Francis James Child

“ Amongst all his nobility, with joy and much mirth,
I must tell him to one penny what he is worth.
‘And the next question I must not flout,
How long he shall be riding the world about;
And the third question I must not shrink,
But tell him truly what he does think.’
‘O master, did you never hear it yet,
That a fool may learn a wiseman wit? ”

“ I fear thou has treason against my crown.’
‘I hope, my liege, that you owe me no grudge
For spending of my true-gotten goods:’
‘If thou dost not answer me questions three,
Thy head shall be taken from thy body. ”

“ Noe better but a shepard to the bishoppe himsell;
The shepard came to the bishopp anon,
Saying, My Lord, you are welcome home!
‘What ayles you,’ quoth the shepard, ’that you are soe sadd,
And had wonte to haue beene soe merry and gladd?’
‘Nothing,’ quoth the bishopp, ‘I ayle att this time;
Will not thee availe to know, brother mine.’
‘Brother,’ quoth the shepeard, ’you haue heard itt,
That a foole may teach a wisemane witt ”