswika . And whan Howleglas harde that the duke desyred the horse : than said Howleglas to the duke , & you wyll rewarde me , I shall get you the parsons horse . Than aunswered the duke to Howlegas . I shal geue the my gowne of red chamblet , the on sleue set with pearles . Than said Howleglas to the duke , I shal bryng him I haue no doubt . So departd Howleglas , and he came to the Inne , where he was well knowen , & the hoste sayde he was welcome . And Howeleglas rested there thre dayes , and after that he made himself sicke . Than was he brought to bed sick that the parson of the towne & his mayde were so heuy , & knew not how to dō nor him to helpe . And than began he to waxe sicker & sicker , And than said the parson to Howleglas . I counsaill you to be shreuen , and to take your rightes of the holly church , as it belongeth to a true christen man . And whan howleglas hard the parsone speke to him . Than sayde Holeglas to the parsone I desyre you hartefully to be confessed , for I knowe my selfe giltie , and a great sinner . Than the parson examined him vnder confessione right buselye , he bad him to remember that he had a soule for to kepe , and he preached and teached to hym the vse of confession And than shewed Howleglas to hyme , parte of hys mynde . And at the laste whan he spake no more : than asked the parson of Howleglas if that he had no more synnes in his mynde that were great and abhominable , that he was ashamed to shewe . Than aunswered Howleglas to the parsone yes , I haue our more and that I dare not confesse me of to you , and therefore you must fetche me an other priest : for if I shold shew it vnto you , than would ye be angry & out of pacience Than answered the parson to Howleglas and saide : the wai is far from this place and very foule . Moreouer if it fortuned you in the meane whyle to dye than were we both in great peryll & daunger . And therfor tell me that sinne , & I shal absolue the therof , be it neuer so great & abhominable . And if I wer angry with you , yet you knowe I must kepe your counsaill . And if it be any thinge that longes to me , I for geue you frely , and therfore tel it me . Than longed he more than euer he did , than said Howleglas to the priest . I knowe well that you wyl be angry , but I fele me so soresick that I wene that I shal dye , and therfore I shal shew it to you quickely . And than he saide , I haue lyen by your mayde your seruaunt . Than asked he how often haue ye lyen by her ? And than sayde Howleglas , no more than fiue times . And than the priest thought in his mind , therfore the deuill breake thy necke , and he gaue hym absolucion shortly , and forth with he departed fro Howleglas whome to his house . And whan he came home , he called his mayden to him , and asked her if she had lyne by hym ? And the mayde aunswered to hym and sayd : that dyd I neuer . Than answered the pryest , thou lyest . For vnder confession he hath tolde me that he hath lyen bi the , more than .v. times . And than the mayde sayd naye , and the priest yes . And than the priest toke a staffe in his hand and he bet his maid therewith , that she was both blacke and blewe . And Howleglas laye in his bedde and laughed , and said to himselfe . Now weneth the priest to wyn hys shone agayne of the mayd , And in the morning wexed Howleglas hole , and arose and sayde it was wel amended with him . And he asked his hostise & the priest , what he had spend in his sicknes ? And than rekened the priest he knewe nat what , for he was so angry in his mynde and the maid also , for she was beate for his sake . And than sayd Howleglas . Tell me what is my duty to paye ? And the priest aunswered not a word . And than said Howleglas to him . Remember you not mayster parson that you haue disclosed my confession ? I shal ryde to hauerstad to the byshop and I shal complaine on you : that you discried my confession that I confessed me vnto you . Whan the priest hard Howleglas spek after that maner : than forgot he his anger , and fel on his knees before hym , for he thought that he was in more daunger than euer he was before . And than he sayd to Howleglas , if that you will kepe your peace and make no more wordes herof , I shall geue to you twenty golde gildens , and I shall do as much for you as lyes in me for to be done . Than made Howleglas hymselfe very angry with the parsone , and said vnto hym . If that you would geue me an . C. gold gildens , that I should not shewe : I will not take them for my gowne . Than the priest preyed the mayde with weping teares , that she would go to Howleglas & to entreat hym , that he should not go to shewe the bishop , and byd hym aske what he wyll , and he shall haue it . Than went the mayd to Howleglas , and she shewed him what the priest saide . And than came Howleglas to the priest and sayd . Wyl you geue to me your horse that you loue so wel , and than shal I kepe your counsayle ? And I tel you plainly , I wil haue no other thing than that only . And than the prieste was more soryer than euer he was . And he sayd to Howleglas , that hel would geue to him as much moni as he would desire and not to aske his horse . Than said Howleglas . I wil haue none other thing but only the hors . And than the parson had leuer loose his horse , than he would haue the bishop to knowe . Than gaue he the horse to Howleglas withe ill wyll . And than whan Howleglas had the horse , than he departed fro the parsone , and was very glad . And than he came towarde the duke . And whan he was come there , the duke spyed Howleglas and the parsons hors : than was he very glad . And than brought Howleglas the horse to him , wherof he was very glad . And than gaue he the gowne of red chamblet to Howleglas , and he thanked hym greately for that gyft and laughed , and the priest was very angry for thei losse of his horse , and oftentymes he bete his mayden therfore , for he sayd she was the cause therof And he bete his mayd so oft , that at the laste she rann from him , and so he lost both his horse and the mayde And the priest lowred on Howleglas euer after , that loued hem so well before .

¶ How Howleglas was hyred of a blacke smyth .

AT Dastland in Rosticke dwelleth a smith that hired Howleglas for his man , and whan he was hyred : he put him to the bellowes to blowe . And whan he blew not well , than toke the smith the bellowes in his hande and blewe : and sayd felowe doo thus . Bere the bellowes vpright and than he gaue the belowes to Howleglas agayne . than wente the smyth forth with into the garden , and than tooke Howleglas the belowes on his necke , and folowed after his maister with thē into the garden where his maister was a shytinge and than sayde Howleglas to his mayster , wher shall I leue this belowes that I may go fetch the other vnto you . Than answered his maister and sayd , good man what meanest thou , art thou not wel in thy mynd ? Goo take the belowes and bare them where thou had thē he spake fayre to Howleglas , and ryght lothe he was to displease him . For euery nyght by the space of viii dayes long , he called vp euery night his seruaunts at mydnight for to worke , wherof they marueiled what he ment , for they were very angry therwith : and one sayd to the other . I thynke our maister is not well in his mind , that he ryses euery night at mydnight to worke , he was not wont so for to doo in tymes paste : And as they were speakyng of this rysyng together , than said Howleglas to his felowes & asked thē if that they would be wel content with hym , and if he asked of his maister what was the cause that he dydde call them vp euery nyght at midnight to worke ? And than aunswered the seruauntes , we wel not be displeased therwith , but right glade therof , and well contente therewith , & than sayd Howleglas to the seruauntes I wyll go to him . And forth with spake Howleglas to his mayster and sayd to him . Wherfore do ye wake vs euery night at mydnight oute of our slepe . Than aunswered the smyth and sayd . That is my maner that my men the first eyght dayes suffer I not thē to , slepe , but halfe the nyght . Than held Howleglas hys peace , and all his felowes , and sayde noo more woordes , and the next night the smyth called his menn at mydnyght to worke . And Howleglas than tooke the bed and bare it on his backe , and whan the yron was hote the maister bet it se hard , that the speckes flew● on the ●edde of Howleglas , Than sayde his mayster wil not that vngracious felow ●ise : Than cāe Howleglas with his bed on his back . And whan the mayister saw the bed on his backe , he said : what wilt thou do with the bed ? Bere it into the place wher thou had it . Than aunswered Howleglas to his maister , be ye not angri with me : for this is mi maner euer . For whan that I haue slept the one halfe of the nyght , than bere I the bed on my backe thei other halfe of the nyghte . Than began the smyth to waxe angry and sayde , Go bere the bed wher thou had it and than go thou aboue oute of my house . Than aunswered Howleglas and sayde maister with a good will . And than he bare thei bed vp into the place wher it was before . Than whan he had borne the bed in his place : than toke he a ladre and clymed vp to the house top , & ther he brake a gret hole in the house top : and pulled away the thatchyng therof , and he passed through and went ouer the houses and so went his wai from thence , and neuer came there after . And as the smyth was bese workyng : the harde a great noyse about in the chamber and a gret knockyng . Than asked he his seruauntes , who was aboue in the chambre that made such a noyse ? Than answered the men to their maister and sayd we know not who is aboue . Than sayd the smyth , than will I go loke . And than left the smyth his worke and wente vp into the chamber , and whan he was aboue , he saw al the roofe of the chamber was pulled downe , and also caste all aboute , than was he angrye and wyst not what to do for he wiste not who had done it . And at the laste he looked vp and spyed the ladre , than knewe He well that it was Howleglas dede . Than came he downe and fetched a sworde , and he would haue run after him to haue slayne hym . Than the seruauntes seyng the maister takyng the sworde they helde him , and asked him what he woulde do : Than aunswered he & tolde how Howleglas had dane . Than aunswered the seruauntes to ther maister . Let him go for he hath done as you bad hym , for you bad hym goo vpon the house , and so he hath done as ye maye see . And so thei smyth was content . And than he caused his house to be newe thatched agayne .

¶ Howe Howleglas was hyred of a shomaker .

VPon a tyme serued Howleglas a shomaker , and vpon a tyme the shomaker had busynes in the towne , & than gaue he to Howleglas a hide of lether , & bad him that he shold cut all the hyde . And Howleglas asked him what facion he should cut thē . And the maister said litle and great , as the swineherd dyd driue his beastes . And than sayd Howleglas with a good will . And than departed the cordiner : and than toke Howleglas the hide , and began to cut the lether for oxen and shepes fete , and swyne . Than came his maister home , and came to see what his seruaunt had cut out and to loke whether he had cut the lether as he bad hym . And whan that he had sēe , that he had cut out his lether all in beastes clawes , than was he angry and sayde to Howleglas ? wherfore haste thou marrend all my lether , and cut it for beastes fete . Than aunswered he to him and sayd . I haue done as ye bad me . The maister sayde thou leest , for I bad they that thou should not marre my lether . Than aunswered Howleglas to his maister and sayde , I haue doone as ye bad me , ye bad we that I should cut both gret and small , as the swneherde dryueth out his beastes , and than haue I done . Than aunswered the cordyner to Howleglas & sayde . I ment not that : I mente that ye should haue cut out of the hyde bothe great shoene and lytle shoene . Than aunswered Howleglas to his maister . If that ye had tolde me it before : I woulde haue done it with a good wyll . And I praye you maister forgeue me this : & I shall nowe do it with a good wyll and than dyd his mayster forgeue hym , for that tyme : and than promysed Howleglas to hys mayster , that he would do that , that he bad hym . Than the next daye after cut Howleglas mayster himselfe , the shoene out both lytle and great , & gaue them to hym , and he bad hym that he should sowe the great with the small : and Howleglas sayde with a good wyll , and than toke Howleglas the shoene , and put the lytle shoene in to the great shoene , and sowed thē both together , as his maister bad hym , and that spyed his mayster : and sayde . ye be a good seruaunt for ye do al thyng that I byd you . Than aunswered Howleglas and saide . Thei that do as the be byd : the be worthy to haue thanke . Than saide the maister , ye do after mi saying and not after my meanyng . For I meane that first ye shoulde haue sowed a lytle payre , and after a great payre . And the maister was hasty , and toke him other lether and sayde , Cut me all this lether vpon one laste . And they maister thoughte no more of they falsenes of Howleglas , and so he departed to his chamber , and whan he was come home , than remembred he what he had sayd to Howleglas . Than went he as fast as he coulde towarde they shop where as Howleglas was , and or he came there , Howleglas had cut all the lether , vpon the lytle laste , all for the left fote . Than whan his maister sawe all his lether cut for the left foote , than asked he Howleglas if there belonged not to thei lefte foote a ryght foote , and he was very angry with hym . Than sayde Howleglas to his maister . If that he had tolde to me before : I would haue cut them , but & it please you , I shall cut as mani right shoene vnto them . The maister sayde . I bad the cutte the one with the other and than aunswered Howleglas . ye bad me cutte all vpon one laste . Than aunswered the shoemaker . It that I should kepe you long : you woulde make me so poore that I muste nedes goe a beggyng . But nowe geue me mony for my lether that thou haste marred me , and departe thou fro hence . Than aunswered Howleglas to the shoemaker . The hyde of a bul wyl make two hydes . And with those wordes he arose and sayde In this house haue I bene , but I wyll not come here agayne , and so departed he fro thence .

¶ How Howleglas solde turdes for fat .

ANd as Howleglas had destroyed much lether of the Shoemaker , wherof the Shoemaker was very sory , and that heryng Howleglas , returned agayne to the towne , and came to his maister , & tolde hym that he had a last of talowe , and he tolde his maister that he shoulde haue it good chepe , for too restore hym parte of the harme , that he had doone to him before in his lether . And than the shoemaker sayde yf it be good : I pray you let me haue it before another . And than saide Howleglas with a good wyll , And than departed they , and than went howleglas to the gong fermers . & made hym fill twelue barells with turdes ●or a lytle mony , and than toke he a lytle talowe , and ●●●t in the barels fowre ynches thycke , as though it had ben altogether grece , and closed it so close that it could not stynke . For it was in the wynter whan ther was a great frost , that the durte was fast frosen to the barell , and the other syxe barells he filled with other , talowe or fat more thycker than the other syxe were , for they were the example of his marchaundyse . And whan that he had dressed all the barelles he sende for his maister they shoemaker , and he asked hym , if that he would come to see the marchaundyse . And he sayd he would . Than within a whyle came the shoemaker to howleglas , and when he was come there , Howleglas made the heades of the best barells , to be droken vp . whan the cordener sawe the barelles they lyked hym very wel . And than howleglas asked him how the barels pleased hym and he answered very well . And than asked he the pryce . And than aunswered howleglas ye shall geue me no more than fowre and twenty gyldens xii . in hand , & the other twelue at the yeres end . And than was the shoemaker content , and thought no deceyte and gaue to him .xii , gildens in hande . And howleglas receyued the mony , and than departed he . And the cordyner was glad of thei bargayne , and thought that the foresayde harme that he had dōe hym , should be restored . And than the hyred a seruaunt to melt the talow and he brought one barell by the fyre , and whan they durt began to waxe hote it began to smell . Than said the one to the other . I wene some of vs hath beshittē , their breches . And than came the maister & bad them make cleane theyr shoene , for on of you hath troden in a tourde , and than they loked about , but the founde nothyng . And than shoulde the haue put one of they barelles in the caudrene , than sawe they well that it was the barrell that stank , for it was full of tourdes And than they left their work , and went for to seeke Howleglas , but he was gone : and so the shoemaker must suffer the laste losse with the first .

¶ How Howleglas serued a tayler .

ON a tyme serued Howleglas a taylar , & the tayler asked him , if that he coulde sowe woll a clothe , that no man might se the seame . And than said Howleglas yes . And than went Howleglas & sowed vnder a barrell . Than said his maister what doest thou now this is a maruelous sowing . Than aunswered Howleglas , I sow so close that no man can see as you bad me nor I mi selfe se not . than aunswered his maister good seruaunt I ment not so : I bad the sow that euery man might see And than the thyrde night the maister had labored so sore , that he must nedes slepe . than caste he to Howleglas , a husbande mans gowne , and he bad him take a wolfe & make it vp . And than sayd Howleglas I shall do it . Than went he to bed . Than cut Howleglas the husbandmans gown , and made therof a woulffe with the head and feete . And whan that he had sowed it together , than set he it vpon the table wythe staues . than in they mornynge arose his maister , and came down , and whan he saw the woulfe standynge vpon the table he was a frayde : and asked hym what he had done . And he saide mayster : I haue made a woulfe as you bad me . than sayd the maister . I ment that you should haue made vp the russet gown for a husband mans gowne is called here a woulfe .

than aunswered Howleglas . If that I had knowen that before I would haue dōe so , For I had leuer haue made a gowne than a woulfe . And at the last was they maister contente . And within fowre dayes after , watched they mayster so muche that he muste nedes goo to sleepe . And there was a cote readye made , but it lacked the sleues . Than the maister toke the cote and the sleues and gaue them to Howleglas and he bad hym that he should cast on the sleues , and he sayd he would . Than went his maister to bed , and than toke Howleglas the cote & hanged it on a balke and set on euery syde a candle , and stode vp & cast the sleues at the cote all thei nyght long . And than arose the tailer and that spied howleglas , and he cast the sleues more faster than euer he did before at the cote . And the aspyed wel the taylar , & sayd what folishe touches be those that you do ther . And than answered howleglas very angerly . This is no folish touche for I haue stande all the nyghte castinge the sleues at the cote , and they will not abyde theron , and nowe I se it is but loste labour . Than sayd they mayster to houleglas . It is my faute for I wend that ye would haue vnderstand me better , for I ment you should haue sowed on the sleues on the cote . Than said howleglas to his maister . The deuyl take you , for if ye had said so to me before : I might haue sowed on the sleues , & haue gon to slepe . But now maister go you & sowe al the day long , & I will go slepe . And than aunswered the tailer , & haue I hired you to slepe ? And thus began they to chyde . And as the wer thus chiding : the taylar bad hympay for his candels , that he had brenned that night . And than Howleglas spake neuer a worde more but tooke all his clothes & went his way and came no more there .

¶ How Howleglas throughe his settle disceytes , disceyued a wyne drawer in Lubeke .

ON a tyme came Howleglas to Lubeke , where is very straight Iustice , & the while that Howleglas was there a bidyng : he herd tell of a wyne drawer that was in a lordes seller , that was very proud and presumptuous . And it was saide that there was no man that could deceiue him , nor passe him in wisdom and there was none of all the lordes that loued hym . Than thought Howleglas in his mynde , howe he myght deceyue hym than vpon a tyme toke Howleglas two pottes , one of water , and thei other empty , and he hid the empty pot that no man saw it & he cāe to the seller & gaue the wyne drawer the emty pot , & bad him fill the pot with wyne , & so he dyd . And whan it was full he broughte it vp to howleglas , and than he loked a side & in the meane whyle howleglas set the pot of water in the place of wine & hid the pot of wyne . And than asked he the wyne drawer what he shuld pay And the drawer sayd .x. miten . than sayde howleglas the wine is to dere for me , I haue but .viii. mitem than was the drawer angry , & sayde wyll ye sette an other pryce on the wyne than the lordes haue set ? than sayd howleglas I haue no more monye , & I shall not haue it so , than take your wyne agayne for I knewe it not before . than was they wyne drawer very angry , and he toke the pot with the water , and bare it down into the seller : and poured out the water into the vessel & he wende it had bene the wine , and came & gaue howleglas the pot , and sayd . Make ye me fyll wyne , and ye haue no mony to paye for it : ye wene ye be a foole ? And than sayde howleglas ye be begyled of a foole , and with that woorde he wente his waye wyth they pottes . And than the drawer mistrustyng howleglas for the wordes that he sayde , toke a sergeaunt and ouer toke hym , and fetched hym , and than they found that he had two pottes vnder the mantell . Than toke the Howleglas and peched him for a thefe , & brought hym to the pryson . And than sayd some , that he had deserued to be hanged and some saide that it was done for the nonse to deceiue the wine drawer , & that was but well done for he shoulde haue se there to before . for he sayde dayly that no man should begyle hym : but they that loued not Howleglas sayde that he was a thefe , & that he shoulde be hanged . And than was Howleglas brought before the Iudge , and the gaue sentence , that hy shold be hanged . And on the morowe was he brought vnto the gallowes , for to be hanged . for they that loued hym not , would fayne haue sene Iustice done on hym . And there were gathered many of the towne to see Howleglas suffer death . But they Lordes of Lukibe were sory for hym , for some wende that he could do wychcrafte , that he thereby myght be delyuered . And as he was led towarde the galowes , he lay al styl as though he had ben dead . And whan he came vnder the gallowes , than desired he to speke with the lordes And whan the lordes were , com he fell vpon his knees and he prayed them that the wold graunt him abone and the lordes sayde . Thou woldest desyre thy pardon . Than sayd Howleglas . That would I not aske lyfe nor mony , nor it shall not cost you one peny . Than all the lordes of Lubeke went to the other side of the galowes , and there they layde theyre heades together , & there the rehersed his wordes againe , and the agreed to graunt hym his peticion . That done they came to hym and the bad him aske what he would , saue those wordes spoken of before to be except . And howleglas thanked the lordes and sayde . I praye you that euery one of you geue me your handes therof . And they altogether gaue him their handes , so that all the lordes had graunted him both with worde and hand . Than sayd Howleglas to the lordes . Because I know you be faythfull of your wordes , I shall shewe to you my bone . And than he said this is my boone . That euery lorde of Lubeke do come & kisse mi arse , whan that I haue hanged on the galowes by the space of thre daies long , with his mouth in the morning fastinge and the borow maister firste , and all the lordes after in ordre . Than aunswered the lordes to Howleglas and sayd , that his desyre was an vnmanerly boone for to be asked . And than sayde Howleglas to they lordes of Lubeke I kdowe the counsail of Lubeke , so sure of their promyse that they wil holde that that they haue promysed me both with hande and mouthe . Than went the lordes agayne to counsaele . than sayde they one to the other this thynge that he asketh of vs it is vnlawfully asked , for it were a greate shame for vs all , that we that be the gretest lordes of the town , should come and kisse his arse : better it were for to geue hym his pardon , and let hym goo hys waye , for it ys but a small faute that he hath done . than agreed all they lordes and sayde that it was best for to do . than the lordes called the sergeauntes , and they bad them too vnbynde Howleglas and to let hym goe at large , for , all they had graunted hym his pardon . And than they vnlosed Howleglas . And whan Howlegles was at large , he thanked the Lordes . And than departed he from Lubeke , and neuer came there after .

¶ How Howleglas became a maker of spectacles , & howe he could fynde no worke in no lande where he came .

ON a tyme the senatours of Rome , had gret discord among them selfe , which of all the lordes shoulde be Emperoure . And at the last was the earle of Supplembrogh kyng of Romaynes and Emperour of Rome , but thee were mani other that loked for it . So whan he was made , he lay .vi. wekes long before the towne of Frankforde , abydyng ther for all other , lordes to torment , where was a great company assembled . And this hering Howleglas , he thoughte in hys minde to go thether . & so he did . And there he thought to get some gyfte . And it wer no more but the Empeperours syluer harnes . And as Howleglas passed by Frankforde he met with the bysshop of Taer and because that he was clothed auenture lyke , he asked hym , what he was ? than aunswered Howleglas . I am a spectacle maker come out of Braband , and I can find no worke . Than sayde the bysshop , me thinke your craft shoulde be better daylye , for the people the longer they lyue thei lesse syghte they haue therfore youre crafte shoulde be the better . And than said Howleglas to the byshop , my lorde you say truth but there is one thinge that destroyed our craft : and if you wil take no displesure , I shall shewe it to you . And than the bysshop bad , hym saye what he woulde . And than sayde he , this destroyeth our craft , that suche great lordes as you be , kynges , dukes , erles , lordes bysshopps , knyghtes , lawyers , and gouernours of l●ndes and townes , al these looke through their fyngers , and not with spectacles They were wont to study in the olde tyme the ryghte and than behoued the men many spectacles . And also the priestes , were wonte to stude and reade their seruice but now they vse no spectacles at al and by this maner is our craft destroyed and nought set by . And by heades of the countrey that poore men of the countree learne all to loke thorowe their handes that they be almoste as cunning , as the heades of the countrey . Than the byshop vnderstode the text but not the glose and he spake to Howleglas and sayde . come with me to Frankeforde , and I shall geue vnto the my harnes or clothyng , and than was Howlyglas veri glad and he wente with the byshop to Frankeforde , where the Emperour was chosen : and whan thei trumphe was done that the beshop gaue him that that he promysed hym , and than was he glad and he wente with the byshop , and so he returned agayne to Sassen .

¶ Howe Howleglas was hyred of a merchaunt . to be his coke

AT Heldersem dwelled a marchaunt , that on a tyme went walkyng without the town , and as he walked : he founde Howleglas lyinge on a grene hyll . Than asked the marchaunt Howleglas wha the was ? Howleglas answered vnder his couered falsnes I am a cooke , and without a maister , Than said the marchaunt : yf you wyll be a good seruaunte , I wyll hyre you , and geue vnto you wages , I haue a cooke , at home : but my wyfe complayneth on hym alwaye . Than promysed Howleglas the marchaunte to bee true to hym . Than asked the marchaunte his name , than aunswered howleglas , my name is Bartholo , mens . Than sayd the marchaunt , that name is al to longe : youre name shall be Dole , than sayde howleglas , I holde me contented therewith . Than sayde the marchaunt . Dole my man , nowe let vs go gether some herbes for young chekhins , for to morow I must haue gestes to dyner : and than went the home to hys place together . And whan the marchauntes wyfe sawe Howleglas she asked her husbande : what shall we do with this man , wene you that oure bread mouldes ? Than sayde the merchaunt . Be contente wyfe , this shal be your man for he is a coke . Than called he his man and sayd . Dole take a basket and folowe me to the fleshe shambles , and so he dyd . And whan they were there the marchaunt bought meat for to roste , and whan he came home , he called his man and sayde Dole to morowe lay the meate to the fyre , and rost it coldly that ye burne it not : and Howleglas sayd he wold , and than he arose in the mornynge , and broughte the meate by the fyre , and he toke the meat that he shold roste and put it on the spytte , & bare it down into the seller , and he layde it betwene two barelles of bere , that it shold lye colde ynough , and burne not . And because the marchaunt shold haue gestes , he came home , before to see whether that his meate was well rosted or not . And whan he came home , he called Dole , and asked him , if that they meate was ready : and Howleglas answered , ye maister al saue the rostinge . Where haste thou done it ? benethe in the seller , betwene two barrelles , for in all the house could I not fynd so cold , a place to laie it in for burnyng . The marchaunt said is it not rosted ? and howleglas sayde naye , for I dyd as ye bad me , I layd it cold ynoughe for I knewe not the tyme that you woulde haue had it rosted : and as the were talking together came in the gestes , and the marchaunt tolde to hys gestes howe that howleglas had serued him , and the laughed therat , but his wife was not content therwith and ryght gladly she wold haue bene rede of hym , & very angri she was because of that touche . Than sayd the merchaunt to his wife Be contented at this tyme , for to morow I muste to hassaer and he shall wayte on me : and whan I shall come home agayne , than shall I pute hym awaye fro hence : and than went the merchaunt with his gestes to dyner and made good chere and at nyght called the marchaunt his man and sayde . Dole make the wagen ready , for to morow I am in thought , I and mi priest to take our Iourney to haslaer , and grease it that it may go trym : and than went Howleglas and greased the wagen within and without , and in the mornynge went the marchunt and thei priest to the wagen , and rode their waye : and by the waye , the priest layde hes hande on the rayles of they carte , and they made hys handes all greasy : and than he loked better , and both the marchaunt & the priest were al arayed with grese Than they called Howleglas , and the bad him se , and very angrye they were with him , & in the mean tyme came there a man of the countrey with a lod of straw and than they boughte parte of hys strawe , & dressed their wagen therwith for fylyng of their clothes and than they wente vnto the wagen agayn than said the marchaunt all angerly . Go driue it vnder the galowes and as he was a litle further he spyed a galowes , and thither droue he the wagen vnder the galowes : and whan it was vnder the galowes , he made the wagen to stande styll , & he vntyed thei horse . Than sayde the marchaunt what wyll you nowe do ? than sayde How ieglas : tari you here al night , for you bad me to driue you vnder the galowes . And whan they saw that the were vnder the galowes : the prieste laughed , but the marchaunt was veri angri , and bad him to driue forth ryght , and neuer to stand stil . Than said Howleglas , he would , than pulled he out a pyn that was in the wagen that helde it fast to the horse , and droue the horse forth and he left them vnder the galowes . Than the marchaunt seyng that he lept out of the wagen , & thei priest with hym , and they ran after him , & at the laste they ouertoke him , and than the marchant drewe his sworde , & would haue smttē him but the priest would not suffer him , and than made he fast the horse agayn and so droue the iourney to an ende . Whan the marchaunt was come home , his wyfe asked how he fared and how he lyked his man he aunswered , not of they best . Than he called Howleglas , and he bad hym tary there that night , and in the mornynge , to departe fro thence , for he sayde he was but a begyler , and a deceyuer wher so euer he went . Than sayd Howleglas good maister that shall I do . And than arose Howleglas erly in the mornyng , and as he was vp : the marchaunt sayde . Eate and drynke your belly full , and ridde the house of you , that I fynde you not here whan that I come agayne , for I must to churche , & whan I return if I fynde you here , stand to that , that shal be fall . And Howleglas helde his peace , and spake neuer a worde . to him , and than the marchaunt went to church . Than he began for to ryd all the houshold stuffe and bare it into the streate , than came worde vnto his maister to the churche , that all his housholde stuffe stode in the , streate . Than came the marchaunt home , & saw that it was Howleglas that had borne out all his stuffe , he asked his man why he did so ? and Howleglas sayde I did as you bad me : for ye bad me that I should ryd youre house , and so I haue of all youre stuffe , that ye haue . Than sayde the marchaunt to Howleglas departe fro hence , and come no more here . I geue they warnyng for here is no body that thankes the for thy labour . And than departed Howleglas his waye : and so was the marchaunt faine to cary in his gere agayne that Howleglas had borne out .

¶ How Howleglas was desyred to dyner .

IN Lunē borough dwelled a flute maker that knewe vacabundes by syght . And ō a time it fortuned him to spy Howleglas , to whom he said . To morowe I desyre you to dine with me . Than Howleglas thanked him , & he sayd that he wold . And than departed the flutemaker , & on the morow at none , Howleglas went to the pype makers house , & whan he was , ther , the dores were shyt . And be taried till none was past , & than he knew wel that he was greatly deceiued , & so he returned home again . And on the mornynge as he walked in the market , he spied the pipe maker , & than went he to him , & thanked hym for hys byner , & he sayd whan ye byd a bodi to diner , ye shyt all your dores . And the pype maker said . I bad yom come to dyner . Than sayd Howleglas your dores were shit . Than laughed the pype maker & sayd . Go to my house before , and I shal come after to dynner for ye shall fynde both roste and soden . And than departed howleglas to the pype makers house , & there he founde all true as the pype maker had tolde him . And than said he to the pype makers wife . that she shold go as fast as she could to her husbande , for he sayde that he had a greate sturgion , geue him and he said that he woulde turn the spit to that she came agayne . The woman sayd good Howleglas , kepe the house tyll that I come agayne , and let no body in . Than departed the woman with her maid towardes her husbande as fast as she could and met with hym bi the waye . And whan he saw her : he asked her whether she went so fast ? And she said to help him For she sayd that Howleglas had told her that ye had a sturgion geueuen you , and he sayd that ye bad that we shold come & helpe you for it was so gret that you were not able to bere it . Than was the man angry , and sayd Knowe ye not well that Howleglas ys suche a mocker and a deceiuer ? than went he home with his wife & whan he came home , he knocked at the dore , and Howleglas sayde let be your knockyng , for the hoste hathe charged me , that I should let no gest in tyll dyner bee done . Than went the hoste to his neyghbours and taryed there tyll Howleglas had dyned , and whan Howleglas had dyned , than he opened the doore , and than the pypemaker came with all his folke . And whan he was within , he sayd to Howleglas that it was no honesti for a gest to shyt his hostise out of the dores . And in this maner he serued the hoste , and his hostise .

¶ How Howleglas wan a pece of clothe of a man of the countrey .

HOwleglas wold euer fare wel , and make good chere but he woulde not worke . Than on a tīe cāe he to Olsem , to a goodly company of men of the countrey . And as he walked he espyed one man alone with a grene cloth on hys arme , than ymagyned he in his minde , how that he might get the cloth . So he came to him , and he asked him wher he was dwellyng . And than the husband tolde him : and than departed Howleglas fro him , and continentli he met with a shottish priest . And an other knaue and he sayde to them , I desyre you to helpe me , and I shall geue you for your labour , and they sayd they wold . Than said Howleglas whan I call you to recorde to know what colour yonder cloth is : ye shall say blewe . I wil go before , & come after . than went he to the husbandman , and he asked him how he solde his blewe cloth . than sayde the husband man that it was grene , & not blewe . I holde .xx. gildens against thy cloth , that it is blewe , than saede the husbandman I holde you . It is done sayde Howleglas , and the first man that comes hereby , shall be the Iudge thereto . Agreed sayd the husbandman , & than made Howleglas a sygne to the men , that he had hired and they came . than sayde the husband man , we two striue what colour this cloth as I pray you breke out stryfe . than the felow said it is fayre blew cloth , than said the husband man ye be to false for me to medle with for it is made betwyxt you two to deceyue me . than sayd Howleglas cause that ye saye we be agreed , let hym go here cometh a priest , wil ye be contented what he sayeth ? and the man of the countre sayde yes . than came the priest by , than sayd Howleglas I praye you to tel vs , what colour this cloth is ? the priest sayd ye ie well ynough what nede you to aske me . the husband man sayd I know the colour of the cloth wel ynough but these two men say it is an other colour and there fore we stryue : than sayde they prieste what haue I to do with our stryuing ? than sayde the husbandman I praye you syr departe vs of oure stryuing . than sayde the priest . I can se no other , but that is a fayre blewe . And than sayd the husbandman , and ye were not a priest in fayth ye did lye , for ye be thre falsemen . But sythen ye be a priest . I must beleue you . And than gaue he Howleglas thei cloth , and wente his waye . Than did Howleglas with his .ii. felowes clothe them with the husbandmans cloth againste the wynter . But the good poore man prayed to god , many a tyme and ofte that the deuill might take them al thre for the poore man was they worse all they dayes of hys lyfe after that great losse .

¶ Howe Howleglas gaue .xx. gyldens to .xii. poore men for christes loue

ON a time came Howleglas to Hauoner , where he did many vertuous thinges . On a tyme rode Howleglas without the towne , and as he rod he mer with .xii. blinde men to whom he said , whether wil ye go ? The blinde men hering that he was on horseback they put of their cappes , for they wende that he had bene a great gentleman , and saide , we haue bene at a doale of a rycheman , that died yesterdai in the town Than sayd Howleglas . I take gret thought for you how you shall do this winter , for me thinke you shall frese to death , before the winter be done . And than he sayde holde here is .xx gildens and returne agayn all you to the place where that I was lodged , and he named his host , & he bad them make good chere til winter were done . And than they thanked hym , for they thought that he had geuen them moui but he did not And than departed they to the place , whether he sent them , & the thought that some of the company had the mony . And whan that they came to the Iune , the said to the hostise that by the way as they went , thei met with a good man that gaue them .xx. gildens for gods sake , and he bad vs come hither , and make good chere therfore for he said that he had bene lodged here , & for his sake we shold haue good chere . whan the hoste herde that they had mony , he toke thē in , & made thē good chere . And whan that their .xx. gildens were spent , than said the hoste to them . Nowe will ye reken good brethren , for now the .xx. gildens be spent . The blynd men sayd we be contented to pay you , & than spake on of the blinde men & sayd . He that hath twenty gildens pay our hoste And than said the one to the other . I haue not the .xx gyldens . Nor I haue not the twenty gyldens . And than some sate and clawed their head , & some clawed their arme . And than they knew that the were deceyued . Than thought the hoste in his mynde what shal I do with them ? Shall I let them go that they spend me no more mony ? Nay not so . Than shyt he the blind men in the stable , and brought to them hay & strawe . And whan that Howleglas thought that al the mony was spent : than came he ryding in to the same Inne , where the blynde men were , and he had chaunged hys clothyng that they should not knowe hym , and so entred into the Inne where the blynd men were and he led his horse into the stable wher the pore men were . And he had set vp his horse : he came to his hoste , and asked his hoste wherfore that he had kept the blynde men in the stable , so faste shyt in ? And he asked him what harme they had done to hym ? Than sayde thei hoste . I woulde that they were together in the water so that I had my costes payde me , and than he tolde hym all the matter . And than sayde Howleglas . And you had a borowe woulde you lette , them goo . And the hoste sayde yes with a good wyll . Than sayde Howleglas I wyll go see , if I can fynde any borowe for thē . Than went he to the curate of the churche and sayde Maister parson I haue an hoste , that this night was taken with the fende I desyre you for to helpe hym . The curate saide with a good wyl , but you must tary two or thre daies , for it maye not be done in haste : well sayde Howleglas that is well saide but I will go fetche his wife that she may here what you say . And the priest said I shall tel to her the same that I told to you without fayle . And than went Howleglas home to his hoste , & he tolde hym that he had founde a borow , and that it was the parsone of the churche , and let your wyfe go with me & she shal here him speke the same that he hath sayde to me , and than was his hoste glad and he sende his wife with Howleglas , to the curate . And whan the were come to the curate : Howleglas said to him , maister parsone here is the wyfe of the man , that I spake of to you , now tell her the same that you haue said to me . And the curate sayd with a good wil . than said he to they woman , tary a daye or two : and I shall helpe your husbande well . And than was the woman glad , & returned home agayne withe Howleglas , and whan she came home : she told her husband what the curate sayd , wherof the host was glad , and he went vnto the stable and let the blynde men lose and they went ther way . And than Howleglas rekned with his hoste , and so departed from thence , and whan the thyrd day came than went the woman to the priest , and she asked him twente gildens that the blynde man had spende . The curate asked her , hath your husbande that ye told to me , and the woman said no . Than said the curate , that is the false deuil that wold haue the mony . Than saide she what false deuill menest thou ? Geue me mi moni for my costes : than saide the curate to the woman . It was tolde me that your husbande was taken with the false deuyll brynge hym hether , and I shall helpe hym therof by the grace of god : than sayd the woman to the priest suche begylers fynde I many . Now you should pay me for my costes : you bring to me a bacrekening and you say my husband is taken with the deuyll , and that you shall knowe shortly . And than she ran to her husbande and tolde hym how the priest said to her and whan the hoste hard those wordes : he was angry , and toke the spit with the rost that lai at the fyre , and ran to the priestes chambre . And whan they curate spyed hym he was a frayde , & called the neighbours to help him , and he made a signe of the holy crosse before him and he cryed for help to take that man that was so be set with the deuil , than sayd the hoste , thou priest pay me my mony , and the prieste gaue hym no aunswere . Than would the hoste haue run thorow him with the hote spyt , but the neyghbours went betwene them & departed them , and they helde the hoste stil with gret , payne from maister persone . But as long as the hoste lyued he asked his mony of the priest , for the costes of the blynde men , but the priest aunswered to him that he ought hym nought and nought he would pay him , but sayd and you be take a with a deuyll , I shall helpe you therof . But neuer after loued on the other .

¶ Howe Howleglas feared his hoste . with a dead woulfe .

IN the setleuen dwelled an Inne holder that was very spyteful & mockyng , and he praysed greatly his boldnesse . Vpon a tyme it befell in the wenter season , when there had bene a greate snowe . Howleglas came reding withe other thre marchauntes fro Sasson to ysetleuen , & it was very late or they came there , & whan they were come : the entred into the Iune that the man kept . Than sayde their hoste angerly wher haue you ben so late , it is no tyme now to take your Iune ? Than they aunswered . Be ye not angrie , for we haue bene hounted with a woulfe in the snow we could not scape till nowe . Than the hoste mocked them , because they .iiii. were huntyng of on woulf , & said , if there came .x. woulfes to me in the field , I wold haue slayne thē euerichone , & mocked the marchauntes tyl thei went to bed . And howleglas sate bi the fyre , & herde al to gether . Than should they go to bed . And it fortuned that Howleglas & the marchauntes should lye in one chambre . And whan the ware in the chambre together : the toke counsayl to gether how the myght stop their hoste of his mocking . Than sayde Howleglas our hoste is full of mockyng let me a lone I shall pay hym well ynough , that he shall not mocke vs no more . Than promysed they marchauntes to Howleglas to pay all his costes , and geue hym more monye for his labour . Than sayd Howleglas do your Iourney , and busynesse of your marchaundyse , and whan ye haue it , come a gayne and lodge at this Inne : & ye shal fynde me here , & than we shal make our host that he shal mocke no more . And than arose the marchauntes in the morning and called the hoste , & payed hym for their costes , and Howleglas also . Than they tooke their horses , & departed from thence . And whan they were paste a lytle , he cryed to they marchauntes take hede that the woulfe byte you not in mockage . The thanked their hoste because he gaue them warning before . And as they rode : Howleglas found a woulfe that was frosen to the deth , and that he toke vp , and put in a bagge , and layd it before hym , and than the retourned agayne to ysetleuen , to that Inne wher the were lodged before . And he kept the woulf so close that no man knew therof . And when the nyght was was come & that they sat all at supper : than the hoste began to laugh at them , & he resoned against ther hardines , & against the woulfe . Than said the : so it fortuned at that time ▪ you saide that you wold sle .x. woulfes but first I wold se you kyl one . And than said the hoste that should I do alone . And thus they iested tyl the went to bedde . And Howleglas helde his peace , tyll that he and the marchauntes went aboue all together in the chambre . And than sayd howleglas to the marchauntes frendes . Let me nowe begyn to worke & wake you a lytle whyle . And than went the host & all his folke were a slepe , than wente he pryuely into the chambre , & he fetched the ded woulf that was styffe frosen & dressed him with stickes & put two chyldren shoene in his mouth , and made him stand as though he had ben a liue . And than left he the woulf standing in the hal , and he came againe into the chambre to the marchauntes , and whan he was aboue , he & the marchauntes called their hoste . And ther host asked thē what they would haue . Than aunswered the to him , that they would haue some drynke , for the had so gret thyrste that the must nedes drynke . Let your mayd or man brynge vs some , and we wyll paye for it to morowe . Than waxed the hoste angrye and sayde . This is the Sassons maner , for to drynke both daye and nyght , And than he called his mayd , and bad her that she should geue the merchauntd drinke . And than the mayde rose , and as she went to lyght a candel : she saw the woulfe . with : ii . shoene in his mouth . Than she was afrayd and ran to the gardeyn , for she thought , that he had eaten both the chyldren , than called thee agayne . Than called the hoste his man . and bad hym arise and bere the Sassons drynke . Than arose he and lyghted a candle , for he wend that the mayd had slept stell . Than loked he asyde and sawe the woulfe stande he was a frayd , and he thought that the woulfe had eaten the mayde , and let fal thei candle and rā into the seller . Than called Howleglas and the marchauntes the third time , and prayed that he himself wold bring them some drinke for the sayde there came no bodye , or els geue them a candle , and they wold drawe it them selfe . Than arose the hoste hymselfe , for he wend that his man and his mayde were fallen a slepe agayn , and than lyghted he a candle , and whan that he had done , he loked asyde and spyed the woulfe : and he was so afrayde , that he fel vnto the ground , and than arose he and cryed to the marchauntes , and he prayed them for to come helpe him , for there was a woulf , that had eaten both his man and his mayde . And this harde thei mayd in the garden , and the man in the seller , & come to help their maister , and the marchauntes also . And Howlealas laughed at this hardy man , that woulde haue slayne ten woulfes , and he was made afraide of one deade woulfe . And whan they hoste sawe that it was done in mockage : than was he a shamed , and he wyste not what for to say . And than left he his bostyng , and Iestyng , and went to bed agayne . And on the morow it was knowen through the towne , wherof the hoste was sore ashamed . And than in the morning arose the marchauntes and paied ther costes , and Howleglas also , and rode their waye . And than neuer after pray sed the hoste his manhode ,

¶ Howleglas fleed a hounde : and gaue the skyn for halfe his dyner .

ON a tyme came Howleglas verye late into an Inne wher the host was not at home , but only the hostyse , this hostyse had a bloud hounde the which she loued very well and as she had nothyng to do , she toke the hounde on her lappe , and played with him & Howleglas satte by the fyre drinking a potte of bere and the hostyse had taught her hounde to drinke bere in a dyshe , and as Howleglas was drynkynge of hys bere , the hound fauned on him and wagged his tayle on Howleglas , and than sayde thei hostyse , geue they hounde some drynke in his dyshe , for that is the meanyng , and Howleglas sayd with a good wyl , and than gaue he the hounde often to drinke , and he gaue him also parte of al thyng that was on the table , that the hounde was as full as he myght be , & than went he & layde hym downe stretchyng hym by the fyre : & withe in a whyle Howleglas had eaten ynoughe , & than asked thei hostyse yf she would reken and she sayde yes . Than asked he hys hostyse yf she had had a geste , that had eaten her meate , and drinketh her drynke should pay nothing would ye be content therwith . Than went the hostyse , that hed ment him self , and thoughte not of her hounde . Than said she to him good frende , here is no man that eateth here , but he payeth monie or a pledge . Howleglas said I am content therwith to pay my parte , and the other must pay his parte . And than went the hostise into her chamber for to do her busines . And than toke Howleglas the hounde vnder his gowne and went vnto the stable , & flyed of his skyn . And than came he agayde to his hostise that sate by the fyre , & he had the houndes skyn vnder his gowne : and than cal Howleglas for a rekenyng , whan she had rekened : he gaue her half therof . Than asked she him who sholde geue to her that other halfe ? Than sayde Howleglas chose you here is my parte , ye had an other geste that went awaye and payde nothyng , and heate & dranke , as well as I dyd , lette hym pay the other halfe of the moni Than sayd the hostise , what gest was that and what pledge had he to geue ? Than sayde Howleglas , the best coate that he had on . Than drew he out the dogges skyn , and sayde to his hostise here is the beste coate that the gest hath . And whan she saw her doggs sckyn : than spake she very angerly , and cursedly wherfore haue ye flyed my hounde ? Than sayd Howleglas let alone your barning and your cursyng in this maner for it is your faut , for ye bad to me that I should geue to your hounde meate and drynke and I told to you that the gest had no moni , & ye said that ye would not trust hym , but that ye would haue a pledge or money to paye for his costes : so haue I broughte to you the best cote that he hath for a pledge . Than was thei hostise more angry , & sayde : Go out of my house shortly , and neuer come here more within my dores . Than sayde Howleglas . Shall I go out of your dores : naye but I shall ryde out of your dores . Than toke he his fadell and sadled his horse , & lyght on him And or he departed from thence , he sayde to his hostise . Repe well your pledge , that ye may haue your mony . And within a while I shal come vnto you vnbidden . And if I drinke not of your drinke : than nede I not to paye nothing . And than departed he fro thence , and rode his waye

¶ How Howleglas serued the same host●ce an other tyme , and howe he laye . on a whele .

WIthin a whyle after came Howleglas to Stafforde , in the same Inne where he had bene lodged before : and he had done other clothes on , because that his hostyse should not know him . And whan he was come into the Inne , he spyed a whele lye theirby and than he alighted & came & layde hym theron , and bad hys hostyse good morowe . And he asked her , if she harde any newes of howleglas ? And she sayde nay , what should I here of him ? I can not suffer him to be named . howleglas saide ? what harme hath he done to you , that ye may not here speke of him ? he is a knaue , in dede , I neuer herde tell yet that he came in any place , but or he departed he did some shrewde touche . Than said the hostise that is truthe . For it is but .viii. daies agone that ( for the great chere that I made to hym ) like a treitoure he flayed my hounde , and he gaue me thei skyn for my meate and drynke , Than sayde howleglas that was a knauy●he touche . And the woman saide therfore shall he come to euill ende . Than saide howleglas Is this all his rewarde ? It is not thre houres agone sithen I sawe hym lye vpon a whele . Than said the hostise , if I had knowen that I should haue bette him with a staffe , that I should haue broken some of his rybbes , for that he hathe done to me . And than arose Howleglas and sayde , let be your anger , for whan I spake to you he laye vpon the whele And nowe adewe I come not here agayne .

How Howleglas set his hostyse vpon the hote asshes with her bare arse .

AS Howleglas was come fro Rome , he came to an Inne where his hoste was not at home And whan he was within , he asked his hostyse if that she knewe not Howleglas , and the hostyse sayde nay : but I here say that he is a false deceyuer and begiler than sayde Howleglas wherfore saye ye so ye knowe him not than said the hostise that is truth but I haue herd speke much of his vnhappinesse than sayd Howleglas : good woman he hath done to you neuer no harme , wherfore slaunder ye him for the wordes of other people , the hostyse sayd : I saye no other of hym , than the people do . For I haue hearde him be spoken of , of many of my gestes , that haue lodged bere . Than held Howleglas his peace , & spake no more til in the mornyng , and than spred he abrode the hote asshes on the harthe , and than toke he the hostyse out of her slepe , & set her thereon on her bare arse , & so was hys hostyse well brenned , than sayde he to her . Nowe may ye say boldely , that ye haue sene the false deceuer and begyler Howleglas : than cryed the hostyse for help & lowred vpon hym Than went he out of her dores and sayde to her . Should not men correcte & repreue slaunderers and backbyters , that saye it of men , and neuer sawe them , nor neuer had done harme to them . yes it is a charytable thyng to do . And than tooke he hys horse and departed fro thence .

¶ How Howleglas serued a holander with a rosted aple .

VPon a time came Howleglas to And warpe to an Inne , where was many holaders merye . And he brought with hym .ii. egges whiche he rosted for to eat , for he was sycke & coulde eat no fleshe . And this seyng a holander sayde . ye Thomme of the countrey , wyl not your hostyse mete serue you but that ye must bring meat with you wene ye that ye should haue no meat here : and with those wordes , he toke the egges and supped them vp , and whan he hadde done . he gaue too Howleglas the shelles , and sayd to hym : holde here is thei bore , the relykes be gone , and than laughed all the gestes at that touch , and Howleglas also , and in the euenynge fetched Howleglas a fayre apple and cut out all the core therof , and put therin a strong purgacion , and rosted the apple in the fire and than tooke howleglas the apple and cut it in pieces . vpon his trenchour , & strawed therof poudre of gynger and set it vpon the table and went from the table as though he would haue gon and fetched more . And as sone as howleglas had tourned his backe , the holander tooke the apple and ate it in a gret haste . And by and by he fell to parbrakyng , and caste vp all that was within hym , and he was very sycke therof , that the hoste and all the gestes wend that he should haue dyed of the apple . And than sayde howleglas to they gestes : be not a frayde of hym for it is a lytle purgacion , that I haue geuen hym , he was to hasty to eate the apple so some , I shold haue warned him therof . For the rosted apple coulde not suffre the rere egges in hys mawe , but that they must nedes come out agayn : & than the gestes made good chere and laughed . And whan the purgacion had wrought al that it would & that thei holander was a mended , he sayde to Howleglas . Roste and eate whatsoeuer ye wyll , for I wyll neuer eate with you more .

¶ Howe Howleglas made a woman that solde earthen pottes , to smyte them all in pieces .

VPon a tyme toke Howleglas his iourney to Bremen , to the byshop , that loued him wel . For at al tymes he did some mad touche , wherat he made the byshop to laughe . Than on a tyme as the byshop and Howleglas were a walkynge the byshop desyred of him , that he would do some meri Iest , but Howleglas went talkyng to hym selfe as though he had sayd his pater noster , and answered not the byshop . But at the last he saide to hym , I praye the to se some newes ? And he said he wold . But he praied the bishop to tari a whyle . And he gaue him silence . And in the meane whyle went Howleglas to a woman that hathe earthen pottes to sel in the market , the which pottes he bought on a condicon , that whan he made a signe to her : than she shold smite al the pottes in pieces . And she graunted to hym . And than he payed her & returned to the byshop . And whan he was come , the byshop asked hym where he had bene ? And howleglas sayde I was at church . he said my lord go wyth me vnto the market . And so he did . And whan they were there howleglas said to the byshop Se you the woman with the earthen pottes ? I shall stande here still by you , & speke neuer a worde : & yet shal I make her to smite her pottes al in pieces . Than said the byshop I holde the .xxx. gildens , that thou shalt not do it . And howleglas dyd holde , the .xxx. gildens with the byshop . And than went they into the towne house , & there they taryed . And than cryede , and called the woman , & at the laste made he the sygne to her that was made betwene them . And than tooke she a staffe , and smyt vpon the pottes so long till that she had broken them eueri chone , so that the byshop and all they that were in the market place did laugh therat . And as the byshop was come home than called he Howleglas a syde vnto him , and sayde . Tell me shortly what thynge ye dyd to the woman , that ye made her take a staffe , and smyte all thei pottes to peces , and than shal I geue vnto you the .xxx. gildens Than said Howleglas to the byshop . My lorde I dyd it not with sorcery nor witchecraft , but I had payd the woman before for her pottes , & we were both agreed And than laughed the byshop therat , and gaue vnto Howleglas .xxx. gildens , and he made hym to swere on a boke , that he should not shewe no body the thinge & he sayd he would geue hym a fat oxe . Than sayd Howleglas , that thing shall I do with a good wyll , & speke neuer a woorde . And than departed Howleglas fro thence , and he let the byshop do what he would . And than went the byshop , that whan he shoulde make a sygne to her , than should she smyte the earthen pottes all in pieces , and this was the cunnynge that than Howleglas dyd . Than were all thei nobles ashamed and angry in theire mynde wyth the byshop , but they durst not speake one woorde but clawed theyre heades , whan that they sawe theyr fatte oxen before , their face that they had geuen to the byshop for that foolysh deede . But after they comforted them selfe agayne , and sayde . He is oure Lorde and mayster , and yf that he had asked the oxen for noughte , wee woulde haue geuen them to hym , and Howleglas had for his parte one of thei fat oxen , wherof he was glad as the other did so that the gift amounted to .xx. fat oxen : and than went euery man home , & fetched a fat oxe and broughte it vnto the byshop : and whan that they were all come in , they stode talkyng with the byshop and than came Howleglas riding by them , and he sawe all the oxen stande there , than he sayd vnto the byshop this gaynes is half mine , than said he to Howleglas , wil you not holde that thing that ye haue promised me , and than sayd Howleglas yes , for an other fat oxe . than gaue the byshop vnto Howleglas a fat , oxe and he bad him that he shoulde departe and so he dyd and lefte the byshop with all his lordes talkinge : than called the byshop all the nobles together , & whan that they were come he sayde to them . Nowe shall I shewe vnto you all this greate cunnyng of the breakyng of the pottes openly than saide he to them , this is it . Howleglas had bene before with that woman that solde the earthen pottes in the market , & he had payd her for all the pottes , and he bad to her than whan he shold make a signe to her , than shold she smite the earthen pottes all in peces , and thys was the cunnynge that Howleglas did . Than were the nobles ashamed and angry in theyr mynde with the byshop , but they durst not speke one worde , but clawed theire heades , whan the sawe their fat oxen before their face , that they had geuen to the byshop for that folish dede : but after they comforted them selfe agayn and said : he is our lord and maister , and if that he had asked thei oxen for nought , we would haue geuen them to hym . And Howleglas hadde for his parte one of the fat oxen , wherof he was glad .

¶ How Howleglas brake the stayres that thei monkes should come down on to mattyns , and howe they fell downe into the yarde .

HOwleglas as he waxed old and feble : and had bene in many countreys : than began he to take a litle repentaunce on him , and thought to go to be a religious persone . Than toke he his way to Meriendall . And whan he came ther he went into the abbay to the abbot , and whan he came to him , he desired of the abot that he might be a brooder in the place , and to haue a place , and he promysed the abbot that he would leue in the abbay all the mony that he had . Than sayd the abbot to him , & iested with him , for he was a mery iester , that he shold haue a place , but he must haue an office there with for to doo some labour for ye se well , that all my brethren do that thyng that I commaunde them , and take the office that is geuen vnto them , and be content therwith . Than sayd Howleglas to the abbot , what soeuer it please you to bid me do , I shall do it with a good wyll . Than said the abbot the labour is not gret that I shall geue vnto you : for ye shall be porter , so that ye may haue conuersacion with the people dayly , and no other thing , than for to open the gate , and for to shit it agayne . Than sayd Howleglas to the abbot . God thanke you my lorde , that ye haue ordeyned for me a poore old man , so light an office , and therfore shal I do al that ye bid me , and leue all that ye for byd me . than sayde the abbot to hym . take here is the keyes , ye must not let in euery body , nor scarce let in the .iii. or the .iiii. for ther be so many vacabundes and land rynners . For if that ye should let them all in that comes , the would eat & drinke so much , that at the yeres ende the wold bring the place . to a lowe ebbe . Than sayd Howleglas to the abbote That shall I do with a good will . And than kepte he the gate and whan that the seruauntes and munkes should haue comein than would he let in no more , but the .iii. or the .iiii. And than they complayned to the abbot of Howleglas , & told hym that Howleglas was a deceuer , and a begyler of folke , for he would not let them in , that belonged vnto the place . Than called the abbot Howleglas to him and he asked him why that he dyd not let in the seruauntes of the place ? And Howleglas aunswered , I haue done as ye bade me , for ye bad me that I should let in but the third or the fourth and no more , and so I dyd , and therefore haue I not broken your commaundement . Than said the abbot ye haue dōe lyke a false knaue , & therfore shall I put the out of thy office , for ye wil not leue your false touches . And than gaue he that office to an other munke . And than said he to howleglas , this shall be your office , you shal tel euery night how many munkes come to matyns , and ye mysse one : ye shall out of the abbay . Than sayd Howleglas to the abbot . My lord that were I loth for to do , for to go out of the a bay , well I will do after youre commaundement , but the abbot gaue to hym that offyce , because that he shold haue him out of the abbay , and so for to be ryd of hym . And Howleglas thought in his mynde , not for to tary long . And than went Howleglas & pulled awaye .ii. or .iii. stepes of the stayres , that the munkes should come down on to matyns . And at mydnyght came the pryour fyrste that was a good olde man , and was wonte to be they fyrst . And whan he thought to haue gone down : he fel and brake his leg . And than he cryed pyteously , so that the other munkes herd him , and came running hastelye for to see what that he ayled and lacked & than fel they eche after other downe the stayres . Than in thei mornyng complayned the munkes to the abbot , and shewed hym howe that Howleglas had serued them . Than was the abbot more angri , and said to Howleglas , what haue ye done ? Howleglas sayd as ye bad me , for ye bad me that I should tel the munkes whan they came to matins , and so I haue done , looke here is the tayle . Than said the abbot go out of the abbai for ye haue told them like a false knaue . And than departed Howleglas fro that abbay and went to Mollen .

¶ How Howleglas bought creame of the womon of the countrey , that brought it for to sel to Maryandra .

WIthin a whyle after or the he would enter into the abbay of Mariandra to be a munke , he went a walkyng on the market daye to Bremen , wher he sawe many women standing there to sell creame . And than went Howleglas to the house where he was lodged , and borowed a tub of his hostise , and went again in to the market . And whan he was there : he set downe his tub and came to a woman of the countrei and he asked they pryce of her creame . And whan they ware both a greed : he made her for to put the creme into his tub and than went he to an other , and agreed with her also & made her to put her creme into his tub , and so went he fro the on to the other , tyll that he had made all the women that had ther creme : to put it into his tub . And whan he had soo done : than asked thei poore women theire money of Howleglas , for they woulde departe home . Than sayde Howleglas to the women ye must do so much for me , as to trust me these eight dayes . for I haue no mony at this tyme . Than ware the women of the countrey angry , & the ran to they tub for to take euery one of them their cream again for the would not trust him . And as thei wold haue taken their creme agayn , than began they to fal together by the eares , & sayde . Thou takest more than thou should haue . And the other stode all wepyng , & sayde to them . Shall I loose my creame ? And other twayn were tumbling by the here , in the myddes of the canel . And thus the pulied and haled on the other that at the last the tub fel downe , & arayed thē very foule , so that they were all dysfygured & wist not of whome the should be auenged of . And than arose thee and asked where is this false knaue , that hath bought our mylke , and hath dysceued vs so , for had we hym here amonge vs , we shoulde christen hym here in the creame , that is in the cannell , & paint him therwith as wel as we be , for he is a false begyler and dysceyuer . But he was gone fro thence for he cast before that such a thyng should folowe . And whan the burgeys of the town and many other folke of the town sawe that the cannels ran with creame . Than went thei to the market place for to se . And whan the ware ther : they asked how the creme was spylt , and than it was tolde them . And whan that the knew it than the returned home laughyng , and praysed greatli the falsenes and suttelte of Howleglas .

¶ How Howleglas came to a scoler to make verses with hym to that vse of reason . And howe that Howleglas began as after shall folowe . ¶ Howleglas . MArs with septer , a king coronate Furius in affliction , and taketh no regarde By terrible fightyng , he is our prymate And god of battell , and person ryght froward . Of warries the tutor , the locke , and the warde His power his might , who can them resyst Not all this worlde , if that him selfe lyst , The scholer . ¶ Not all this worlde , who tolde the so ? Where is that written , ryght fayne wold I see ? ye came lyke a foole , and so shall ye go . By one person only , deceiued ye may be And by astronomy , I tell it vnto the If that wyll not helpe , some shyft shall I fynde By craft , or cunnyng , Mars for to blynde . Howleglas . ¶ Venus a god of loue most decorate The floure of women , and lady most pure Louers to concorde , she doth aye aggregate with parfyte loue , as marble to oure The knot of loue , she knittes on them sure With frendly amite , and neuer to discorde By dedes , thought , cogitacion , nor worde . The scholer . ¶ Not to discorde , yet dyd I neuer see Knowe , nor here tell , of louers suche twayne But some faute there was , learne this of me Other in thought , or yet in wordes playne your reasons be nought , your tong goeth in vayne By naturall person : suche loue is not found In Fraunce , Flaunders , nor yet in Englysh ground ¶ The god of wyne , that bachus hath to name The sender of fruytes , that maketh wynes all May slake , or make , or put them in frame . All at his pleasure , and vse dyuryall He may the exalte in lykewyse to fall Their lorde , and maister and chiefe gouernour He may them destroye , and make in a houre . The scoler . ¶ All to destroy , it is not by his myght Nor yet for to make of that be thou sure ( Omnia per ipsum ( saint Iohan sayes full ryght Than we call Christ , our god and our treasure Presume not so hye , you fayle of your measure Rede , heare , and see , and bere well a waye Vnknowen vnsayde and for grace thou pray . Vale .

¶ Howe Howleglas at Mollem was sycke , & howe he did shyte in the poticaries boxes , and how he was borne in the holy ghoste .

AS Howleglas was come from Meriendasse . than he fell sycke and whan he was sycke , he went to Mollem , where he was lodged in a poticaryes house , for to make medicines therfore . Than shold the poticarie geue to him a medicine for his sicknesse and than he gaue to wowleglas a stronge purgacion . And in the mornynge the purgacion begon to worke . And than arose Howleglas for to haue gone to they draughte , but he coulde not fynde none : and so he beshyt all thei chambre . And than he toke the .xii. boxes , that the medicins were in , and he shyt in euery one of them , and he said . Here come out the medicines again it were great pity to lose them , for I haue no mony to geue hym for them . whan they potycary hearde these wordes , than was he angry , & he would haue hym no , longer in his house but toke & bare him into an hospital of the holy gost . And whan he was the within , than he said I haue praied god long that the holy gost might come vnto me , but my praier is clene contrary , for I am come into the holy gost , & he abydeth without me , & I in hym . Than laughed the peple & said . As men liue : so is their ende . Than herde his mother say that he was sick : than she came to him , and she had thought for to haue had some mony of him , for she was olde & pore , and whan she sawe him , she wepte & sayd . where be ye so sycke . And Howleglas sayd . here betwene the bed & the wal . Than said his mother speke to me one swet word . than said Howleglas to his mother , hony hony , is not that a swete worde , than saide his mother , tell me some thinge that may do me ease , than sayde Howleglas to his mother , whan that you fist : turn your arse with the wynd & than you shal fele no stinke . Than said his mother , geue me some of your good , than said Howleglas to his mother , he that hath none shall geue none For my good is so secrete that no man can fynde it , & you can finde any take it . And than Howleglas waxed sicker & sicker , so that the folke axed him whether that he would be shryuen , for they sawe wel that he shold not recouer . than sayde an olde syster that was a good frende of his she counsailed him to be confessed & take repentaunce for his synnes , and so to holy seruant of god . And Howleglas sayd . I wil not confesse men secretli , for al that I haue done , I haue done it openly to many men in dyuers landes . and that is wel knowen . For they that I haue done good to , they wil saye good o● me . And they that I haue done harme to , the wil say harme of me . But I am very sory of two thinges the which I could neuer bring to passe in my lyfe . Than sayd the syster be sory of thi sinnes , and be glad that you did not those two thinges , if that the wer yll . And if the were good , be sory because the 〈◇〉 not done . Than sayd Howleglas , it is as me● ◇ 〉 take it . For I was sory in my mynd whan I sawe a man pycke his tethe with his knyfe , that I had not s●●tten on the end of it . The other is that I am sory for , that I did not driue a woden wedge in all womens arses , that were aboue .l. yere , for they be nother clenly nor profytable . I desyre it for no othere cause but this that is that the should not shyte on the ground , the whiche bringeth fruytes . Than said the sister to Howleglas god saue all women of that age & all those that bene more . For I here well and you were strong , and that you had your might as you haue had before this tīe you would or you departed wedge mine arse , with a woden wedge , for I am a woman of .lx. yere & more . Than he answered to the sister . I am ryght for●e . & heuy because it is not done . Than aunswered the sister it were much better that the deuil had the . Than answered Howleglas that is truthe , for a woman is no soner angry but she is worse than the de●il . And than the syster departed and let hym lye .

¶ How Howleglas deceyued his gostly father .

ANd as Howleglas was thus sicke , and than they brought to hym a prieste : And whan the priest was come there , he thought in his mynd , this hath bene a great 〈…〉 wherewith he hath g●… the priest vnto him and 〈…〉 your selfe , for ye haue done ma●… must you remebre that you haue 〈…〉 how you haue gotten much mony b●… hode & 〈◇〉 bestowe that moni to the w●… and poore p●●stes as I am , and that I counce●… for to do , and I shall order it well and remembre you here●●ter , and do many masses for you . Than sayde Howleglas . Good father if it please you to come at noone agayne , than shal I make redy some mony for you : Than was the priest glad , & than departed . Than tooke Howleglas an earthen pot and fylled it half ful of turdes , & he strawed theron a lytle mony , soo that the durte was couered . And whan it was noone , the priest came and he sayd to Howleglas . Frend shall I haue that that you promised me ? And Howleglas sayde ye . Than he set the pot before hym , and sayde . Take now your selfe . but be not to hasty , nor put not your hand to depe . Than sayde the priest I shall do as you byd me . And Howleglas dyd open the pot , and he bad the priest to grype softlye , for it was almost ful . Than was the priest hasty , and put his hand into the pot , & he gryped a great handfull . And when he felt it softe : he pulled out his hande , and it was all to be shitten . Than the priest sayde , ye maye well be called a deceyuer & begyler , that haue deceiued his ghostly father , and whan ye be at the poynte of death . Than sayde Howleglas to the priest . Good syr dyd I not shewe vnto you before that you shold not grype to depe ? And if that ye were couetous , it was not my faut . Than sayd the ●… ctousnesse all other , 〈…〉 it was great pyty that thou ●… yng , whan thou sholdest haue bene ●… eke , and than the priest departed from 〈…〉 Howleglss called the priest agayne , and 〈…〉 to hym . Maister parson come agayne , & take your money with you . But he went his waye and made it as he harde it not .

¶ How Holeglas made his testament .

IN the meane time wexed Howleglas sycker & sicker , Than he called for the lordes to make his tastamente . And whan they were come : he gaue hys goodes in .iii. partes . One parte to his kynsfolke , an other to the lordes of Molē , and the other to the parson of Molen , whan soeuer he died . And he asked to be buryed in christen mans buriall , and to syng for hys soule , Placebo and Dixig , with masses & other good seruyces , after the custome and vsans . And than he shewed to them a great chest that was wel barred with yron , and fowre keyes therto belongyng , and he told vnto them , that in that chest was all his good , & than he gaue the cheste to them to kepe , that wer right heuy for him . And than within a moneth after his death than the foure should take the keyes therof , and open the cheste , and deale all the money for his soule . And within a whyle after he departed . And whan he was dead : they wound hym in a wynding shete , and after in a coffyn , and after on a bere . Than came the pryestes and feched hym to church and song for hym placebo and dyring . And in the meane time came in a sow with her pygges , and went vnder the bere , for she had found the taste of dead flesshe & with her ●ole●he can down the bere , wherof the priestes and clerkes wer afrayde , and they sawe that it was downe , than they ran so fast the eche fell in others necke , for the thought that he had bene rysen agayne and so they lefte hym there . And than the systers of a nonnery tooke the corse , and brought it to graue and buried it . And whan a moneth was past : than came the thre parties for to vnlocke the cheste , and for to deale the money for his soule . And whan that they had opened the cheste : the founde no other but stones therin . Than the woundered therof , and the one lokend on the other , and they parson had wende , that the lordes had had the money because they had the chest in kepinge . And the lordes wende that his frendes had opened the cheste and taken out the tresure , & put in stones the whyle that he was sycke . and so to haue shyt the cheste agayne . And his frendes wende that the curate had conueied the tresure whan that he confessed hym . And than in a gret anger they departed fro thence for at the last the knew that it was he that had dō it for to mocke them . And after that the lordes and the curate agreed together agayne , and so to bury him vnder the galowes . And so they dyd . And as they were deluinge of his graue , he stanke so sore , that thei could not abide the ayre therof And so the couered hym wyth earth agayne and lete hym lye styll , and so they departed .

¶ How Holiglas was buryed .

THus as Howleglas was deade , than they brought hym to be buryed . And as they would haue put the coffyn into the pytte wyth .ii. cordes , the corde at the fete brake , so that the fote of the coffin fel into the botome of the pyt , and the coffyn stode bolt vpryght in the myddes of the graue . Than desyred the people that stode about the graue that tyme , to let the coffyn to stande bolte vpryght . For in his lyfe tyme he was a very maruelous man , and he did many wonderfull thynges , and shall be buryed as meruesousli and in this maner they left Howleglas stand bolt vp ryght in his graue , and they couered him with earth And than they layde a stone . And on the stone was grauen an oule holding a glasse with her clawes And theron was grauen this scripture .

Presume no man a waye this stone to take . For vnder this stone was Howleglas buried late .

In the yeare of our Lorde God . M.CCC . & fyftie .