One bade me come near and buy some spice, Pepper and saffron they gan me bede, But for lack of Money I might not speed.

Then to the Cheap I began me drawn, Where much people I saw for to stand; One offered me velvet, silk, and lawn, Another he taketh me by the hand,  “Here is Paris thread, the finest in the land!”  I never was used to such things indeed, And wanting Money I might not speed.

Then went I forth by London Stone, Throughout all Can’wick Street. [83] Drapers much cloth me offered anon; Then comes me one cried, “Hot sheep’s feet!”  One cried, “Mackerel!” “Rushes green!” another gan greet; One bade me buy a hood to cover my head, But for want of Money I might not be sped,

Then I hied me into East Cheap; One cries “Ribs of beef,” and many a pie; Pewter pots they clattered on a heap, There was harp, pipe, and minstrelsie.  “Yea, by cock!” “Nay, by cock!” some began cry; Some sung of Jenkin and Julian for their meed, But for lack of Money I might not speed.

Then into Cornhill anon I yode, Where was much stolen gear among; I saw where hung mine owné hood That I had lost among the throng:  To buy my own hood I thought it wrong; I knew it well as I did my Creed, But for lack of Money I could not speed.

The taverner took me by the sleeve,  “Sir,” saith he, “will you our wine assay?” I answered, “That cannot much me grieve, A penny can do no more than it may.”  I drank a pint, and for it I did pay. Yet soon ahungered from thence I yede, And wanting Money I could not speed.

Then hied I me to Billingsgate, And one cried, “Hoo! Go we hence!” I prayed a barge man, for God’s sake, That he would spare me my expence.  “Thou scrap’st not here,” quoth he, “under two pence; I list not yet bestow any alms deed.”  Thus lacking Money I could not speed.

Then I conveyed me into Kent; For of the law would I meddle no more, Because no man to me took intent, I dight me to do as I did before. Now Jesus, that in Bethlehem was bore, Save London, and send true lawyers their meed! For whoso wants Money with them shall not speed.

p. 85Bicorn and Chichevache.

p. 85

By JOHN LYDGATE.

By

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