Chapter 18

[Enter the host, sir John Old-castle, and Harpoole.]

HOST. Sir, you are welcome to this house, to such as here is with all my heart, but, by the mass, I fear your lodging will be the worst. I have but two beds, and they are both in a chamber, and the carrier and his daughter lies in the one, and you and your wife must lie in the other.

COBHAM. In faith, sir, for my self I do not greatly pass. My wife is weary, and would be at rest, For we have travelled very far today; We must be content with such as you have.

HOST. But I cannot tell how to do with your man.

HARPOOLE. What, hast thou never an empty room in thy house for me?

HOST. Not a bed, by my troth: there came a poor Irish man, and I lodged him in the barn, where he has fair straw, though he have nothing else.

HARPOOLE. Well, mine host, I pray thee help me to a pair of fair sheets, and I’ll go lodge with him.

HOST. By the mass, that thou shalt; a good pair of hempen sheets, were never lain in: Come.

[Exeunt.]