The Marvellous Adventures and Rare Conceits of Master Tyll Owlglass

On a time, Owlglass made proclamation in the whole of the Wendic Union, and in the land of Saxony, that is, in Holstein, Pommern, Stettin, and Mecklenburg, and likewise in Lübeck, Hamburg, in the Sound, and at Wismar; and in his letters said, that truly the tailors in those parts should come unto him, for tidings of great joy and content did he bring, and a cunning and rare art would he disclose unto them, by the which they should have great comfort and gain, and their children after them. And he said, that they should come unto him into the town of Rostock, and so should assemble together. Then did they all make answer unto Owlglass, that for so great an art would they willingly come, and learn that art of which he spake.

And so came they all together upon occasion to Rostock; and the folks were all amazed as to why so great a number of tailors came and abode in that town. When that Owlglass also heard that they had approached and entered into the town, he was right glad; and he let them grow in multitude until that among these tailors were a goodly number of men. Thereafter spake they unto Owlglass, and said unto him, that, according unto his word, they had come together, and that they would fain learn of him what that art was which they should be taught, and the which should benefit both them and their children. Then besought they him that he should soon teach them; and rarely would they recompence him therefor. And Owlglass answered, and said unto them: “Yea; do ye all together come into a field, so that all may hear.” And according unto his saying did they.

Then gat him Owlglass up into a house, which overlooked the field, and there looked he forth from a window; and he lifted up his voice, and said unto them: “Honourable artificers in the tailoring trade, I bid ye mark and perceive, that when ye have by ye scissors, ellwand, thread, thimble, needle, and a smoothing-iron, the which ye call a goose, then have ye enough tools for your business; and to get them, therein is no art, for common is it, and cometh of itself. But do ye steadfastly learn of me this art, and bear ye me in mind when that ye do it. When that ye take a thread, forget ye not at the end thereof that is contrary unto that which ye thread in the needle to make a knot, or, in good sooth, ye will make many a stitch in vain.” Thereat did one tailor look upon his neighbour; and they each one said unto the other: “Lo! was not this a thing well known unto all of us, and of old time a rule among us?” Then did they ask him whether he had anything further to tell them. “Verily! for phantasy’s sake would not we have come twelve weary miles, or despatched from one to the other messengers of speed; and this art ye have told us have we known these thousand years.” Then answered Owlglass unto the tailors, and said unto them: “That which hath been known these thousand years is marked of no man; and when that people are bidden to think upon it, do they not in any wise thank the speaker.” Therefore might they depart again unto where they had come from. Then were the tailors who had come from afar very wroth with Owlglass, and would fain have come to him, and beaten him; but he was nimble and escaped them. Then conferred they one with the other, and laughed, and said: “Truly was it their own fault that they were thus befooled; for knew they not of old what a slippery fellow was this same Owlglass?”

The Fifty and Sixth Adventure

How that Owlglass beat wool upon a saint’s day, and that very high

And when that Owlglass came unto Stendal, he gave it out, that he was a woolstapler, and hired himself unto a master in that town. Then upon a Sunday spake the master unto him, saying: “Mark ye, my good fellow, upon a Monday do ye commonly keep holiday, and that love I not in any man who cometh into my house; for here must all diligently labour.” And Owlglass made answer: “That pleaseth me right well, master.” So he gat him up early on the Monday, and laboured hard, and the same thing did he on Tuesday; and that pleased the master exceedingly. And on the Wednesday there fell a saint’s day, the which was a holy day and should be kept; yet gat Owlglass to his labour again, and ’gan to work and beat his wool, so that ye might hear him right down the street. The master arose from his bed when that he heard the noise, and cried unto Owlglass with a loud voice: “Be ye still; be ye still; to-day is a holy day, and we may not labour.” Then said Owlglass: “Dear master, said ye not on Sunday, that ye loved not that one should be idle on a holy day; but ye said, that I should work the whole week through.” And the woolstapler answered him: “Nay; but I meant not that. Leave thy labour now, and that which thou wouldst have earned to-day will I pay thee.” And this fitted Owlglass right well; and he kept the holy day, and at eventide he supped with his master. Then conferred they; and the master said unto him, that the wool contented him not, and he bade Owlglass, that he should beat it up a little higher. And Owlglass said: “Yea;” and in the morning he arose from his bed early, and fixed up the frame to the beam, and gat him a ladder, and mounted thereupon, and with his rod beat the wool, so that all the town could hear the noise. The while lay the master in bed, and he perceived right certainly that Owlglass was not beating the wool as he should do; therefore he gat up, and went, and looked upon him. And he spake unto him jestingly: “By my troth, and if ye stood upon the roof so would ye be yet higher; and little would it rede whether ye stood on the ladder or the roof.” And therewith departed he unto the church. Thereupon did Owlglass take the frame, and climbed up on the roof, and there beat the wool. That saw his master from the street as he came along; and he cried aloud unto him, and came running: “Ha! ho! what do ye there upon the roof? Is that a thing ye should do, to beat the wool upon the roof?” And Owlglass said: “Truly did I according unto thy words. For thou didst say, that it would be better upon the roof than the ladder, for that the roof was higher than the beam.” And the woolstapler said: “Play ye no more of your knaveries; get ye forth from my house, nor do ye again come hither.” Thereat departed Owlglass, and lamented that he could never earn any thanks.

The Fifty and Seventh Adventure

How that Owlglass was hired by a furrier, and did sleep among the skins

On a time did Owlglass take service with a furrier, and when that it was night, he bade Owlglass get him to work and hang out the skins. But Owlglass loved not the labour, and would fain have escaped therefrom. And he spake unto his master, saying: “How is this that with so ill savour this smelleth. I’ faith, I cannot bear it!” And the furrier answered him and said: “Verily, it seemeth unto me that of this trade knowest thou nought. For an if thou hadst slept only four nights among the furs, then wouldst thou no longer mark their ill savour.” Then said Owlglass: “Four nights will I sleep among the skins, master, and then shall I not mark it.” So the furrier gat him to bed. And behold, Owlglass took the skins which were prepared, and which hung upon the wall, and he took also the skins which were dry; and lastly, took he the wet skins; and he cast them together upon the floor of the loft, and crept in among them and slept until the morning. When that it was day, then rose up his master, and he beheld that the skins were taken from the wall; and he ran unto the loft, and spake unto Owlglass to inquire of him what it might fortune that he knew about the skins. And he perceived not Owlglass; but lo! his eyes fell upon the skins, which, wet and dry, lay together in a heap one with the other. Thereat was he strangely moved, and with a weeping voice called the maid and the women folk; and these cries did cause Owlglass to awake, and he looked forth from among the skins, and said: “Honoured master, what may it be that doth move ye so to cry out and to clamour?” Then did the furrier marvel greatly, and knew not what might be in the heap of skins.

And he opened his mouth, and said unto Owlglass: “Where art thou?” And Owlglass to him answered: “Behold, here am I.” Then said the master: “That good fortune may never come unto thee! Hast taken me the dry furs from the wall, and the wet from the lime-pit, and cast me them together in this heap, so that they be spoiled. What wilt thou with this phantasy?” But the wise and prudent Master Owlglass answered him and said: “How, master, be ye not angry! for an if ye be angry for that I have slept one night amidst the skins, what will ye be when that I have slept the four nights ye enjoined me; for ye said that I knew nought of the labour.” Then said the furrier: “Now liest thou like unto a false and ready knave! I bid thee not carry together the wet and the dry, and sleep amid them after this wise!” Then sought the furrier for a stick, and tried to beat Owlglass. But then went Owlglass towards the door to depart thence; and as he went he met the wife of the furrier, and the maid servant, and they would fain have held him. But he said unto them: “Peace be with ye, good friends, let me hasten for a chirurgeon, for my master hath fallen, and his leg hath broken!” Then they let him go, and ran up the stairs unto the master; but he came running down at a great pace, and overthrew the maid and his good wife, and they all stumbled and fell together. Yet our good master had speedily departed, and gotten him thence with all haste.

The Fifty and Eighth Adventure

How that Owlglass on a time, at Berlin, did make wolves

Of a cunning and wily mind are the Swabians, and where they come and find not victual, ye may approve it of a certainty that other folk will starve. Yet are they more lovers of the beer jug, and of drinking, than thoughtful of their labour, so comes it likewise that their business lieth but sadly. Now it happened on a time that at Berlin lived a furrier, and he was in Swabia born, and in his art was he most handy, and had much business, and thereto was rich, with a good workshop, by the which he had gained much, as he served those which held lands, and moneys, and houses, and goodly titles. And it came to pass that one winter season a great and noble prince, with all his court, desired to hunt; and they commanded the furrier to prepare for them not a few wolf skins to wear. Of this was Owlglass told, so he gat him unto the furrier, and besought him that he would give unto him work, that he might have money and food. At that time, also, did the master lack people, and was right glad that Owlglass had come unto him; and he spake unto him, and asked him, if that he would make such wolves. And Owlglass answered: “That he was of the land of Saxony, and knew well how to make them.” Then said the furrier unto him: “Truly art thou well come unto me, and I bid thee stay. And touching the reward of thy pains will we agree, and thou shalt abide with me, and have a good time while that thou stayest.” Owlglass answered and said unto the furrier: “Yea, master, I do bethink me that thou art right honest and true; and I crave nothing so much as that ye shall know me for what manner of man I am, when that ye behold my labour. But I work not in fellowship with other men; but ever alone in mine own company.”

Then did the furrier allot unto Owlglass a small chamber wherein he abode; and he received from the furrier the metage of certain furs, and the wolves’ skins. Then took Owlglass the wolves’ skins as they were, and cut them, and made of them a number of wolves; and these he stuffed full of hay, and gat feet made of sticks, and they stood up in manner as if they lived. And when that he had thus cut up all the furs, and made an end of his labours, he cried aloud to his master: “Ho! master, come hither; truly have I ended my labour, and made the wolves.” And the master answered and said: “Yea, my good man, verily have I yet much labour to do! Be thou diligent, and continue as thou art.” Then turned he about to go thence, and he beheld the wolves standing in the chamber, and he lifted up his voice thereat, and cried aloud in great anger: “What is this that thou hast done! Thou bird of unhappy fortune! what evil hast thou wrought unto me? For this will I have thee cast into gaol, and thou shalt suffer therefor.” Then answered Owlglass and said: “Master, call ye that my reward and my thanks. Ye commanded me that I should make wolves, and wolves have I also made. Had ye but said that I should make wolf furs, then had I understood ye, and also have done it with great joy. In the beginning should ye have explained carefully unto one that is a stranger that which ye would have. And, indeed, had it appeared unto me that I should have gained no greater thanks than that which hath been given me, then would I not have wrought thy work in any wise.” Then departed Owlglass from Berlin, and gat him into the city of Leipzig.

The Fifty and Ninth Adventure

How that Owlglass, being servant unto a great lord, did fetch for him wine and beer together in a most delectable manner

Once again did Owlglass take service with a noble lord, and became unto him body servant. And it fortuned, that this master of his loved good cheer,—the which is a thing not rare among all manner of men,—and especially loved he a cup of generous wine, or a deep draught of good beer.

It came to pass, that on a time Owlglass and his master journeyed together, and lay at an inn. And the day was hot, and they twain were faint, for they had ridden hard. Then spake the lord unto his serving-man Owlglass, and said: “Go thou and find mine host the landlord of this inn, and fetch him unto me.” That did Owlglass on that instant; for well knew he, that when the master drank the man was seldom dry. And his lord spake unto the host, and said unto him: “Lo! we have come far, and the sun hath burned us so that we be dry, and would have some drink.” And the host answered him: “Verily, in all the wide world, and the Duchy of Mecklenburg to boot, is there no such liquor as in my cellar. Therefore have ye come unto the best place to slake your thirst.” Then commanded the master, that Owlglass should depart with the host; and he said unto him: “I know not the which is best, therefore do thou bring me good store of both wine and beer, and bring ye them together.” And Owlglass said: “Yea;” and departed with the host. Then the host meted unto him both of wine and of beer; and Owlglass said unto himself: “If that I faint then loseth my master his good servant; therefore, that I may truly serve him, will I first drink, for peradventure I shall not have strength to bring the liquor unto my lord.” Therefore drank he merrily the half of the wine and the half of the beer, and remembered his lord’s words, that they should be together; therefore mingled he the wine and the beer in one measure, and gave unto his lord to drink. And when that the lord found how delectable was the mixture, he waxed very wroth, and said unto Owlglass: “What is this that thou hast done, and what vile liquor is this?” “Truly, my lord,” quoth honest Owlglass, “it is wine and beer mingled together, as ye enjoined me to bring unto ye.” But his master perceived it was a knavery, and bade Owlglass to depart from his sight; for, of a truth, was his beguiling most evilly done. But sorrowfully departed Owlglass, for he thought that he wrought no harm in doing the thing which was commanded unto him. Indeed, my masters, often times falleth the evil temper of the one upon the other; and for the too exact enactment of the commands of the master is the man chidden.

The Sixtieth Adventure

How that Owlglass for a tanner prepared leather with stools and benches, at the good city of Brunswick on the Dam

Now it fortuned that as Owlglass journeyed from Leipzig, he came unto Brunswick to a tanner there, who made ready the leather for the shoemaker. And it was winter time, and he said unto himself: “Now shalt thou stay the winter through with this tanner.” Then agreed they together, and he hired himself unto him. And after that eight days had gone by, it came to pass that the tanner desired to depart unto a feast, and he commanded Owlglass the while that he should make ready some leather. For he said unto him: “The cauldron of leather prepare ye.” And Owlglass asked him: “What shall I do it with? and where shall I find wood for the fire?” And the tanner answered and said unto him: “Wherefore ask ye such an idle question? If that I had no wood upon the wood-heap, have I yet store of stools and benches enough in the house, with the which thou mayest prepare the leather.” And Owlglass answered: “Yea;” and then departed the tanner. Then did Owlglass take a cauldron, and hung it over the fire, and put one skin of leather after another therein, and boiled the leather until it was so soft that ye might, with two fingers, rend it in twain. And when that Owlglass found this he took a hatchet, and therewith hewed in pieces every stool and bench the which were in the house, and he put them in the fire under the cauldron, and boiled the leather yet more until that he looked therein again, and lo! these stools and benches were all burned up. Then took he the leather out of the cauldron, and put it in a heap, and departed out of the house and the city, and continued his journeying.

But the tanner thought not a jot upon the matter, but ate and drank, and gat him to bed, and slept. Next morning ’gan he to think it was time he should see what labour had been fulfilled of his man; therefore he arose, and went unto the workshop, and found the heap of leather so marred, and neither stool or bench in the place. Then grew he right angry, and went unto his wife, and said unto her: “Behold, I fear our man that we hired was Owlglass, that great knave, cheat, and beguiler; for it is his custom to do everything that is told according to the words spoken unto him. And now hath he departed, and marred me all the leather, and burned me up every stool and bench the which stood in our house.” Then wept his wife, and spake unto him, saying: “Get ye after him with all speed, and bring him back hither.” But the tanner said: “Nay, that will I not do. I have had of him enough.” And perchance was this saying true.

The Sixty and First Adventure

How that Owlglass was groom unto a noble lord, and what knavery he wrought unto his lord’s horse, Rosimond

On a time it fortuned, that with a lord of great wealth and much land, our noble Master Owlglass took service. Now this most noble gentleman, when that he entered into the lord his household, was made to be groom of the horses; and his lord commanded and enjoined him, that he should have a great care of the horses, and in especial he desired Owlglass to dress and tend a horse of a milk-white skin and gentle blood, named Rosimond. And this horse did his lord love better than any other steed; for that it was of a disposition most rare. Yet did Owlglass none the less bethink him of a knavery the which he might do unto this lord; for from a deceitful beguiling could he at no time refrain. But he answered his lord when that he charged him; and spake unto him, saying: “Yea, my good lord and master; all that ye bid me to do will I with great diligence perform.” And therewith departed his lord from him, and rejoiced with great content that he had obtained for himself so excellent a groom.

In no long time thereafter were all the horses put forth into the fields, there to graze, and to exercise themselves after the manner of horses. Then gat Owlglass unto his lord, and stood before him, and said: “Of a truth, master, well know I that of thy horses there is not one that thou lovest so well as thou dost the milk-white steed Rosimond.” And thereto said his master: “Yea.” “Then of that steed,” answered Owlglass, “have I had special care. Yet I fear me, master, that by thy answer unto me, he will not be long to live.” Then said his master: “If that be so, and my beloved steed is not long to live, go thou, my trusty groom, and get ye me his skin, that I may have it.” For Rosimond’s skin was of a most rare beauty. Thereat answered Owlglass: “Yea;” and gat him to the field where Rosimond was grazing, and pursued him. But the horse was very fleet, and fled before Owlglass; and it was eventide ere Owlglass caught him. Then when he had thus caught him, he took a knife and killed Rosimond, and took his skin, and brought it unto his lord. And when that he brought it unto him, he said unto Owlglass: “How cometh this? Verily, the whole day hast thou been away, and surely in a less time than a whole day couldst thou have taken off the skin.” And Owlglass excused himself, saying: “Lo! my good lord, most truly sayest thou that in less than a whole day could I have taken off the skin; yet had I great labour in the matter, for Rosimond fled before me, and was fleet of foot. Now have I brought the skin, as thou didst enjoin me.” Then waxed the master of Owlglass very wroth, and cried aloud unto him: “Thou knave, was not my horse Rosimond dead then? Didst thou kill my horse?” To him quoth Owlglass: “Yea, truly killed I the horse; for so cruel am I not, that I should take the skin off a living horse. For in torture-chambers do they only such things, either unto man or unto beast.” Then wept the lord greatly for his beloved horse; and he would have killed Owlglass, but that Owlglass fled, saying: “I did but according to the words of my master; for I said unto him, that I feared me that the horse would not live any long while; and then commanded he that I should take his skin, the which I have done, and my kind heart hath injured me, in that I did not skin the horse ere I killed it.” Then departed Owlglass in great haste, and came not again into that lord’s house.

The Sixty and Second Adventure

How that Owlglass beguiled the drawer at the town-house cellar of Lübeck, and did for a can of wine give him a can of water

When that Owlglass came unto Lübeck, he took great heed to commit no knavery; for in that town are the folk very strict upon such as beguile or deceive. Therefore was our good master sadly perplexed and unhappy, for that in no wise could he gratify the feelings of his heart and content himself as he was wont to do. And at that time there lived in the town of Lübeck a drawer, named Lamprecht, who kept the cellar at the town house; and he was a man very proud, who believed that no person in Lübeck,—yea, no person in the whole world,—was so wise and so important and so discerning as he. Nor did he at any time think that he might not say it of himself; and when that he said it, he used to add, that one that would beguile him must of a morning rise very early. For this reason were the citizens very wroth with him, and held him as an enemy.

Now when that Owlglass heard of the arrogance of this man, he could no longer keep hidden the knave which he was; and he thought within himself, that he would soon shew that he was an even master in craft and cunning with him. Therefore took he two cans of the same size and form; the one he carried openly in his hand, and it was empty; but the other bare he secretly under his cloak, and it was filled with water. Then departed he unto the wine-cellar, and there had a measure of wine meted unto him, and then deftly took forth the can with water and set it down, and put the wine-can within his cloak. And Owlglass lifted up his voice, and said unto the drawer: “Worshipful master drawer, what costeth this wine?” And he answered, and said unto him: “Truly, it is tenpence the measure.” Then said Owlglass: “The wine is marvellous costly. I have no more than sixpence. Can I have it for that money?” Then waxed the drawer very wroth, and said: “Wilt thou dare to value the wine of my lords the town council? Here have we a fixed sum; and he that liketh not the price, may let the wine stay in the butt.” Therewith taketh he in his wrath the can with the water in it; and Owlglass said unto him: “See thou, an if ye will not have the sixpence, therefore I am content ye shall pour it back.” Then the drawer poured the water into the butt, for he thought that it was the wine; and he said unto him: “What a foolish knave art thou? Thou hast wine meted unto thee, but thou carest not to pay therefor.” Then took Owlglass the empty can, and departed, and said: “Verily do I see that thou art a fool; and there is no one so cunning and wise in this world, that may not by a fool be beguiled. Aye, and that too if he were a drawer!” Then he returned forth from the cellar, and he thought himself safe.

The Sixty and Third Adventure

How that Owlglass ’scaped hanging by his cunning, and would have hanged himself for a crown, yet did not

When that Owlglass came forth into day from the cellar, the drawer, Lamprecht, did bethink him of the words which Owlglass spake, and he ran hastily for a police officer, and they pursued Owlglass, and in no long time took him in the street as he went forward. The officer seized him, and they examined our noble Master Owlglass, and found upon him the two cans, and of them one contained the wine of the which he had beguiled the drawer, and the other was empty. And, O and alas! that the pen of this chronicler should write so sad a thing of the virtuous Master Owlglass!—they held him for a thief, and took him first and carried him and cast him into the city prison, and there lay he. And then assembled the council of the town, and they conferred together touching the offence of Master Owlglass, and it was agreed amongst them that he had committed a grave crime, for the doing and enactment of which it was fitting that he should be hanged up until that he was dead. Yet did some aver that it was nought else but a subtle device and knavery, and that the drawer should have, with more care, avoided the over-reaching with the which he had been visited; so that, indeed, the fault, in so much as it touched Master Owlglass, was but an impudent action. But the many who, with great hatred, hated Master Owlglass, carried it that it was flat robbery, so with their voices outweighed the rest, and he was decreed to die.

And when the day came on the which he should be hanged up, there was a great assembly of people in the city, for my good masters (as in this town of ours in the which this book is imprinted and published), there are ever lying in wait evil and cruel persons who, if it so chance, that they themselves be not in fear of the gallows’ tree, will always hastily run and see another die the death they would not command should be done to their dogs. They came upon horses and on foot, and so great an uproar was there, that at last the council was greatly vexed that they had resolved to put him to death; for in good truth this deed was not sufficient to be worthy of the gallows. And some desired to look upon him to see how so marvellous a man would take his end. Others considered that he was a magician, and with the aid of evil demons would rescue and save himself, and of a truth did all hope that after some wise he would come off alive. But all this time, as he was led forth, remained Owlglass silent and still, and held his peace; and the multitude marvelled, for they thought he would have despaired greatly. And when that he was come unto the gallows’ tree, he opened his mouth and spake, and besought the town council that as he was a dying man, and one that would never again speak, that they would grant unto him one grace, and he would not ask them for his life, nor for money, nor for anything the which should cost them a penny; nay, but that by it he might, in good sooth, save them a sum, and the charges of the town being heavy, it would relieve them.

And then stood the council altogether, and marvelled what this might be; and they conferred together, and agreed that, indeed, they would grant him that he desired, if that it proved not against the things he had himself said unto them. Then spake Owlglass unto the town council, and said: “Indeed, it shall be manifest unto ye that it runneth not counter unto my words. It is but a little matter the which can easily be told unto ye, and give me now your hands, that it may be granted.” Thereat did they according to his words. Then said good Master Owlglass, the prisoner: “Noble and worshipful councillors of Lübeck! I have said unto ye, that for as much as ye have condemned me to death, I should truly suffer death as ye have decreed. But a grievous and heavy debt lieth upon the city, the which every man should strive to lighten according unto his means; and to do this will I also aid as best I may. This day have ye brought me out to be hanged up; but see ye the halter wherewith ye would hang me is a new one, and ye must be at charges therefor unto two crowns. Now, if I say unto ye that I will, an if ye give me a crown, go and fetch an old rope, and therewith hang myself, will ye make no little profit; for my good friend the hangman, will not be at the pains to hang me, and ye will save his fee, and all these men with the which ye guard me, may freely depart unto their homes. Therefore I pray ye that ye will give unto me the money, and at mine ease, when that I have nought else to do, will I hang myself, in good faith, with an old rope.” Then said the chief magistrate: “Of a truth the knave is right, and we would do well to let him do this as he saith.” And they granted his wish, and he departed thence; but in all his life was he never at his ease sufficient to fulfil his saying. But oft he meditated thereupon, intending to do it; yet the best intents are oft not to be discharged.

The Sixty and Fourth Adventure

How that Owlglass, at Helmstadt, caused a great pocket to be made

A knavery did once Owlglass perform with a pocket. For in the town of Helmstadt there lived a pocket-maker, and unto him came Owlglass, and spake unto him, saying: “Wilt thou make for me a great pocket?” Then answered the pocket-maker: “Yea, that will I. How great will thou have it to be?” And Owlglass said unto him: “So that it be great enough I shall be content therewith.” And at that time was it the set fashion to wear great pockets of hair, broad and deep. Then did the pocket-maker make for Owlglass such a great pocket as he would have him to do. And when Owlglass came and looked upon it, he said: “Lo! this pocket is not great enough. This is but a pocket-kin. Make for me one the which shall be large enough. Of a truth will I pay thee well all thy labour.” Then took the pocket-maker the skin of an ox, and made the pocket so great that one might have put a calf of one year old within it, and it would tax one man’s strength to lift it. Thereafter came Owlglass again unto the house of the pocket-maker, and looked upon it, but it liked him not, and again said he: “This pocket is not great enough. If that thou wilt make me a pocket great enough, will I now give thee two crowns on the business.” And the pocket-maker answered him: “Yea;” and took the two crowns, and made another pocket; and thereunto took he three ox-hides, and it was so heavy that two men would have had to bear it upon a frame, and within might ye have put great store of corn. But when Owlglass looked again upon the work of the master, he spake unto him, saying: “Lo! my good master, this pocket is great enough, but the pocket I would crave is not this one; therefore will I not have it. But an if ye would fashion for me such a pocket that when I take from it one penny I shall ever leave therein twain, I would most willingly pay thee for thy labour.” And therewith departed Owlglass, and left the man with his three pockets and the two crowns. Yet in leather had the work cost hard upon ten crowns.

The Sixty and Fifth Adventure

How that Owlglass, at Erfurt, beguiled a butcher

When that Owlglass came unto the town of Erfurt, he forgat not to work some piece of knavery. And soon was he well-known of the students and townsfolk. One day he was going through the market-place, over against a butcher’s shop, and the butcher cried aloud unto him that he should buy somewhat of him that he might carry it home. Then answered Owlglass unto the butcher, and said unto him: “What wilt thou that I shall take with me?” And the butcher said: “What shalt thou take, sayest thou? Why, truly, a good piece of beef!” Then said Owlglass: “Yea,” and took such a piece and departed. Then ran the butcher, and pursued him, and said unto him: “Nay; but do thou now pay me for this meat!” Thereat spake Owlglass unto him, saying: “Of money didst thou say nothing at all unto me. Thou didst say unto me with great kindness and courtesy, that I should take something, and when I asked thee what it should be, thou didst single out the beef; and that took I. And I can, by thy neighbours, prove that it was after that wise that thou gavest unto me the beef.” Then came the other butchers, neighbours of the one who had controversy with Owlglass, and they confirmed our noble master from hatred of their neighbour, and said: “Yea, that it was as the butcher had said unto the young man.” For when that folk came to buy in the shambles, this butcher would always cry aloud unto the customers that they should buy always of him. Therefore did the neighbours help good Master Owlglass unto his piece of beef. And while that the butcher was arguing and contending with anger and strife on this matter, Owlglass put the beef within his cloak and departed; thus left he them to contend together as long as it delighted them.

The Sixty and Sixth Adventure

Telleth how that good Master Owlglass again beguiled the butcher at Erfurt, by pleasing him with a most grateful jingle

In less than a week after, came Owlglass again unto the shambles. And the same butcher spake once more to Owlglass, and mocked him, and said: “Come hither again, and for thyself get a piece of beef.” And unto such comforting words answered Owlglass: “Yea;” and would have taken a good piece of meat; but the butcher in haste took hold of his meat, and kept it. Then said Owlglass unto him: “Bide a while, and let the meat lie; I will pay thee for it.” And the butcher laid the meat again upon the bench. Then said Owlglass unto him: “Hear me what I say. If that I speak such a word unto thee as shall content thee, will that be payment for this meat, and I will not touch it in any wise?” And the butcher said: “Lo! thou mightest say words unto me that would content me most greatly, or words that would not agree; yet if thou sayest such words as shall be pleasant, then canst thou take the meat.” Then spoke Owlglass after this wise:

“Be merry this day, and drink good wine;
Thy meat will be paid for,—the money thine.”

“Truly this is a brave saying,” said the butcher; “but I would rather have the doing. This likes me not. Say on.” Thereat spake Owlglass once more:

“The good wife scolds nor prates to-day;
Be happy therefore whilst thou may.”

“Nay, nay,” said the butcher; “how can that be when that I have no wife. Thy saying likes me not. Say on.” Then laughed Owlglass, and said:

“The butcher best likes to be paid,