Here beginneht a merry Iest of a man that was called Howleglas, and of many sulphuroous things and jests that he did in his life, in Eastlande and in many other places.  
 woodcut of two men (one with pitchfork and bare head, one hooded) standing before a seated monarch   

FOr the great desiring and praying of my good frandes. And I the first writer of this book might not deny thē. Thus haue I compled& gathered much knauyshnes& falseness of one Howleglas made and done within his life, which Howleglas dyed the year of our lord God. M. CCCC.&. L. now I desire to be pardonned both before ghostly& worldly, afore high& low afore noble and unnoble. And right lowly I require all those that shall read or hear this present jest( my ignorance to excuse.) This fable is not but only to renew the mindes of men or women, of all degrees from the use of sadness to pass the time, with laughter or mirth, And for because the simplo knowing persons should beware if folkes can see. Me think it is better no pass the time with such a merry jest and laugh there at and do no sin: than for to weep and do sin,   

¶ Howe Howleglas as he was born, was christened three times vpon one day.  
YN the land of Sassen, in the village of Ruelnige, there dwelleth a man that was name Hicholas Nowleglas that had a wife name Wypeke, that lay a childbed in the same wyllage: and that child was born to christening& name Tyell Howleglas. And than the child was brought into a tavern where the father was with his gosseppes and made good cheer when the mydwife had well drunk, she took the child to bear it home, and in the wai was a little bridge over a muddy water. And as the mydwife would haue gone over the little bridge, she fel into the mud with the child, for she had a little drunk to much wine, for had not help come quickly the had both be drowned in the mud. And when the came home with the child, the made a kettle of warm water to be made ready& therf they washed the child clen of the mud. And this was Howleglas three times in one day cristened Once at the church, once in the mud,& once in the warm water  

¶ Howe that Howleglas when that he was a child, answered a man that asked the way.  
VPon a tīe went Howleglas father& mother out& left Howleglas within the house Than cāe ther a man riding half into the door& asked is there nobody within? than answered the child yes ther is a man& a half,& a horse head. Than asked the man where is thy father? And the child answered& said, my father is of yl, making worse: And my mother is gone for scath or shane And the man said to the child, how understandest thou that?& than the child said: My father is making of yl worse, for he ploweth the field and maketh great holes that men should fall therein when the ride And my mother is to borrow bread, and when she giveth it again and gyuete less it is shane, and when she giveth it& giveth more that is scathe. Than said the man which is the way to ride? and the child answered and said there where the geese go, and than road the man his way to the geese and when he came to the geese the flew into the water, than wist he not where to rid but turned again to the child and said the geese be flown into the water, and thus wot I not what to do nor whether to ride Than answered the child ye must ride where as the geese go, and not where the swyme. Than departed the man and road his way& marueyled of the answer of the child.   

¶ Howe Howleglas sat vpon his fathers horse behind him.  
MAny great complaints cāe before the father of Howleglas, how his sone was a deceuer of folkes, and a great mocker. This complaint was made on him when he could go, and when he lay in the cradle, he tumbled vpon the quisshins with his arse upward, and when he came to the age of nine year old: he let no vngraciousnes scape fro him, in so much that all the neighbours complained on him. Than said his father to him howe cometh this that the people complaineth so to me, they say that ye be a mocker& a deceiver? Than said Howleglas good father I do nobody harm and that shall I show unto you. Take a horse and go vpon his back and I will ride behind you than you shal see what the people will say to me and than light his father vpon his horse and took his soon behind him, and when he was vpon the horse he shewed the people his arse. Than said the folk what ungracious knave and beguiler is that? Than said Howleglas to his father now may ye hear, I hold my peace and speak never a word, and yet say the that I am a knave and a deceiver of folk. And than his father took him and set him before him on the horse, and than began he to grin& put out his tongue vpon the people that his father saw not,& than the people said see what a cursed young knave is there. Than said his father to Howleglas, thou was born in an unhappy time, for now thou sittest before me& dost no body harm:& yet for al that they do call the a knave and a begiler. And so departed Houleglas father out of the land of maid a brochim a village from thence where his wife was,& within short space dyed And than abid Howleglas mother with him, and eat and drank together such as the might get, for she was but poor,& Howleglas would go to no craft but when he was sixteen year old he began to dance vpon a cord, and no otherwise.   

¶ Howe Howleglas fell fro the rope into the water whereof the people had good sport.  
VPon a time Howleglas played vpon the cord that was set over the water, where he made good sport, but at the last there was one that cut the rope, so fell he into the water& wans all to wet,& he came out as well as he might, for the little spite he thought to quite thē again. And said to thē come again to morrow and I will do many more wondres vpon the rope. And the next day after came Howleglas and danced vpon the cord, and than he said to the young folk ye shall see what news I can do. give me every body your right show vpon the rope end so they did, and the old men also. And when he had danced a while he cast them their shone vpon a heap and bad them take their shone each of them a gain. Than ran they after their shoene and for hast one tumbled over the other, and than the began to ly together by the ears, and smite with their fystes so hard that the fell both to the earth. One said weeping this is my sho, and the other laughed and cried that is my show. And thus for their shoene lay they together by the ears. Than began Howleglas to laugh, crying seek your shoene: eesterday ye bathed me, and he lept fro the cord and went his way to his mothers,& durst not come out again in the space of a month. And so he tarried with his mother, whereof his mother was glad but she knew not the cause why he did with her, nor what he had done.   

¶ Howe Howlglas mother learned him and bad him go to a craft.  
Wybeke the mother of Howleglas was glad that her son Howleglas was so sottele and wise,& she said that he might not live so and get moni as therwith. And than she said to her son that he should learn a craft. And than answered Howleglas to his mother, what thing it that that a body should dispose himself to, that should abid by him al his life And his mother answered clene contrary& said that me also thinketh for in .iii. daies I haue had no bread in my house should I not abid& suffer al my life? I had lever die. Than said Howleglas this is not an answer to my question, but I will answer now to yours,& said. A poor man that hath nothing to eat he must fast saint Nycholas day, and he that hath meate may eat on saint Martins even. And in likewise it is with you.   

¶ Howe Howleglas got bread for. his mother.  
AS Howleglas mother was thus without bread than be thought howleglas how he might best get bread for her. Than went he out of the village to a town thereby called stafforde,& went into a bakers house, where he asked the baker if he would sand his lord for. iii.s. bread. some whit and some rye,& he name a lord that was of an other land, but he at that time was lodged at an inn in the town,& bad the baker let one go with him& that he should haue his money& the baker was content. And than Howleglas gave the baker a bag that had a hole in the bottom,& therein put he the bread& so departed with the bakers lad& when he was in an other street he let fall .iii. white loues at the hole in the dirt. And than bad howleglas to the bakers servant sete down the bag& go fetch me other white bread for this, for I dare not bear it to my lord. And than went the bakers servant home to change the bread, and in the mean while went Howleglas with the sack of bread home to his mothers. And when the bakers servant came again to the place and found not Howleglas, he returned home again&  told his master how Howleglas had served him. A than the baker heard that Howleglas was gon his way with his bread: than ran the baker to the inn that Howleglas name him,& asked the servants of the lords for Howleglas, but the said ther came none such,& than knew the baker that he was deceived& so returned home. Than said Howleglas to his mother, eat and make merry now you haue it& when you haue nomore ye must fast.   

¶ Howe Howleglas creeped into a bae hive,& howe he was stolen in the night  
upon a time went Howleglas with his mother to the didecagion of the church. And there he dranke so much that he was drunken,& than went he into a garden thereby, where stood many bee hives& ther he sought where he might haue a place to sleep in,& at the last he found an empty bee hive, wherein he put himself to sleep for that night. Than came therein the ded of the night, two thieves for to steal a way the hives, and they felt which of the hives was heuiest, for they thought therein was most hony, so at the last they felt the heavy that Howleglas was in and than said the thief too his fellow here is on that is very heavy this will I haue, take thou another& let us go. Than took they the bee hives on ther necks& departed. Than awoke Howleglas& herd al what the said, And it was so dark that the one knew not the other Than put Howleglas his hand out of the hive, and pulled the foremost by the hear where with he was angry and saede to his lelowe behind him, Why pullest thou me by the here? And than he answered. I pull thee by the here& I haue as much as I can do to bear my hive, And within a while after he pulled the hyndermoste by the here that was right angry and said, I bear so heui that I sweet, and for al that thou pullest me by the hery? Thou andswered thee for most thou liest, how should I pluck thee by the here and I can scantly finde my way, and thus went the chydyng by the way and as they were chiding: Howleglas put out his hand again& puled the foremoste by the here, whereof he was angry and set down his hive and took his fellow by the head,& thus they tumbled together by the here in the street and at the last when the one had well beaten the other, the ran their way and left the hives lying. and than slept Howleglas in the be hive till in the morning, and than he arose and went forth, and as he went he came by a castle and went in, and the lord asked him if he would haue a master and he said yes, and than the lord hired him and vpon a time he road with his master bi the way where stood hemp. Than said his master to him when thou findest such seed shit therein, for there with men be hanged vpon the gallows, and vpon the wheels, both thieves and morderers. Than answered Howleglas that he would do it and his master said so because that he was a thief, and in the night went a robbing and a steling for he lived almost thereby. On a time as his master was at supper the cook called Howleglas and bad him go into the seller& fetch him the mustard out of the pot. And than went Howleglas& he understood that the cook bad him go fetch a hempen rope. Than marueyled he what he ment for he never saw none afore. Than thought he, will he bind 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 remembered him& said, my maester bad me that where I found any such seed that I should shit therein, and than he put his arse over the pot, and shut therein a great heap, and than he stirred it about together and brought it to the cook and than he cook dressed the mustard in saucers and sand them to the table and the lord tasted, and it savoured il than said he to the cook what haue you ground in the mustard, for it sauerethe like as there were a turd therein? And than began Howleglas to laugh, than said his master whereat laughest thou? thynkeste thou we con not taste? than taste thou. And than answered Howleglas I eat no mustard, for wote you not what ye bad me do when that werode over such seed, that when I found such seed you that than I should shit in it for with such seed you said men were hanged: and so haue I shytten in the seed. Than said his master, a thou unhappy knave this seed is not like the seed of hemp: but I know this by very good reason that thou hast dōe it of cursednes& great falseness, and than he took a staff and would haue smyted Howleglas. And than Howleglas took his legs and ran away,& his master after him, but he could not over take him. Than he returned home again and Howleglas would no more come there.   

¶ How Howleglas was hered of a priest.  
AS Howleglas ran out of the castle, he cam to a village that was called Buddest in the land of Brounswike. And ther came a priest to Howleglas and hired him, but he knew him not:& the priest said to him that he should haue good dayes and eat and drink the same meate that he himself& his woman did. and al that should be done with half the labour& than said Howleglas that there after would he do his diligence. Then dressed the priestes woman to chikins and she bad Howleglas turn and so he did, and he looked up and saw that she had but one iye, that when the chikins were enough: than he broke one of the chikyns fro the spit, and eat it with out any bread, and when it was dener time, came the woman into the kechin where Howleglas turned,& thought to take up the chikyns: and when she was come, she found nomore there but one chikyn. Than said she to Howleglas, where is the other chikyn? there were two chyckins than answered he to her, lift up 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,& when she came to take thē up shee found but one,& than he mocked me because I had but one iye: than went the priest to Howleglas,& said whi mock ye my woman: there was .ii. chikyns? than answered 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& said she cannot se she hath but one iye: than said Howleglas to the priest, the on chykin haue I eaten, for ye said that I should eat and drink as well as you and your woman, and the one I eat for you, and the other I eat for your woman for I was afraid that you should haue sinned, for the promise that ye promised me,& therfore I made measure Than said the priest I care not for the chikens but I would haue you please my woman and do after her. Then said Howleglas I do your commandment and that the woman bad him do, he did but half for she bad him fetch a boket of water,& he went& brought it but half full of water,& when he should bring two loogges he brought but one,& when he should give the beasts two botels of hay, he haue thē but one,& when he should fetch a pot full of bear, he brought it half full,& so did he of many other things mo. Than complained she to the prest of Howleglas again than said the priest. I bad that you should do as she bad you and Howleglas answered I haue done as ye had me for ye said to me that I should do al thing with half labour And your woman would fain see with both iyes: but she seeth but with one iye and so do I half the labour& than the priest laughed: and than said the woman, will you haue this ungracious knave am longer: than will not I tarry no leuger with you but depart. Than gave the priest Howleglas leave to depart for his womans sake, but when the parish clerk was dead of the village, than sent the priest for Howleglas,& holy hyme so much that that he was made the parish clerk   

¶ Howe Howleglas was made clerk of Buddenestde,  
AS Howleglas was clerk of the church, he should help the priest to sing mass, and as he stood afore the alter with the priest, the priest let a great fart that al the church range therof. Than said Howleglas sir person what offer you there, our lord for frankincense? Than answered the person, what hast thou to do there with? for I haue the power to shit in the mids of the church, and I will. Than said Howleglas I hold a barrel of bear that you shal not shit in the middle therof. Than said the pryest I hold you, think you that I am not so hardy nor bold to do that? Than turned the person him about and went and shit in the church a great heap and said clerk I haue won the barrel of bear, than siyd Howleglas that ye haue not, for we will first meet whether it be in the mids of the church or not And than they met it, and it lacked of the middle more than vi. foot, and than wan Howleglas the barrel of bear, werof the priestes leman was angry,& said you will keep this ungracious knave so long with you that at the last he will shane you. And than in the mean season while Howleglas was parish clerk, at Easter they should play the resurrection of our lord,& for because than the mean were not learned nor could not red, the priest took his leman and put her in the grave for an angel, and this seing Howleglas took to him, ii. of the symplest persons that were in the town that played the .iii. maries, and the person played christ, with a banner in his hand, than said Howleglas to the simple persons, when the angel asketh you whom you seek. you may say the pa●●●●●●eman with one iye. Than it fortuned that the time was come that they must play& the angel asked them whom they sought& than said they as Howleglas had shewed& learned them afore.& than answered they, we seek the priests leman with one iye: and than the priest might hear that he was mocked. And when the priestes leman herd that, she arose out of the grave and would haue smitten with her fist Howleglas vpon the cheek. but she missed him& smote one of the simplo parsons that played one of the three maries,& he gave her another,& than took she him by the hear,& that seing his wife: came running hastily to smite the priest leaman, and than the priest seing this: cast down his banner, and went to help his woman, so that the one gave the other sore stroke and made great noise in the church And than Howleglas seeing them lying to gether by the ears in the body of the church, went his way out of the village and came no more there.   

¶ Howe that Howleglas would flee fro the town house of Meybrough.  
AFter that cāe Howleglas to Maybrough where he did many marueyleous things that his name was there well known. Than bad the principal of the town, that he should do some thing that was never sene before: Than said he that he would go to the highest of the counsel house, 〈◇〉 ye fro it, and anon that was known through all the town that Howleglas woul fly fro the tope of the council house, in somuche that all the town was ther assembled& gathered in the market place to see him. Vpon the top of the house stod howleglas with his hands wavering as though he would haue flyen 〈◇〉 ●●an the people looked when he should haue flyed: whereat he laughed, and said to the people: I thought there had been no more fools but myself? but I se well that her is a hole town full. For had ye altogether said that ye would haue fliē: yet I would not haue believed you. And now ye believe one fore that saith that he will fly which thing is unpossible for I haue no wings,& no man can fly without wings. And than went he his way fro the top of the counsel house& left the folk there standing. And than departed the folk fro thence some blaming him& some laughing saying he is a shrewd fool for he telleth us the truth.   

¶ How Howleglas made himself a phecision. and how he beguiled a doctor of the Byshopps of Mayborough.  
THe byshope Eryme of Mayborough, earl of Quecforthe& all his nobles loved Howleglas, for that he did many proper conceits, and therfore the Bys●hoppe gave him meate and drink, cloth, and wages. The bishop had a right wise doctor with him and he in no wise might here norse no foles. So vpon a time as he saw Howleglas there, he said to the bishop and the lords men, you should let come in lords courts wise men, and no fools: for the wise men, will be conversant with wise men and give wise reasons. And fools will be conversant with fools, and give foolish reasons. And than answered they and said that reason is false, for he that foolishness will not here nor see, he may well depart from them. There bee also that think themself wise that been often thames defiled of fools, it belongs to princes, lords, and barons, to haue in their courts fools: for oftentimes they drive a wai heavy thoughts and fantasies and melancholy. Where lords be, there will be also fools. Than said Howleglas to the lords, what argument haue you had with the doctor for my sake? forsooth he shal be quit& you will help me thereto: and they said all yes. Than departed he out of the court by the space of .iii. weeks, and than came a gain to Genckestayne, and than he came to the lodging there where the doctor lay and was sick for the which likeness he sought for help: Than said the lords, that there was come a running man and a master of Phisecke that had helped many people. The doctor knew not Howleglas. and than he took him by the arm and led him into his lodging where he spake to him& said, and ye can help me, I shall content you well for your labour: Than aunswred he I trust to help you, but first I must lie by you one night, that I may cover you well that you may sweet, and by the air of the sweet, I shall well know what sickness it is that you haue. And than the priest weening that al had been true: granted to him and than gave Howleglas to him a strong purgation for to make him shit, but he said to the doctor that it was a medicī to meek him to sweat, and the doctor believed him. And than went Howeleglas into the garden, and there stood a pot, the which Howleglas took and shit in, and he took the pot& put it between the bed and the wall of the doctor, that the doctor knew it not, and the doctor went a fore to bed,& than came Howleglas to bede, and the priest turned him to the wall where the pot stood, and then he felt such a stink of the dirt that stood in the pot, so that he turned his head a gain toward Hawleglas, than let Howleglas a great stinking fart, and than turned the doctor a gain toward the wall. and than stank the dirt in the pot,& thus suffered the doctor the stink half the night that him thought his heart did break and than began the medicine to work so much that he be shut al the bed, than said Rowlegias how do ye master doctor? me think your sweet stinkethe very sore the doctor thought in his mind that know 〈◇〉 I well enough but he might not speak because of the stink. Than said Howleglas I will go fetch you a candle,& se how it is with you, and as he rose he let a great fart Than said the doctor, alas I die. But he thanked God that Howleglas was gone: that he might haue some air. Than began the day to appear,& so departed Howleglas his way. And than looked the doctor by the beds side: and ther found the pot of dirt that stank so, and than took he it and cast it a wai, and than knew he well that he was mocked. And within a while came the bishop& his nobles to viset the doctor, and when the came to his chamber, the asked him howe he fared and he answered and said never worse. For I am all most dead. Than he told the beshop how the master of physic had served him and than began the bishop to laugh and all his lords And said this cometh to pass all after your words. For ye said that fools would haue couersacion with fools: and give foolish reasons, and wise men would haue conversation with wise men:& give wise reasons. But I se that many wise: be made fools of fools,& so be you: For if that ye would haue suffered howleglas and said nothing: ye had not be mocked of him. For the physician that was with you was Howleglas, and that we all knew well enough. But in no wise we would show you: for because ye were so wise that he should be beguiled of a fool. For ther is no man that is wise, but he must know fools, for where no fools be, how should men know wise folk? And than the doctor held his peace and spake no more, and than never after durst he complaī more of fools, but let them do all that they would after their own mind.   

How Howleglas made a sick child shit that a fore might not shit, and howe he got great worship therof and praise.  
MEn let alone, and take no hede of cunning men that dwell bi thē: but proffer thē a little or nought for ther labour, nor be beloved: but rural persons,& vagabonds haue all their desire. As it is don to Howleglas, that came into the land of Hyldeshe, in a lodging where the good man was not at home, but Howlegias was welcome to the good wife of the house. In the house there was a sick child lying by the fire. And than Howleglas seing the child lie so: he asked his hostise, what sickness that the child had? Than answered the woman to Howleglas& said, if the child might go to the draft: he should do well enough. And than answered Howleglas thereto, know you no remedy than answered the Woman? Can ye help the child?& ye can: I shall give you that ye shall be pleased therwith. Than answered Howleglas, that is but a little thing to do, nor no cunning. For I will take no thing therfore. And so departed the wife into the garden, and in the mean while: did Howleglas shit a grean turd,& than set he the shyting chair over the turd, and set the child thereon, as though the child 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 said that the child could not go to the draft, therfore I haue set the child in the chair. Than took the woman the child away, and saw so much dirt vnderneth. Than said she to Howleglas, this is it that hath hindered the child so long for this great cure ye must haue great thank therof Than said Howleglas such mastery can I do with less cost. Than said the woman I pray you larne me that cunning and I will give you there for what you will haue. Than said Howleglas. I must needs depart from hence, but when I come a gain I will learn you that science and learning and then went he into the stable and saddled his horse and took his leave and so departed from thence. But he taught not his hostes that science: but so departed.   

¶ How Howleglas made hole al the sick folk, that were in the hospital, where the spear of our lord is  
VPon a time Howleglas came to Northeborough, and he set vpon the church doors,& vpon. the Guyld hall,& every place that all the people in that town might know that he was a great master of physic: That al sick he could make hol And than the master of the spytle house, where the sper of our lord is: had many sick folkes in his house than went the master of the hospital to Howleglans& asked him, yf he could help sick men, or lame men and make them hole?& he would reward him after his own pleasure. Than answered howleglas to the master of the hospital, will ye give me .cc. gold guile dens, and I shal recover and make thē hole of all the sickness,& deases, and will haue no money till all the sick persons be delivered out of the hospital. These words pleased the master of the hospital veri well. And he gave him some money in his hand. Vpon. the morrow after came howleglas to the hospital with .ii. men after him,& than he asked the sick folk, on after the other, what disease they had, anb when he had asked them all than he made thē swear vpon a book that they should keep his counsel whatsoever he said to them. They answered that they would, than said Howleglas to them, I haue undertaken to make you all hole which is unpossible, but I must needs bren one of you all to powder. And than must I take they powder of him:& give all the other to drink therof, with other medicines that i shall minister thereto And he that is the last, when I shal call you out of the hospital, and he that can not go: shal be he that shal be burned. For on wednesday next coming. than shall I come before the master of the hospital, and than shall I call and he that sleepeth longest shall pay for al than prepared every one of the sick folk their crutches,& gear that thy would eot be the last. And when Howleglas was come to the maisters of the hospital: than called he thē,& than they ran out of the hospital,& some of them had not been out of their bed in .x. year before. than when the sick folk were out of the hospital. than asked he his money,& than the master gave it him& than he departed. And within .iii. daies after came again the poor men to they hospital:& complained of ther sickness,& than the master of the hospital said to them, how cometh this to pass? I gave the master of phisik a great sum of money to make you hole. than answered the poor folk, he hath deceived you and us both, for four dayes past he came to every one of us, and said to us that he should come on wednisday next coming and heal us, but he said he must needs first bren on of us, and said that should be he that when he should call, should be the last out of his bed, and the powder of him should they drink& be made hole therwith. than knew the master of the hospital that he was deceived and beguiled, and than took he the poor folk into the hospital and put every one in their bed as the were before but he did all a 'gainst his will.   

¶ How that a baker hired Howleglas to be his servant.  
VPon a time came Howleglas to a baker for to dwell, and the baker had ned of a seruant and than he hired Howleglas. In the next morning after, must the baker bake: so the night before must Howleglas syft they meal without a candle. Than said he to his master, ye must give me a candle. Than answered the baker I never gave a candle to bolt with but the did bolt in the mone light. Than answered Howleglas I am content, than went his master to bed to sleep .iii. houres, and in the mean while, let he the bulting bag out of the window in the mone shine and than began he to bolt the flower vpon the earth in the garden. Than arose his master and thought to haue baken: and came to the bolting house, and than he saw that Howleglas, had bolted the meal in they garden vpon the bare ground. Than said the baker to Howleglas, what the devil dost thou think, the meal cost no more but strawing vpon the earth? than answered Bowleglas to his master. I haue done as ye bad me: for it is bolted in the mone shine. Than answered the baker. I bad thee that thou shouldst boulte it by the move shine:& than answered Howleglas, so I haue done, for it is syfted in the mone shine, and without the mone shine. And than said howleglas. There is not much meal lost, but that we may take it up a gain. And than answered the baker it is to late now for to bake, for our dowe is not made.  
Than answered Howleglas to his master& said, I shall help you well. your neighbour hath dowe redy made in the kneding through,& I will go fetch that:& put yours in the stede. Than was the baker much angry and bad hem to the gallows& fetch that was under it, and than said Howleglas he would,& than he departed to the gallows,& when he came there: he found nothing else but a few bones& those he took up& brought home with him. And than said to his master, I haue brought that that I haue found under the gallows what will ye do wit it? Than was the baker more angry& said. I shall complain on the, thou hast stolen away the kings iustice. than went out to the market& Howleglas followed& than came the baker to the burgess of the town,& began to complain. And than came Howleglas& stood by the baker,& therwith was they baker so angry that he wist not what to say to the burgess and said angrily to Howleglas, what wilt thou haue? than said Howleglas I must needs se the complaint that ye make on me. than answered the baker, go out of mi sight thou ungracious knave, than aunswred Howleglas to they baker, if I were in thy iyes, than must I needs pass through thy nose thrills when thou shyttest thi iyes. than departed the burgess.& knew well that he mocked. And than shewed Howleglas his arse to the baker, and asked him if he could bake such a loaf in his mouth. A than departed he& left the baker standing in the market place.   

¶ How howleglas was put in wages with the foster of anhalte, for to watch vpon a tour, to se when his enemies came: and than for to blow an horn to warn them therof.  
upon a time the earl of Anholte hired for a true wayther Holeglas, for he had many enemies& for that cause he must haue many souldiers in wages that he must give meate to. But Howleglas that was in the top of the tour, was not of the meriest, for the was forget. Wpon a time cam his enemies,& fetched a way a great flock of the earls beasts,& that saw Howleglas. but he held his peace:& that was spied and shewed to the earl. And than the earl asked him, why he did lie so still& blew not. Than answered Hdwleglas, I did dance for my meate. Than said the earl. will ye not blow enemies. Than answered Howleglas I dare not, the field is so full of enemies. For if I should blow: they would come& slay you at your own gate. And than the earl was content& departed And within a while after was Howleglas again forgotten, And when the earl was at dinner and had gread daintes before him: Howleglas blewe enemies. And by& by the earl& al his souldiers rose fro the table& dressed thē in harness& ran to the gate, but they found no enemies, In the mean while took howleglas as much meate as he would haue fro the earls table. Than the souldiers and the earl came in& called Howleglas to them,& the earl asked him why he blewe enemies& there were none. the earl said it was a traitorous dede,& than he put him out of office. Than must he needs run with his footmen to sight with their enemies, than said he that for thinketh me. I would I were hence but he could not Vpā a time came enemies than went the souldiers out vpon them, and Howleglas was last: and when they returned again he was the first in at the gate, at the last the earl had knowledge 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 earl. worshipful lord if it please you, when your soldiers made good there: I stood vpon the tower fasting and therfore I am not so strong as your souldiers be, and that is cause that I am last out: and the first in. And you will give me meate enough as ye do the other, than shall I be the first. Than answered the earl, thinkest thou that I will keep the so long as I haue kept the, to do nothing but mock us in this maner, as ye haue done so often? Than gave he Howleglas leave to depart, whereof he was very glad, for he loved no fighting: and so departed he.   

¶ How Howleglas when the kings fool of Casmery of Poseyn with a great point of foolishness.  
THe king of Casmer he had with him a certain fool, which fool could play vpon the fedle, wherefore the king loved him much& set great price by him. Also the king hard oftentimes tell of Howleglas: but he never could se him. And on a time it fortuned that howleglas came in to the kings palace for to ask dwelling, whereof when that the king wist that Howleglas was come there to dwell: he was very glad therof, and took him in, and made him goodly there. So it fortuned that the kings fool and Howleglas could not agree, and that spied the king well, and thought in his mind what shal I do? and than he made thē both to be brought before him in the hall and than he said to them. which of you two can the most foolyshnes? And one of you do that the other will not do: I shall give him new clothing, and .xx. ducats 〈◇〉 he had done to them: for that he was welcome to no place that he came to where he had be much made of before all in his youth, Than bethought Howleglas in what maner he might get money with little labour. Than went Howleglas& got him a priestes gown,& dressed him like a scolar. Than went he in to a certain churchyard where he found a dead mans head, and than he took the bead up,& made it clean And when it was clean he bare it to a sertayn goldsmythe, and bad him that he should band the head with silver bands,& he said that he would content him,& so he did, Ind when it was done: he contented the goldsmith,& than departed he to a village nere ther by where it was the dedication day. And than came he to the person of the church& saluted him, and than he  told him that he had a relyke,& he prayed the curate that he wolud do so much for him: that he would show it unto the parish, that they might offer to it. And he said to the person that he should haue the one half of the offering. And than the person moved with covetise: granted to him, for he was glad to get money. Than told he to the people of his parish. This man that here standeth hath brought a precious relic, he that offerth thereto hath great pardon, He shall come into the pulpit and declare it unto you. Than went Howleglas into the pulpit,& 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 should build a church over him and that the mone that the church should be bilded with, should be well gotten. And when the men and the women should come offer: than said Howleglas to the women. Al those that haue made their husbands cuckonlde should sit still and come not to offer, for the head bad him that I should not receive the offering,& than he came down out of the pulpit,& when he was come down, than came the poor men& ther wives& offered to the head. And ther was not on woman but she offered because that he had said so, and he gave them the blessing with the head, and there were some that had no money, and they offered there rings, and some of thē offered twice or thrice, because that would be sene, and they that were gilti presed first. And thus received he the offering both of the good& of the ill, so that he had got a great some of money by that said practise. And when they had all offered, and that ther was no more that came: than he said to them. All ye men and women that here hath come, and offered to this head be honest and good and more over I charge you on pain of cursing, that there be not on of you that the other slaundar or backbite, for if you had not been good& honest: I should not haue received your offering. And when the poor men of they country hearing Howleglas speak in this maner, they believed him. And when the mass was done, than came the parson to Howleglas and said to him, that he should give to him half of the offering. And than divided Howleglas the offering, and gave the person a parte therof, that the parson was well content therewith And than departed Howleglas from the person, and than the women ther a 'bout were veri glad of Howleglas& made much of him. So abode he long with them and spent none of his money, in such maner cold he cloak and hide his unhappiness and falseness.   

¶ How Howleglas came to the town of Banberch and how he did eat for money.  
upon a time came Howleglas from Norenborough to banberce, where he entred in to a lodging, where was a merry hostise, she had Howleglas often times welcome, for she saw by his clothinge that he was a merry gest. And as dinner 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 twelve penny table. Than answered Howleglas and said, to his hostice, I am but a poor man. I pray you for gods sake to give me my dinner. Than said the hostise, the baker and the butcher, will not be so paid. And therfore must I haue moni, for there is none in my house, but they eat and drink all for money. Than answered Howleglas, For money do men eat and drink in good faith so will I? Than answered the woman to him. What table will you be at? For at the lords table they give me no less than to shylinges, and at the merchants table .xvi. pence, and at my household servants give me twelve pence. Than answered Howlealas to his hostyse. Sythe I must needs eat and pai money, than give me the best meate that you haue, And than he set him down at the lords table. And than his hostise brought to the table, the best meat.& drink that she had, and she had him make good cher, she said oft much good do it you gentel sir. And howleglas thanked his hostise many times. He eat& dranke& made him well at ease. And he eat so much of the good meat that he sweat again. when that he had made him well at ease,& eaten and drunken al that he would: than bad he his hostise too avoyde the table, for he said he must depart from thence. And right shortly at his commaundmente the table was avoyded. And so he arose and stood by the fire,& when he was thorough warm he took his leave with his hostyce,& would haue departed. That seeing the hostyss: took him by the sleue,& bad him to give her .ii. shillings for his dinner. Than answered he god thank you, for you haue remembered me, I must haue two shillings of you. For you said to me, that there came no maner of persons within your house, but that the eat for money. And when you had told me that: I sat me down& said, I would do the same. And I ate so much that I sweet again, and therfore you give money. Than said his hostise, must I give the money to eat my meat& drink my drink such gestes I may haue great plenty. Pay me mi moni shortly, for the bakers and bruers, will not be so answered Than answered Howleglas to his hostise, give me my money, for thinkest thou that I will eat so much and labour myself so fore as I did, not to be paid for mi labour? yet I had much lever never to haue sene the nor thy house, For I haue eaten so much for money, that mi belly, is like to burst, would you that I should haue such great labour& not to paid there fore? I haue other things to do, than to stand chatting here with the: and therfore come of lightly& give me my money, and let me be gone, for I haue right well deserved it. Than said his hostise to him. sir you haue eaten my meate, and dronken mi drink, and bi my fire, you haue had your ease, and all at your own desire, wherefore I pray you to give me money. And he answered right angrily. would thou haue me to pay money, and I did eat therefore, they which is to my great harm? Than she answered to Howleglas, if your eating do you harm, I am not the cause therof but your eating is to my loss, not onely that I haue lost more than that cometh to. And than she said depart thou fro my house and never after this that thou be so bold once to enter within my doors. Than said Howlegas, will you on your conscience take mi labour for nothing: 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 delivered of him.   

¶ Howe Howleglas went to Rome to speak with the Pope.  
THan when Howleglas had long occupied his falseness: than he remembered this old proverb. I will to Rome mi manners to amend:& home againe my life for to end. And than departed he too Rome, where he shewed parte of his vngraciousnes,& when he came to Rome, he lodged with a widow and they widow did oft behold him in the face and because he was a fair young man: she saed oftentimes, sir you be right well come. Good sir she said from whence be you? I am of Sasson: and my coming hither is for to speak with the Pope. Than answered she to Howleglas good friend you may see him: but you shal not speak with him. For I that am born in Rome, would haue give an. C. ducats to speak to him, but I could never speak to him. Than said Howleglas. Hostyse will you give an. C. ducats: and I shall bring you to to the speech of the pope? And she swore to him bi her faith she would, for otherwise it would cost her more in gifts. Than on a time should the pope sing mass his own person, at saint john Lat eraū. For every four weeks he must sing mass there. And as the pope was at mass: than Howleglas drew nere to the altar. And when the pope was at the holy sacrament: than turned Howleglas his back to the altar. And that seeing all the cardinalles, when mass was done the came to the pope, and the told to his grace, that there stood a fair young man, all the while that ye were at mass, and hard it devoutly till the time of the leuacion. And when that you lifted up the chalyce above your head: than turned he his back toward the sacrament of the altar. Than said the pope, that is a thing to be looked on, for it is a great dobte whether that man believe well or not. And therfore it is needful for us to send for that man,& to examine him what error it was that he held. the cardinalles andswered, that were the best. than the pope send for Howleglas to his inn: and the messenger brought him to- the pope. and when he came before the pope,& the cardinalles, they began straightly to examine him and they asked of him, what was his belief? than answered Howleglas to the pope. I believe as a true christen man ought for to believe. And I believe in Iesu christ. and I believe in that, that our holy mother the church doth teach me, and I believe as my good hostise doth believe, and he name her before the pope, and al that noble congregation. And than sent the pope a messenger to the inn, where that Howleglas was lodged,& when he was there, he came to the hostise& bad her that she should make her ready, for she must needs go with him to the pope. whereof she had great marvel, and made her redy and so went with him to the pope. And when she was come before they pope, he asked her what her belief was. And she answered to the pope. reverend father, I believe as a true christen woman should do. For I believe as the holy church beleues, and also I believe in al that the holy church binds me to. Than said Howleglas the same believe I. Than the pope asked him, why he turned his back to the holy sacrament when he did minister it? Than said Howleglas to the pope. reverend father in god, I thought in my mind when that you life up the blessed sacrament, that I was not worthy it to behold, nor there on to look, till the time that I was confessed,& made clean of all my sins. And than was the pope with that answer marvelously well contented and pleased, And after that the pope bad him that he should confess him of his sins, and to make him clene therof and that said: he gave his benediction to Howleglas and his hostyse,& so they twain departed. And shortly after departed the pope with all his cardinalles into the palace, and so Howleglas was quite therof.  
And than said Howleglas to his hostise I must haue my, C. ducats that I haue erned. And than the woman gave him the. C. ducats, whereof he was glad, and he said to his self that he was the better for that journey to Rome.   

¶ How Howleglas deceived the Iewes with dirt.  
when Howleglas the great deceiver had been at Rome: than came he to the town of Frankeforde, where a mart or a great market was kept. And as Howleglas went about the market: he spied a young man go with musk of Alexander to sell, that which was well sold and much set by.  
Than said Howleglas to his self, I will go with some merchandise for to sell, as well as that young man doth. And he thought in his mind, how he might find some practese to get money without labour. Than thought he in his mind every night what was best to do, for the flene did bite him, that he could not sleep. And he would right gladly haue taken them: but he could not. And when that the day began to spring he arose and walked forth and as he walked, than spied he by the way a fair fyg three, the which bare goodly fruit. And than went he and gathered two or three of them, and than he said to himself this is good for my merchandise and brought them with him into Frankforth in Portyngale, to the place where he was lodged and he dressed them after his mind. And when he had dressed them: he put them in his arse and tempered them with his dirt, and let them lie thereby him, by the space of .ii. or .iii. dayes, that they should not smell to much of dirt. And in a morning by times he arose out of his bed,& went to his hostyse& hired a little table,& than he went into the market,& bought two or three silken clothes, and therein a house he crussed these portingales figs, that had lain so long in his arse: with they silken clothes, like as it had been the must. Than took he his table and went into they market, and set up his table. And when it was up than shewed he the portyngale figs, that he had made like as it had been must. Than came ther many merchants of diuers lands to him, and they asked him what merchandise he had to sell: and he stood stel and gave none of them no answer, where of the marueyled, and so departed. And at they last: there came to him two Iewes,& the asked him what merchandise he had there to sell? and than answered Howlegas to them, and said. This is a precious thing, for all those that do eat of it, or those that smell to it, they shall sae the truth by and by. Than went the Iewes to counsel what was best to be dōe Than said the oldeste Iewes of them all. Me think it is best and most expedient for us to bie that merchandise, for than shal we know when that our messias shall come therfore I counsel you to bye it, for it shalbe to us a great Iowel& comfort and continently they were a 'greed al, for to bye the merchandise of Howleglas, And than the returned with right great hast unto Howleglas. And when they were come: they asked the price of on of the Prophetus that was wrapped in the silk. than answered Howleglas to the Iewes, depart fro hence, and let my merchandise alone, for it is to costly for you to bye: for one of them shall cost you .v. C. gold gyldens, and ye will haue it than answered the Iewes to Howleglas and said. the price is all to great for us: than said he, that I told you before and therfore if thou will not bie it, than depart shortly from hence, And than the Iewes hering Howleglas speak so sharply to them, and made no more count unto them: than then believed him,& continently they gave to him .v. C. gold gildens without speaking of any more words, for he spake so angrily that they were a frayed to displease him. And when they had bought it: they brought it too the principal Iewe. And the caused him to aggregate all the Iewes, both old and young when the were assembled: than was there one stood vpon the scaffold, that was called Akypna. And he said that be the might of God they had gotten a Prophetus and he said he that should haue it in his mouth should prophecy the truth, and than he said to the Iewes. By this prophetus we shall know when our messiah shal come. And he commanded them to fast three dayes. And than should Isaake take it in his mouth,& prophesy the truth, and so he did. And as he had it in his mouth, on the hyghte Maysayes, and an other Isaac that were the servants of god they asked him howe it savoured? and he answered I am inspired with the holy ghost, to prophesy the truth. There must be an other of gods servants to haue it in his mouth, and so they did, when he had tasted therof he said: I ame inspired with the holy ghost. I shall tel you the truth, we are begylede for it is noo ther thing but a turd, and they tasted and the turd hanged in their teeth, which the here that he had cut fro his arse, and than they knew well that they were deceived. And forthwith departed Howleglas fro thence, and he went toward his own country, and made good cheer with good fellows homeward. as long as the money would last.   

¶ How Howleglas had gotten the parsons horse, by his confession.  
IN Resendring in that villag was a person, that had a fair horse, and a proper handemayden which he loved one as the other: than it fortuned that the duke of Bronsewyke on a time saw the horse,& when that he had sene the horse: his mind ran so much on the horse, that he must needs haue him. Than vpon a time cam the duke, and desired the horse oftentimes of the person,& the person said him nay. Than was the duke sorry because he might not haue the horse,& he durst not take by force: for he was one of the counsel of Broneswika. And when Howleglas hard that the duke desired the horse: than said Howleglas to the duke,& you will reward me, I shall get you the parsons horse. Than answered the duke to Howlegas. I shal give the my gown of read chamblet, the on sleue set with pearls. Than said Howleglas to the duke, I shal bring him I haue no doubt. So departd Howleglas, and he came to the inn, where he was well known,& the host said he was welcome. And Howeleglas restend there three dayes, and after that he made himself sick. Than was he brought to bed sick that the person of the town& his maid were so heavy,& knew not how to dō nor him to help. And than began he to wax sicker& sicker, And than said the person to Howleglas. I counsel you to be shreuen, and to take your rights of the holly church, as it belongeth to a true christen man. And when howleglas hard the parson speak to him. Than said Holeglas to the parson I desire you hartefully to be confessed, for I know myself guilty, and a great sinner. Than the person examined him under confessione right buselye, he bad him to remember that he had a soul for to keep, and he preached and teached to him the use of confession And than shewed Howleglas to hyme, parte of his mind. And at the last when he spake no more: than asked the person of Howleglas if that he had no more sins in his mind that were great and abominable, that he was ashamed to show. Than answered Howleglas to the parson yes, I haue our more and that I dare not confess me of to you, and therefore you must fetch me an other priest: for if I should show it unto you, than would ye be angry& out of patience Than answered the person to Howleglas and said: the wai is far from this place and very foul. moreover if it fortuned you in the mean while to die than were we both in great peril& danger. And therefore tell me that sin,& I shal absolve the therof, be it never so great& abominable. And if I were angry with you, yet you know I must keep your counsel. And if it be any thing that amongs to me, I for give you freely, and therfore tel it me. Than longed he more than ever he did, than said Howleglas to the priest. I know well that you will be angry, but I feel me so soresick that I ween that I shal die, and therfore I shal show it to you quickly. And than he said, I haue lain by your maid your servant. Than asked he how often haue ye lain by her? And than said Howleglas, no more than five times. And than the priest thought in his mind, therfore the devill break thy neck, and he gave him absolution shortly, and forth with he departed fro Howleglas whom to his house. And when he came home, he called his mayden to him, and asked her if she had line by him? And the maid answered to him and said: that did I never. Than answered the pryest, thou liest. For under confession he hath told me that he hath lain bi the, more than .v. times. And than the maid said nay, and the priest yes. And than the priest took a staff in his hand and he bet his maid therewith, that she was both black and blewe. And Howleglas lay in his bed and laughed, and said to himself. Now weeneth the priest to win his shone again of the maid, And in the morning waxed Howleglas hole, and arose and said it was well amended with him. And he asked his hostise& the priest, what he had spend in his sickness? And than reckoned the priest he knew not what, for he was so angry in his mind and the maid also, for she was beate for his sake. And than said Howleglas. Tell me what is my duty to pay? And the priest answered not a word. And than said Howleglas to him. Remember you not master person that you haue disclosed my confession? I shal ride to hauerstad to the bishop and I shal complain on you: that you descried my confession that I confessed me unto you. when the priest hard Howleglas speak after that maner: than forgot he his anger, and fel on his knees before him, for he thought that he was in more danger than ever he was before. And than he said to Howleglas, if that you will keep your peace and make no more words hereof, I shall give to you twenty gold gildens, and I shall do as much for you as lies in me for to be done. Than made Howleglas himself very angry with the parson, and said unto him. If that you would give me an. C. gold gildens, that I should not show: I will not take them for my gown. Than the priest preyed the maid with weeping tears, that she would go to Howleglas& to entreat him, that he should not go to show the bishop, and bid him ask what he will, and he shall haue it. Than went the maid to Howleglas, and she shewed him what the priest said. And than came Howleglas to the priest and said. will you give to me your horse that you love so well, and than shal I keep your counsel? And I tel you plainly, I will haue no other thing than that only. And than the priest was more soryer than ever he was. And he said to Howleglas, that hel would give to him as much moni as he would desire and not to ask his horse. Than said Howleglas. I will haue none other thing but only the horse. And than the person had lever loose his horse, than he would haue the bishop to know. Than gave he the horse to Howleglas with ill will. And than when Howleglas had the horse, than he departed fro the parson, and was very glad. And than he came toward the duke. And when he was come there, the duke spied Howleglas and the parsons horse: than was he very glad. And than brought Howleglas the horse to him, whereof he was very glad. And than gave he the gown of read chamblet to Howleglas, and he thanked him greatly for that gift and laughed, and the priest was very angry for they loss of his horse, and oftentimes he bete his maiden therfore, for he said she was the cause therof And he bete his maid so oft, that at the last she ran from him, and so he lost both his horse and the maid And the priest lowered on Howleglas ever after, that loved hem so well before.   

¶ How Howleglas was hired of a black smith.  
AT Dastland in Rosticke dwelleth a smith that hired Howleglas for his man, and when he was hired: he put him to the bellows to blow. And when he blew not well, than took the smith the bellows in his hand and blewe: and said fellow do thus. bear the bellows upright and than he gave the belowes to Howleglas again. than went the smith forth with into the garden, and than took Howleglas the belowes on his neck, and followed after his master with thē into the garden where his master was a shytinge and than said Howleglas to his master, where shall I leave this belowes that I may go fetch the other unto you. Than answered his master and said, good man what meanest thou, art thou not well in thy mind? go take the belowes and bare them where thou had thē he spake fair to Howleglas, and right loath he was to displease him. For every night by the space of viii dayes long, he called up every night his seruaunts at midnight for to work, whereof they marveled what he ment, for they were very angry therwith: and one said to the other. I think our master is not well in his mind, that he ryses every night at midnight to work, he was not wont so for to do in times paste: And as they were speaking of this rising together, than said Howleglas to his fellows& asked thē if that they would be well content with him, and if he asked of his master what was the cause that he did call them up every night at midnight to work? And than answered the servants, we well not be displeased therwith, but right glad therof, and well content therewith,& than said Howleglas to the servants I will go to him. And forth with spake Howleglas to his master and said to him. wherefore do ye wake us every night at midnight out of our sleep. Than answered the smith and said. That is my maner that my men the first eight dayes suffer I not thē to, sleep, but half the night. Than held Howleglas his peace, and all his fellows, and said noo more words, and the next night the smith called his menn at midnight to work. And Howleglas than took the bed and bare it on his back, and when the iron was hote the master bet it se hard, that the speckes flew● on the ●edde of Howleglas, Than said his master will not that ungracious fellow ●ise: Than cāe Howleglas with his bed on his back. And when the mayister saw the bed on his back, he said: what wilt thou do with the bed? bear it into the place where thou had it. Than answered Howleglas to his master, be ye not angri with me: for this is mi maner ever. For when that I haue slept the one half of the night, than bear I the bed on my back they other half of the night. Than began the smith to wax angry and said, Go bear the bed where thou had it and than go thou above out of my house. Than answered Howleglas and said master with a good will. And than he bare they bed up into the place where it was before. Than when he had born the bed in his place: than took he a ladre and climbed up to the house top,& ther he broke a great hole in the house top: and pulled away the thatchyng therof, and he passed through and went over the houses and so went his wai from thence, and never came there after. And as the smith was bese working: the hard a great noise about in the chamber and a great knockyng. Than asked he his servants, who was above in the chamber that made such a noise? Than answered the men to their master and said we know not who is above. Than said the smith, than will I go look. And than left the smith his work and went up into the chamber, and when he was above, he saw al the roof of the chamber was pulled down, and also cast all about, than was he angry and wist not what to do for he wist not who had done it. And at the last he looked up and spied the ladre, than knew He well that it was Howleglas dede. Than came he down and fetched a sword, and he would haue run after him to haue slain him. Than the servants seeing the master taking the sword they held him, and asked him what he would do: Than answered he& told how Howleglas had dane. Than answered the servants to ther master. Let him go for he hath done as you bad him, for you bad him go vpon the house, and so he hath done as ye may see. And so they smith was content. And than he caused his house to be new thatched again.   

¶ Howe Howleglas was hired of a shoemaker.  
VPon a time served Howleglas a shoemaker, and vpon a time the shoemaker had business in the town,& than gave he to Howleglas a hid of leather,& bad him that he should cut all the hide. And Howleglas asked him what fashion he should cut thē. And the master said little and great, as the swineherd did drive his beasts. And than said Howleglas with a good will. And than departed the cordiner: and than took Howleglas the hid, and began to cut the leather for oxen and types feet, and swine. Than came his master home, and came to see what his servant had cut out and to look whether he had cut the leather as he bad him. And when that he had sēe, that he had cut out his leather all in beasts claws, than was he angry and said to Howleglas? wherefore hast thou marrend all my leather, and cut it for beasts feet. Than answered he to him and said. I haue done as ye bad me. The master said thou masspriest, for I bad they that thou should not mar my leather. Than answered Howleglas to his master and said, I haue done as ye bad me, ye bad we that I should cut both great and small, as the swneherde driveth out his beasts, and than haue I done. Than answered the cordyner to Howleglas& said. I ment not that: I mente that ye should haue cut out of the hide both great shoene and little shoene. Than answered Howleglas to his master. If that ye had told me it before: I would haue done it with a good will. And I pray you master forgive me this:& I shall now do it with a good will and than did his master forgive him, for that time: and than promised Howleglas to his master, that he would do that, that he bad him. Than the next day after cut Howleglas master himself, the shoene out both little and great,& gave them to him, and he bad him that he should sow the great with the small: and Howleglas said with a good will, and than took Howleglas the shoene, and put the little shoene in to the great shoene, and sowed thē both together, as his master bad him, and that spied his master: and said. ye be a good servant for ye do al thing that I bid you. Than answered Howleglas and said. they that do as the be bid: the be worthy to haue thank. Than said the master, ye do after mi saying and not after my meaning. For I mean that first ye should haue sowed a little pair, and after a great pair. And the master was hasty, and took him other leather and said, Cut me all this leather vpon one last. And they master thought no more of they falseness of Howleglas, and so he departed to his chamber, and when he was come home, than remembered he what he had said to Howleglas. Than went he as fast as he could toward they shop where as Howleglas was, and or he came there, Howleglas had cut all the leather, vpon the little last, all for the left foot. Than when his master saw all his leather cut for the left foot, than asked he Howleglas if there belonged not to they left foot a right foot, and he was very angry with him. Than said Howleglas to his master. If that he had told to me before: I would haue cut them, but& it please you, I shall cut as many right shoene unto them. The master said. I bad the cut the one with the other and than answered Howleglas. ye bad me cut all vpon one last. Than answered the shoemaker. It that I should keep you long: you would make me so poor that I must needs go a begging. But now give me money for my leather that thou hast marred me, and depart thou fro hence. Than answered Howleglas to the shoemaker. The hide of a bul will make two hides. And with those words he arose and said In this house haue I been, but I will not come here again, and so departed he fro thence.   

¶ How Howleglas sold turdes for fat.  
ANd as Howleglas had destroyed much leather of the Shoemaker, whereof the Shoemaker was very sorry, and that hearing Howleglas, returned again to the town, and came to his master,& told him that he had a last of tallow, and he told his master that he should haue it good cheap, for too restore him parte of the harm, that he had done to him before in his leather. And than the shoemaker said yf it be good: I pray you let me haue it before another. And than said Howleglas with a good will, And than departed they, and than went howleglas to the gong farmers.& made him fill twelve barells with turdes ●or a little money, and than took he a little tallow, and ●●●t in the barrels four inches thick, as though it had ben altogether grece, and closed it so close that it could not stink. For it was in the winter when ther was a great frost, that the dirt was fast frozen to the barrel, and the other syxe barells he filled with other, tallow or fat more thycker than the other syxe were, for they were the example of his merchandise. And when that he had dressed all the barelles he send for his master they shoemaker, and he asked him, if that he would come to see the merchandise. And he said he would. Than within a while came the shoemaker to howleglas, and when he was come there, Howleglas made the heads of the best barells, to be droken up. when the cordener saw the barelles they liked him very well. And than howleglas asked him how the barrels pleased him and he answered very well. And than asked he the price. And than answered howleglas ye shall give me no more than four and twenty gyldens xii. in hand,& the other twelve at the yeres end. And than was the shoemaker content, and thought no deceit and gave to him .xii, gildens in hand. And howleglas received the money, and than departed he. And the cordyner was glad of they bargain, and thought that the foresaid harm that he had dōe him, should be restored. And than the hired a servant to melt the talow and he brought one barrel by the fire, and when they dirt began to wax hote it began to smell. Than said the one to the other. I ween some of us hath beshittē, their breeches. And than came the master& bad them make clean their shoene, for on of you hath trodden in a tourde, and than they looked about, but the found nothing. And than should the haue put one of they barelles in the caudrene, than saw they well that it was the barrel that stank, for it was full of tourdes And than they left their work, and went for to seek Howleglas, but he was gone: and so the shoemaker must suffer the last loss with the first.   

¶ How Howleglas served a tailor.  
ON a time served Howleglas a taylar,& the tailor asked him, if that he could sow woll a cloth, that no man might se the seam. And than said Howleglas yes. And than went Howleglas& sowed under a barrel. Than said his master what dost thou now this is a marvelous sowing. Than answered Howleglas, I sow so close that no man can see as you bad me nor I mi selfe se not. than answered his master good servant I ment not so: I bad the sow that every man might see And than the thyrde night the master had laboured so sore, that he must needs sleep. than cast he to Howleglas, a husband mans gown, and he bad him take a wolf& make it up. And than said 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 feet. And when that he had sowed it together, than set he it vpon the table with staues. than in they morning arose his master, and came down, and when he saw the wolf standing vpon the table he was a frayed: and asked him what he had done. And he said master: I haue made a wolf as you bad me. than said the master. I ment that you should haue made up the russet gown for a husband mans gown is called here a wolf.  
than answered Howleglas. If that I had known that before I would haue dōe so, For I had lever haue made a gown than a wolf. And at the last was they master content. And within four dayes after, watched they master so much that he must needs go to sleep. And there was a cote ready made, but it lacked the greves. Than the master took the cote and the greves and gave them to Howleglas and he bad him that he should cast on the greves, and he said he would. Than went his master to bed, and than took Howleglas the cote& hanged it on a baulk and set on every side a candle, and stood up& cast the greves at the cote all they night long. And than arose the tailor and that spied howleglas, and he cast the greves more faster than ever he did before at the cote. And the espied well the taylar,& said what foolish touches be those that you do ther. And than answered howleglas very angrily. This is no foolish touch for I haue stand all the night casting the greves at the cote, and they will not abide thereon, and now I se it is but lost labour. Than said they master to houleglas. It is my fault for I wend that ye would haue understand me better, for I ment you should haue sowed on the greves on the cote. Than said howleglas to his master. The devil take you, for if ye had said so to me before: I might haue sowed on the greves,& haue gon to sleep. But now master go you& sow al the day long,& I will go sleep. And than answered the tailor,& haue I hired you to sleep? And thus began they to chide. And as the were thus chiding: the taylar bad hympay for his candles, that he had burned that night. And than Howleglas spake never a word more but took all his clothes& went his way and came no more there.   

¶ How Howleglas through his settle disceytes, disceyued a wine drawer in Lubeke.  
ON a time came Howleglas to Lubeke, where is very strait Iustice,& the while that Howleglas was there a bidyng: he herd tell of a wine drawer that was in a lords seller, that was very proud and presumptuous. And it was said that there was no man that could deceive him, nor pass him in wisdom and there was none of all the lords that loved him. Than thought Howleglas in his mind, howe he might deceive him than vpon a time took Howleglas two pots, one of water, and they other empty, and he hide the empty pot that no man saw it& he cāe to the seller& gave the wine drawer the emty pot,& bad him fill the pot with wine,& so he did. And when it was full he brought it up to howleglas, and than he looked a side& in the mean while howleglas set the pot of water in the place of wine& hide the pot of wine. And than asked he the wine drawer what he should pay And the drawer said .x. miten. than said howleglas the wine is to dere for me, I haue but .viii. mitem than was the drawer angry,& said will ye set an other price on the wine than the lords haue set? than said howleglas I haue no more money,& I shall not haue it so, than take your wine again for I knew it not before. than was they wine drawer very angry, and he took the pot with the water, and bare it down into the seller: and poured out the water into the vessel& he wende it had been the wine, and came& gave howleglas the pot, and said. Make ye me fill wine, and ye haue no money to pay for it: ye ween ye be a fool? And than said howleglas ye be beguiled of a fool, and with that word he went his way with they pots. And than the drawer mistrustyng howleglas for the words that he said, took a sergeant and over took him, and fetched him, and than they found that he had two pots under the mantell. Than took the Howleglas and peched him for a thief,& brought him to the prison. And than said some, that he had deserved to be hanged and some said that it was done for the nonse to deceive the wine drawer,& that was but well done for he should haue se there to before. for he said daily that no man should beguile him: but they that loved not Howleglas said that he was a thief,& that he should be hanged. And than was Howleglas brought before the judge, and the gave sentence, that hy should be hanged. And on the morrow was he brought unto the gallows, for to be hanged. for they that loved him not, would fain haue sene Iustice done on him. And there were gathered many of the town to see Howleglas suffer death. But they lords of Lukibe were sorry for him, for some wende that he could do wychcrafte, that he thereby might be delivered. And as he was lead toward the gallows, he lay al still as though he had ben dead. And when he came under the gallows, than desired he to speak with the lords And when the lords were, come he fell vpon his knees and he prayed them that the would grant him abone and the lords said. Thou wouldest desire thy pardon. Than said Howleglas. That would I not ask life nor money, nor it shall not cost you one penny. Than all the lords of Lubeke went to the other side of the gallows, and there they laid their heads together,& there the rehearsed his words again, and the agreed to grant him his petition. That done they came to him and the bad him ask what he would, save those words spoken of before to be except. And howleglas thanked the lords and said. I pray you that every one of you give me your hands therof. And they altogether gave him their hands, so that all the lords had granted him both with word and hand. Than said Howleglas to the lords. Because I know you be faithful of your words, I shall show to you my bone. And than he said this is my boon. That every lord of Lubeke do come& kiss mi arse, when that I haue hanged on the gallows by the space of three daies long, with his mouth in the morning fasting and the borrow master first, and all the lords after in order. Than answered the lords to Howleglas and said, that his desire was an unmannerly boon for to be asked. And than said Howleglas to they lords of Lubeke I kdowe the counsel of Lubeke, so sure of their promise that they will hold that that they haue promised me both with hand and mouth. Than went the lords again to counsaele. than said they one to the other this thing that he asketh of us it is unlawfully asked, for it were a great shane for us all, that we that be the greatest lords of the town, should come and kiss his arse: better it were for to give him his pardon, and let him go his way, for it is but a small fault that he hath done. than agreed all they lords and said that it was best for to do. than the lords called the sergeants, and they bad them too unbind Howleglas and to let him go at large, for, all they had granted him his pardon. And than they vnlosed Howleglas. And when Howlegles was at large, he thanked the lords. And than departed he from Lubeke, and never came there after.   

¶ How Howleglas became a maker of spectacles,& howe he could finde no work in no land where he came.  
ON a time the senators of Rome, had great discord among themself, which of all the lords should be emperor. And at the last was the earl of Supplembrogh king of romans and Emperour of Rome, but thee were many other that looked for it. So when he was made, he lay .vi. weeks long before the town of Frankforde, abiding ther for all other, lords to torment, where was a great company assembled. And this hering Howleglas, he thought in his mind to go thether.& so he did. And there he thought to get some gift. And it were no more but the Empeperours silver harness. And as Howleglas passed by Frankforde he met with the bishop of Taer and because that he was clothed adventure like, he asked him, what he was? than answered Howleglas. I am a spectacle maker come out of Braband, and I can find no work. Than said the bishop, me think your craft should be better daily, for the people the longer they live they less sight they haue therfore your craft should be the better. And than said Howleglas to the bishop, my lord you say truth but there is one thing that destroyed our craft: and if you will take no displeasure, I shall show it to you. And than the bishop bad, him say what he would. And than said he, this destroyeth our craft, that such great lords as you be, kings, dukes, erles, lords bysshopps, knights, lawyers, and gouernours of l●ndes and towns, al these look through their fingers, and not with spectacles They were wont to study in the old time the right and than behoved the men many spectacles. And also the priestes, were wont to stude and read their service but now they use no spectacles at al and by this maner is our craft destroyed and nought set by. And by heads of the country that poor men of the country learn all to look thorough their hands that they be almost as cunning, as the heads of the country. Than the bishop understood the text but not the gloze and he spake to Howleglas and said. come with me to Frankeforde, and I shall give unto the my harness or clothing, and than was Howlyglas veri glad and he went with the bishop to Frankeforde, where the Emperour was chosen: and when they trumphe was done that the beshop gave him that that he promised him, and than was he glad and he went with the bishop, and so he returned again to Sassen.   

¶ Howe Howleglas was hired of a merchant. to be his cook  
AT Heldersem dwelled a merchant, that on a time went walking without the town, and as he walked: he found Howleglas lying on a green hill. Than asked the merchant Howleglas wha the was? Howleglas answered under his covered falseness I am a cook, and without a master, Than said the merchant: yf you will be a good servant, I will hire you, and give unto you wages, I haue a cook, at home: but my wife complaineth on him alway. Than promised Howleglas the merchant to bee true to him. Than asked the merchant his name, than answered howleglas, my name is Bartholo, mens. Than said the merchant, that name is al to long: your name shall be Dole, than said howleglas, I hold me contented therewith. Than said the merchant. Dole my man, now let us go gether some herbs for young chekhins, for to morrow I must haue gestes to dinner: and than went the home to his place together. And when the merchants wife saw Howleglas she asked her husband: what shall we do with this man, ween you that our bread moulds? Than said the merchant. Be content wife, this shal be your man for he is a cook. Than called he his man and said. Dole take a basket and follow me to the flesh shambles, and so he did. And when they were there the merchant bought meat for to roast, and when he came home, he called his man and said Dole to morrow lay the meate to the fire, and roast it coldly that ye burn it not: and Howleglas said he would, and than he arose in the morning, and brought the meate by the fire, and he took the meat that he should roast and put it on the spit,& bare it down into the seller, and he laid it between two barelles of bear, that it should lie cold enough, and burn not. And because the merchant should haue gestes, he came home, before to see whether that his meate was well roasted or not. And when he came home, he called Dole, and asked him, if that they meate was ready: and Howleglas answered, ye master al save the rostinge. Where hast thou done it? beneath in the seller, between two barrels, for in all the house could I not find so could, a place to lay it in for burning. The merchant said is it not roasted? and howleglas said nay, for I did as ye bad me, I laid it could enough for I knew not the time that you would haue had it roasted: and as the were talking together came in the gestes, and the merchant told to his gestes howe that howleglas had served him, and the laughed thereat, but his wife was not content therwith and right gladly she would haue been rede of him,& very angri she was because of that touch. Than said the merchant to his wife Be contented at this time, for to morrow I must to hassaer and he shall wait on me: and when I shall come home again, than shall I pute him away fro hence: and than went the merchant with his gestes to dinner and made good cheer and at night called the merchant his man and said. Dole make the wagon ready, for to morrow I am in thought, I and mi priest to take our journey to haslaer, and grease it that it may go trim: and than went Howleglas and greased the wagon within and without, and in the morning went the marchunt and they priest to the wagon, and road their way: and by the way, the priest laid hes hand on the rails of they cart, and they made his hands all greasy: and than he looked better, and both the merchant& the priest were al arrayed with grese Than they called Howleglas, and the bad him se, and very angry they were with him,& in the mean time came there a man of the country with a lord of straw and than they bought parte of his straw,& dressed their wagon therwith for fylyng of their clothes and than they went unto the wagon again than said the merchant all angrily. Go drive it under the gallows and as he was a little further he spied a gallows, and thither drove he the wagon under the gallows: and when it was under the gallows, he made the wagon to stand still,& he untied they horse. Than said the merchant what will you now do? than said How ieglas: tari you here al night, for you bad me to drive you under the gallows. And when they saw that the were under the gallows: the priest laughed, but the merchant was veri angri, and bad him to drive forth right, and never to stand stil. Than said Howleglas, he would, than pulled he out a pyn that was in the wagon that held it fast to the horse, and drove the horse forth and he left them under the gallows. Than the merchant seeing that he lept out of the wagon,& they priest with him, and they ran after him,& at the last they ouertoke him, and than the merchant drew his sword,& would haue smttē him but the priest would not suffer him, and than made he fast the horse again and so drove the journey to an end. when the merchant was come home, his wife asked how he fared and how he liked his man he answered, not of they best. Than he called Howleglas, and he bad him tarry there that night, and in the morning, to depart fro thence, for he said he was but a beguiler, and a deceiver where so ever he went. Than said Howleglas good master that shall I do. And than arose Howleglas early in the morning, and as he was up: the merchant said. eat and drink your belly full, and rid the house of you, that I finde you not here when that I come again, for I must to church,& when I return if I finde you here, stand to that, that shal be fall. And Howleglas held his peace, and spake never a word. to him, and than the merchant went to church. Than he began for to rid all the household stuff and bare it into the street, than came word unto his master to the church, that all his household stuff stood in the, street. Than came the merchant home,& saw that it was Howleglas that had born out all his stuff, he asked his man why he did so? and Howleglas said I did as you bad me: for ye bad me that I should rid your house, and so I haue of all your stuff, that ye haue. Than said the merchant to Howleglas depart fro hence, and come no more here. I give they warning for here is no body that thankes the for thy labour. And than departed Howleglas his way: and so was the merchant fain to carry in his gear again that Howleglas had born out.   

¶ How Howleglas was desired to dinner.  
IN Lunē borough dwelled a flute maker that knew vagabonds by sight. And ō a time it fortuned him to spy Howleglas, to whom he said. To morrow I desire you to dine with me. Than Howleglas thanked him,& he said that he would. And than departed the flutemaker,& on the morrow at none, Howleglas went to the pipe makers house,& when he was, ther, the doors were shut. And be tarried till none was past,& than he knew well that he was greatly deceived,& so he returned home again. And on the morning as he walked in the market, he spied the pipe maker,& than went he to him,& thanked him for his byner,& he said when ye bid a body to dinner, ye shut all your doors. And the pipe maker said. I bad yom come to dinner. Than said Howleglas your doors were shit. Than laughed the pipe maker& said. Go to my house before, and I shal come after to dinner for ye shall finde both roast and sudden. And than departed howleglas to the pipe makers house,& there he found all true as the pipe maker had told him. And than said he to the pipe makers wife. that she should go as fast as she could to her husband, for he said that he had a great sturgeon, give him and he said that he would turn the spit to that she came again. The woman said good Howleglas, keep the house till that I come again, and let no body in. Than departed the woman with her maid towards her husband as fast as she could and met with him bi the way. And when he saw her: he asked her whether she went so fast? And she said to help him For she said that Howleglas had  told her that ye had a sturgeon geueuen you, and he said that ye bad that we should come& help you for it was so great that you were not able to bear it. Than was the man angry, and said know ye not well that Howleglas is such a mocker and a deceiver? than went he home with his wife& when he came home, he knocked at the door, and Howleglas said let be your knockyng, for the host hath charged me, that I should let no gest in till dinner bee done. Than went the host to his neighbours and tarried there till Howleglas had dined, and when Howleglas had dined, than he opened the door, and than the pypemaker came with all his folk. And when he was within, he said to Howleglas that it was no honesti for a gest to shut his hostise out of the doors. And in this maner he served the host, and his hostise.   

¶ How Howleglas wan a piece of cloth of a man of the country.  
HOwleglas would ever fare well, and make good cheer but he would not work. Than on a tīe cāe he to Olsem, to a goodly company of men of the country. And as he walked he espied one man alone with a green cloth on his arm, than imagined he in his mind, how that he might get the cloth. So he came to him, and he asked him where he was dwelling. And than the husband told him: and than departed Howleglas fro him, and continentli he met with a shottish priest. And an other knave and he said to them, I desire you to help me, and I shall give you for your labour, and they said they would. Than said Howleglas when I call you to record to know what colour yonder cloth is: ye shall say blewe. I will go before,& come after. than went he to the husbandman, and he asked him how he sold his blewe cloth. than said the husband man that it was green,& not blewe. I hold .xx. gildens against thy cloth, that it is blewe, than saede the husbandman I hold you. It is done said Howleglas, and the first man that comes hereby, shall be the judge thereto. Agreed said the husbandman,& than made Howleglas a sign to the men, that he had hired and they came. than said the husband man, we two strive what colour this cloth as I pray you break out strife. than the fellow said it is fair blew cloth, than said the husband man ye be to false for me to meddle with for it is made betwixt you two to deceive me. than said Howleglas cause that ye say we be agreed, let him go here cometh a priest, will ye be contented what he saith? and the man of the country said yes. than came the priest by, than said Howleglas I pray you to tel us, what colour this cloth is? the priest said ye je well enough what need you to ask me. the husband man said I know the colour of the cloth well enough but these two men say it is an other colour and there fore we strive: than said they priest what haue I to do with our striving? than said the husbandman I pray you sir depart us of our striving. than said the priest. I can se no other, but that is a fair blewe. And than said the husbandman, and ye were not a priest in faith ye did lie, for ye be three falsemen. But sythen ye be a priest. I must believe you. And than gave he Howleglas they cloth, and went his way. Than did Howleglas with his .ii. fellows cloth them with the husbandmans cloth against the winter. But the good poor man prayed to god, many a time and oft that the devill might take them al three for the poor man was they worse all they dayes of his life after that great loss.   

¶ Howe Howleglas gave .xx. gyldens to .xii. poor men for christes love  
ON a time came Howleglas to Hauoner, where he did many virtuous things. On a time road Howleglas without the town, and as he rod he mer with .xii. blind men to whom he said, whether will ye go? The blind men hering that he was on horseback they put of their caps, for they wende that he had been a great gentleman, and said, we haue been at a doale of a rycheman, that died yesterdai in the town Than said Howleglas. I take great thought for you how you shall do this winter, for me think you shall frese to death, before the winter be done. And than he said hold here is .xx gildens and return again all you to the place where that I was lodged, and he name his host,& he bad them make good cheer till winter were done. And than they thanked him, for they thought that he had given 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 money. And when that they came to the june, the said to the hostise that by the way as they went, they met with a good man that gave them .xx. gildens for gods sake, and he bad us come hither, and make good cheer therfore for he said that he had been lodged here,& for his sake we should haue good cheer. when the host herde that they had money, he took thē in,& made thē good cheer. And when that their .xx. gildens were spent, than said the host to them. now will ye reckon good brethren, for now the .xx. gildens be spent. The blind men said we be contented to pay you,& than spake on of the blind men& said. He that hath twenty gildens pay our host 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 arm. And than they knew that the were deceived. Than thought the host in his mind what shal I do with them? Shall I let them go that they spend me no more money? Nay not so. Than shut he the blind men in the stable, and brought to them hay& straw. And when that Howleglas thought that al the money was spent: than came he riding in to the same inn, where the blind men were, and he had changed his clothing that they should not know him, and so entred into the inn where the blind men were and he lead his horse into the stable where the poor men were. And he had set up his horse: he came to his host, and asked his host wherefore that he had kept the blind men in the stable, so fast shut in? And he asked him what harm they had done to him? Than said they host. I would that they were together in the water so that I had my costs paid me, and than he told him all the matter. And than said Howleglas. And you had a borrow would you let, them go. And the host said yes with a good will. Than said Howleglas I will go see, if I can finde any borrow for thē. Than went he to the curate of the church and said master person I haue an host, that this night was taken with the fiend I desire you for to help him. The curate said with a good will, but you must tarry two or three daies, for it may not be done in hast: well said Howleglas that is well said but I will go fetch 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 fail. And than went Howleglas home to his host,& he told him that he had found a borrow, and that it was the parson of the church, and let your wife go with me& she shal here him speak the same that he hath said to me, and than was his host glad and he send his wife with Howleglas, to the curate. And when the were come to the curate: Howleglas said to him, master parson here is the wife of the man, that I spake of to you, now tell her the same that you haue said to me. And the curate said with a good will. than said he to they woman, tarry a day or two: and I shall help your husband well. And than was the woman glad,& returned home again with Howleglas, and when she came home: she  told her husband what the curate said, whereof the host was glad, and he went unto the stable and let the blind men lose and they went ther way. And than Howleglas rekned with his host, and so departed from thence, and when the third day came than went the woman to the priest, and she asked him twente gildens that the blind man had spend. The curate asked her, hath your husband that ye  told to me, and the woman said no. Than said the curate, that is the false devil that would haue the money. Than said she what false devill menest thou? give me mi moni for my costs: than said the curate to the woman. It was told me that your husband was taken with the false devil bring him hither, and I shall help him therof by the grace of god: than said the woman to the priest such begylers finde I many. Now you should pay me for my costs: you bring to me a bacrekening and you say my husband is taken with the devil, and that you shall know shortly. And than she ran to her husband and told him how the priest said to her and when the host hard those words: he was angry, and took the spit with the roast that lai at the fire, and ran to the priestes chamber. And when they curate spied him he was a frayed,& called the neighbours to help him, and he made a sign of the holy cross before him and he cried for help to take that man that was so be set with the devil, than said the host, thou priest pay me my money, and the priest gave him no answer. Than would the host haue run thorough him with the hote spit, but the neighbours went between them& departed them, and they held the host stil with great, pain from master person. But as long as the host lived he asked his money of the priest, for the costs of the blind men, but the priest answered to him that he ought him nought and nought he would pay him, but said and you be take a with a devil, I shall help you therof. But never after loved on the other.   

¶ Howe Howleglas feared his host. with a dead wolf.  
IN the setleuen dwelled an inn holder that was very spyteful& mockyng, and he praised greatly his boldness. Vpon a time it befell in the wenter season, when there had been a great snow. Howleglas came reading with other three merchants fro Sasson to ysetleuen,& it was very late or they came there,& when they were come: the entred into the june that the man kept. Than said their host angrily where haue you ben so late, it is no time now to take your june? Than they answered. Be ye not angry, for we haue been hounted with a wolf in the snow we could not scape till now. Than the host mocked them, because they .iiii. were hunting of on wolf,& said, if there came .x. wolves to me in the field, I would haue slain thē euerichone,& mocked the merchants till they went to bed. And howleglas sate bi the fire,& herde al to gether. Than should they go to bed. And it fortuned that Howleglas& the merchants should lie in one chamber. And when the ware in the chambre together: the took counsel to gether how the might stop their host of his mocking. Than said Howleglas our host is full of mockyng let me a loan I shall pay him well enough, that he shall not mock us no more. Than promised they merchants to Howleglas to pay all his costs, and give him more money for his labour. Than said Howleglas do your journey, and business of your merchandise, and when ye haue it, come a gain and lodge at this inn:& ye shal finde me here,& than we shal make our host that he shal mock no more. And than arose the merchants in the morning and called the host,& payed him for their costs, and Howleglas also. Than they took their horses,& departed from thence. And when they were paste a little, he cried to they merchants take hede that the wolf bite you not in mockage. The thanked their host because he gave them warning before. And as they road: Howleglas found a wolf that was frozen to the death, and that he took up, and put in a bag, and laid it before him, and than the returned again to ysetleuen, to that inn where the were lodged before. And he kept the wolf so close that no man knew therof. And when the night was was come& that they sat all at supper: than the host began to laugh at them,& he reasoned against ther hardiness,& against the wolf. Than said the: so it fortuned at that time▪ you said that you would sle .x. wolves but first I would se you kill one. And than said the host that should I do alone. And thus they jested till the went to bed. And Howleglas held his peace, till that he and the merchants went above all together in the chamber. And than said howleglas to the merchants friends. Let me now begin to work& wake you a little while. And than went the host& all his folk were a slepe, than went he rejoicingly into the chamber,& he fetched the ded wolf that was likewise frozen& dressed him with sticks& put two children shoene in his mouth, and made him stand as though he had ben a live. And than left he the wolf standing in the hall, and he came again into the chamber to the merchants, and when he was above, he& the merchants called their host. And ther host asked thē what they would haue. Than answered the to him, that they would haue some drink, for the had so great thirst that the must needs drink. Let your maid or man bring us some, and we will pay for it to morrow. Than waxed the host angry and said. This is the Sassons maner, for to drink both day and night, And than he called his maid, and bad her that she should give the merchauntd drink. And than the maid rose, and as she went to light a candle: she saw the wolf. with: ii. shoene in his mouth. Than she was afraid and ran to the garden, for she thought, that he had eaten both the children, than called thee again. Than called the host his man. and bad him arise and bear the Sassons drink. Than arose he and lighted a candle, for he wend that the maid had slept stell. Than looked he aside and saw the wolf stand he was a frayed, and he thought that the wolf had eaten the maid, and let fall they candle and rā into the seller. Than called Howleglas and the merchants the third time, and prayed that he himself would bring them some drink for the said there came no body, or else give them a candle, and they would draw it them selfe. Than arose the host himself, for he wend that his man and his maid were fallen a sleep again, and than lighted he a candle, and when that he had done, he looked aside and spied the wolf: and he was so afraid, that he fel unto the ground, and than arose he and cried to the merchants, and he prayed them for to come help him, for there was a wolf, that had eaten both his man and his maid. And this hard they maid in the garden, and the man in the seller,& come to help their master, and the merchants also. And Howlealas laughed at this hardy man, that would haue slain ten wolves, and he was made afraid of one deade wolf. And when they host saw that it was done in mockage: than was he a shamed, and he wist not what for to say. And than left he his bostyng, and Iestyng, and went to bed again. And on the morrow it was known through the town, whereof the host was sore ashamed. And than in the morning arose the merchants and paid ther costs, and Howleglas also, and road their way. And than never after pray said the host his manhood,   

¶ Howleglas fleed a hound: and gave the skin for half his dinner.  
ON a time came Howleglas very late into an inn where the host was not at home, but only the hostyse, this hostyse had a blood hound the which she loved very well and as she had nothing to do, she took the hound on her lap, and played with him& Howleglas sat by the fire drinking a pot of bear and the hostyse had taught her hound to drink bear in a dish, and as Howleglas was drinking of his bear, the hound fauned on him and wagged his tail on Howleglas, and than said they hostyse, give they hound some drink in his dish, for that is the meaning, and Howleglas said with a good will, and than gave he the hound often to drink, and he gave him also parte of al thing that was on the table, that the hound was as full as he might be,& than went he& laid him down stretchyng him by the fire:& with in a while Howleglas had eaten enough,& than asked they hostyse yf she would reckon and she said yes. Than asked he his hostyse yf she had had a geste, that had eaten her meate, and drinketh her drink should pay nothing would ye be content therwith. Than went the hostyse, that head ment himself, and thought not of her hound. Than said she to him good friend, here is no man that eateth here, but he payeth money 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 business. And than took Howleglas the hound under his gown and went unto the stable,& flyed of his skin. And than came he agayde to his hostise that sate by the fire,& he had the hounds skin under his gown: and than call Howleglas for a bearing, when she had reckoned: he gave her half therof. Than asked she him who should give to her that other half? Than said Howleglas choose you here is my parte, ye had an other geste that went away and paid nothing, and heat& drank, as well as I did, let him pay the other half of the moni Than said the hostise, what gest was that and what pledge had he to give? Than said Howleglas, the best coat that he had on. Than drew he out the dogges skin, and said to his hostise here is the beste coat that the gest hath. And when she saw her doggs sckyn: than spake she very angrily, and cursedly wherefore haue ye flyed my hound? Than said Howleglas let alone your barning and your cursing in this maner for it is your faut, for ye bad to me that I should give to your hound meate and drink and I  told to you that the gest had no moni,& ye said that ye would not trust him, but that ye would haue a pledge or money to pay for his costs: so haue I brought to you the best cote that he hath for a pledge. Than was they hostise more angry,& said: Go out of my house shortly, and never come here more within my doors. Than said Howleglas. Shall I go out of your doors: nay but I shall ride out of your doors. Than took he his fadell and saddled his horse,& light on him And or he departed from thence, he said to his hostise. reap well your pledge, that ye may haue your money. And within a while I shal come unto you vnbidden. And if I drink not of your drink: than need I not to pay nothing. And than departed he fro thence, and road his way   

¶ How Howleglas served the same host●ce an other time, and howe he lay. on a wheel.  
WIthin a while after came Howleglas to Stafforde, in the same inn where he had been lodged before: and he had done other clothes on, because that his hostyse should not know him. And when he was come into the inn, he spied a wheel lie theirby and than he alighted& came& laid him thereon, and bad his hostyse good morrow. And he asked her, if she hard any news of howleglas? And she said nay, what should I here of him? I can not suffer him to be name. howleglas said? what harm hath he done to you, that ye may not here speak of him? he is a knave, in dede, I never herde tell yet that he came in any place, but or he departed he did some shrewd touch. Than said the hostise that is truth. For it is but .viii. daies ago that( for the great cheer that I made to him) like a treitoure he flayed my hound, and he gave me they skin for my meate and drink, Than said howleglas that was a knauy●he touch. And the woman said therfore shall he come to evil end. Than said howleglas Is this all his reward? It is not three houres ago sithence I saw him lie vpon a wheel. Than said the hostise, if I had known that I should haue bet him with a staff, that I should haue broken some of his trespasses, for that he hath done to me. And than arose Howleglas and said, let be your anger, for when I spake to you he lay vpon the wheel And now adewe I come not here again.   

How Howleglas set his hostyse vpon the hote ashes with her bare arse.  
AS Howleglas was come fro Rome, he came to an inn where his host was not at home And when he was within, he asked his hostyse if that she knew not Howleglas, and the hostyse said nay: but I here say that he is a false deceiver and begiler than said Howleglas wherefore say ye so ye know him not than said the hostise that is truth but I haue herd speak much of his unhappiness than said Howleglas: good woman he hath done to you never no harm, wherefore slander ye him for the words of other people, the hostyse said: I say no other of him, than the people do. For I haue heard him be spoken of, of many of my gestes, that haue lodged bear. Than held Howleglas his peace,& spake no more till in the morning, and than spread he abroad the hote ashes on the harthe, and than took he the hostyse out of her sleep,& set her thereon on her bare arse,& so was his hostyse well burned, than said he to her. now may ye say boldly, that ye haue sene the false deceuer and beguiler Howleglas: than cried the hostyse for help& lowered vpon him Than went he out of her doors and said to her. Should not men correct& reprove slanderers and backbiters, that say it of men, and never saw them, nor never had done harm to them. yes it is a chartable thing to do. And than took he his horse and departed fro thence.   

¶ How Howleglas served a holander with a roasted apple.  
VPon a time came Howleglas to And warp to an inn, where was many holaders merry. And he brought with him .ii. eggs which he roasted for to eat, for he was sick& could eat no flesh. And this seeing a holander said. ye Thomme of the country, will not your hostyse meet serve you but that ye must bring meat with you ween ye that ye should haue no meat here: and with those words, he took the eggs and supped them up, and when he had done. he gave too Howleglas the shells, and said to him: hold here is they bore, the relykes be gone, and than laughed all the gestes at that touch, and Howleglas also, and in the evening fetched Howleglas a fair apple and cut out all the core therof, and put therein a strong purgation, and roasted the apple in the fire and than took howleglas the apple and cut it in pieces. vpon his trenchour,& strawed therof poudre of ginger 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 turned his back, the holander took the apple and ate it in a great hast. And by and by he fell to parbrakyng, and cast up all that was within him, and he was very sick therof, that the host and all the gestes wend that he should haue dyed of the apple. And than said howleglas to they gestes: be not a frayed of him for it is a little purgation, that I haue given him, he was to hasty to eat the apple so some, I should haue warned him therof. For the roasted apple could not suffer the rear eggs in his maw, but that they must needs come out again:& than the gestes made good cheer and laughed. And when the purgation had wrought al that it would& that they holander was a mended, he said to Howleglas. roast and eat whatsoever ye will, for I will never eat with you more.   

¶ Howe Howleglas made a woman that sold earthen pots, to smite them all in pieces.  
VPon a time took Howleglas his journey to Bremen, to the bishop, that loved him well. For at al times he did some mad touch, whereat he made the bishop to laugh. Than on a time as the bishop and Howleglas were a walking the bishop desired of him, that he would do some meri Iest, but Howleglas went talking to himself as though he had said his pater noster, and answered not the bishop. But at the last he said to him, I pray the to se some news? And he said he would. But he prayed the bishop to tari a while. And he gave him silence. And in the mean while went Howleglas to a woman that hath earthen pots to sel in the market, the which pots he bought on a condicon, that when he made a sign to her: than she should smite al the pots in pieces. And she granted to him. And than he payed her& returned to the bishop. And when he was come, the bishop asked him where he had been? And howleglas said I was at church. he said my lord go with me unto the market. And so he did. And when they were there howleglas said to the bishop Se you the woman with the earthen pots? I shall stand here still by you,& speak never a word:& yet shal I make her to smite her pots al in pieces. Than said the bishop I hold the .xxx. gildens, that thou shalt not do it. And howleglas did hold, the .xxx. gildens with the bishop. And than went they into the town house,& there they tarried. And than cryede, and called the woman,& at the last made he the sign to her that was made between them. And than took she a staff, and smyt vpon the pots so long till that she had broken them every chone, so that the bishop and all they that were in the market place did laugh thereat. And as the bishop was come home than called he Howleglas a side unto him, and said. Tell me shortly what thing ye did to the woman, that ye made her take a staff, and smite all they pots to pieces, and than shal I give unto you the .xxx. gildens Than said Howleglas to the bishop. My lord I did it not with sorcery nor witchecraft, but I had paid the woman before for her pots,& we were both agreed And than laughed the bishop thereat, and gave unto Howleglas .xxx. gildens, and he made him to swear on a book, that he should not show no body the thing& he said he would give him a fat ox. Than said Howleglas, that thing shall I do with a good will,& speak never a word. And than departed Howleglas fro thence, and he let the bishop do what he would. And than went the bishop, that when he should make a sign to her, than should she smite the earthen pots all in pieces, and this was the cunning that than Howleglas did. Than were all they nobles ashamed and angry in their mind with the bishop, but they durst not speak one word but clawed their heads, when that they saw their fat oxen before, their face that they had given to the bishop for that foolysh deed. But after they comforted themself again, and said. He is our lord and master, and yf that he had asked the oxen for eight, wee would haue given them to him, and Howleglas had for his parte one of they fat oxen, whereof he was glad as the other did so that the gift amounted to .xx. fat oxen: and than went every man home,& fetched a fat ox and brought it unto the bishop: and when that they were all come in, they stood talking with the bishop and than came Howleglas riding by them, and he saw all the oxen stand there, than he said unto the bishop this gains is half mine, than said he to Howleglas, will you not hold that thing that ye haue promised me, and than said Howleglas yes, for an other fat ox. than gave the bishop unto Howleglas a fat, ox and he bad him that he should depart and so he did and left the bishop with all his lords talkinge: than called the bishop all the nobles together,& when that they were come he said to them. now shall I show unto you all this great cunning of the breaking of the pots openly than said he to them, this is it. Howleglas had been before with that woman that sold the earthen pots in the market,& he had paid her for all the pots, and he bad to her than when he should make a sign to her, than should she smite the earthen pots all in pieces, and this was the cunning that Howleglas did. Than were the nobles ashamed and angry in their mind with the bishop, but they durst not speak one word, but clawed their heads, when the saw their fat oxen before their face, that they had given to the bishop for that foolish dede: but after they comforted themself again and said: he is our lord and master, and if that he had asked they oxen for nought, we would haue given them to him. And Howleglas had for his parte one of the fat oxen, whereof he was glad.   

¶ How Howleglas broke the stairs that they monks should come down on to mattyns, and howe they fell down into the yard.  
HOwleglas as he waxed old and feeble: and had been in many countreys: than began he to take a little repentance on him, and thought to go to be a religious person. Than took he his way to Meriendall. And when he came ther he went into the abbey to the abbot, and when he came to him, he desired of the abbot that he might be a brooder in the place, and to haue a place, and he promised the abbot that he would leave in the abbey all the money that he had. Than said the abbot to him,& jested with him, for he was a merry jester, that he should haue a place, but he must haue an office there with for to do some labour for ye se well, that all my brethren do that thing that I command them, and take the office that is given unto them, and be content therwith. Than said Howleglas to the abbot, what soever it please you to bid me do, I shall do it with a good will. Than said the abbot the labour is not great that I shall give unto you: for ye shall be porter, so that ye may haue conversation with the people daily, and no other thing, than for to open the gate, and for to shit it again. Than said Howleglas to the abbot. God thank you my lord, that ye haue ordained for me a poor old man, so light an office, and therfore shal I do al that ye bid me, and leave all that ye for bid me. than said the abbot to him. take here is the keys, ye must not let in every body, nor scarce let in the .iii. or the .iiii. for ther be so many vagabonds and land rynners. For if that ye should let them all in that comes, the would eat& drink so much, that at the yeres end the would bring the place. to a low ebb. Than said Howleglas to the abbot That shall I do with a good will. And than kept he the gate and when that the servants and monks should haue comein than would he let in no more, but the .iii. or the .iiii. And than they complained to the abbot of Howleglas,&  told him that Howleglas was a deceuer, and a beguiler of folk, for he would not let them in, that belonged unto the place. Than called the abbot Howleglas to him and he asked him why that he did not let in the servants of the place? And Howleglas answered, 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 did, and therefore haue I not broken your commandment. Than said the abbot ye haue dōe like a false knave,& therfore shall I put the out of thy office, for ye will not leave your false touches. And than gave he that office to an other munke. And than said he to howleglas, this shall be your office, you shal tel every night how many munkes come to matyns, and ye miss one: ye shall out of the abbey. Than said 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 your commandment, but the abbot gave to him that office, because that he should haue him out of the abbey, and so for to be rid of him. And Howleglas thought in his mind, not for to tarry long. And than went Howleglas& pulled away .ii. or .iii. stepes of the stairs, that the munkes should come down on to matyns. And at midnight came the pryour first that was a good old man, and was wont to be they first. And when he thought to haue gone down: he fel and broke his leg. And than he cried piteously, so that the other monks herd him, and came running hastelye for to see what that he ailed and lacked& than fel they each after other down the stairs. Than in they morning complained the monks to the abbot, and shewed him howe that Howleglas had served them. Than was the abbot more angri, and said to Howleglas, what haue ye done? Howleglas said as ye bad me, for ye bad me that I should tel the monks when they came to matins, and so I haue done, look here is the tail. Than said the abbot go out of the abbai for ye haue  told them like a false knave. And than departed Howleglas fro that abbey and went to Mollen.   

¶ How Howleglas bought cream of the womon of the country, that brought it for to sel to Maryandra.  
WIthin a while after or the he would enter into the abbey of Mariandra to be a monk, he went a walking on the market day to Bremen, where he saw many women standing there to sell cream. And than went Howleglas to the house where he was lodged, and borrowed a tub of his hostise, and went again in to the market. And when he was there: he set down his tub and came to a woman of the country and he asked they price of her cream. And when they ware both a 'greed: he made her for to put the cream into his tub and than went he to an other, and agreed with her also& made her to put her cream into his tub, and so went he fro the on to the other, till that he had made all the women that had ther cream: to put it into his tub. And when he had so done: than asked they poor women their money of Howleglas, for they would depart home. Than said Howleglas to the women ye must do so much for me, as to trust me these eight dayes. for I haue no money at this time. Than ware the women of the country angry,& the ran to they tub for to take every one of them their cream again for the would not trust him. And as they would haue taken their cream again, than began they to fall together by the ears,& said. Thou takest more than thou should haue. And the other stood all weeping,& said to them. Shall I loose my cream? And other twayn were tumbling by the here, in the mids of the canel. And thus the pulied and haled on the other that at the last the tub fel down,& arrayed thē very foul, so that they were all dysfygured& wist not of whom the should be avenged of. And than arose thee and asked where is this false knave, that hath bought our milk, and hath dysceued us so, for had we him here among us, we should christen him here in the cream, that is in the cannell,& paint him therwith as well as we be, for he is a false beguiler and dysceyuer. But he was gone fro thence for he cast before that such a thing should follow. And when the burgeys of the town and many other folk of the town saw that the cannels ran with cream. Than went they to the market place for to se. And when the ware ther: they asked how the cream was spylt, and than it was told them. And when that the knew it than the returned home laughing, and praised greatli the falseness and suttelte of Howleglas.   

¶ How Howleglas came to a scholar to make verses with him to that use of reason. And howe that Howleglas began as after shall follow.  ¶ Howleglas. 

MArs with sceptre, a king coronate  
furious in affliction, and taketh no regard  
By terrible fighting, he is our primate  
And god of battle, and person right froward.  
Of warries the tutor, the lock, and the ward  
His power his might, who can them resist  
Not all this world, if that himself list,   The scholar. 

¶ Not all this world, who told the so?  
Where is that written, right fain would I see?  
ye came like a fool, and so shall ye go.  
By one person only, deceived ye may be  
And by astronomy, I tell it unto the  
If that will not help, some shift shall I finde  
By craft, or cunning, Mars for to blind.   Howleglas. 

¶ Venus a god of love most decorate  
The floure of women, and lady most pure  
Louers to concord, she doth ay aggregate  
with infinite love, as marble to our  
The knot of love, she knittes on them sure  
With friendly amity, and never to discord  
By deeds, thought, cogitacion, nor word.   The scholar. 

¶ Not to discord, yet did I never see  
know, nor here tell, of louers such twain  
But some fault there was, learn this of me  
Other in thought, or yet in words plain  
your reasons be nought, your tongue goeth in vain  
By natural person: such love is not found  
In france, flanders, nor yet in english ground  
¶ The god of wine, that bacchus hath to name  
The sender of fruits, that maketh wines all  
May slake, or make, or put them in frame.  
All at his pleasure, and use dyuryall  
He may the exalt in likewise to fall  
Their lord, and master and chief governor  
He may them destroy, and make in a hour.   The scholar. 

¶ All to destroy, it is not by his might  
Nor yet for to make of that be thou sure  
( Omnia per ipsum( saint johan says full right  
Than we call Christ, our god and our treasure  
Presume not so hye, you fail of your measure  
Rede, hear, and see, and bear well a way  
unknown vnsayde and for grace thou pray.   
Vale.   

¶ Howe Howleglas at Mollem was sick,& howe he did shit in the poticaries boxes, and how he was born in the holy ghost.  
AS Howleglas was come from Meriendasse. than he fell sick and when he was sick, he went to Mollem, where he was lodged in a poticaryes house, for to make medicines therfore. Than should the poticarie give to him a medicine for his sickness and than he gave to wowleglas a strong purgation. And in the morning the purgation begon to work. And than arose Howleglas for to haue gone to they draught, but he could not finde none: and so he beshyt all they chamber. And than he took the .xii. boxes, that the medicines were in, and he shut in every one of them, and he said. Here come out the medicines again it were great pity to lose them, for I haue no money to give him for them. when they potycary heard these words, than was he angry,& he would haue him no, longer in his house but took& bare him into an hospital of the holy ghost. And when he was the within, than he said I haue prayed god long that the holy ghost might come unto me, but my prayer is clene contrary, for I am come into the holy ghost,& he abideth without me,& I in him. Than laughed the people& said. As men live: so is their end. Than herde his mother say that he was sick: than she came to him, and she had thought for to haue had some money of him, for she was old& poor, and when she saw him, she wept& said. where be ye so sick. And Howleglas said. here between the bed& the wall. Than said his mother speak to me one sweat word. than said Howleglas to his mother, hony hony, is not that a sweet word, than said his mother, tell me some thing that may do me ease, than said Howleglas to his mother, when that you fist: turn your arse with the wind& than you shal feel no stink. Than said his mother, give me some of your good, than said Howleglas to his mother, he that hath none shall give none For my good is so secret that no man can finde it,& you can find any take it. And than Howleglas waxed sicker& sicker, so that the folk asked him whether that he would be shryuen, for they saw well that he should not recover. than said an old sister that was a good friend of his she counseled him to be confessed& take repentance for his sins, and so to holy seruant of god. And Howleglas said. I will not confess men secretli, for al that I haue done, I haue done it openly to many men in dyvers lands. and that is well known. For they that I haue done good to, they will say good o● me. And they that I haue done harm to, the will say harm of me. But I am very sorry of two things the which I could never bring to pass in my life. Than said the sister be sorry of thi sins, and be glad that you did not those two things, if that the were ill. And if the were good, be sorry because the 〈◇〉 not done. Than said Howleglas, it is as me● ◇〉 take it. For I was sorry in my mind when I saw a man pycke his teeth with his knife, that I had not s●●tten on the end of it. The other is that I am sorry for, that I did not drive a wooden wedge in all womens arses, that were above .l. year, for they be neither cleanly nor profitable. I desire it for no other cause but this that is that the should not shit on the ground, the which bringeth fruits. Than said the sister to Howleglas god save all women of that age& all those that been 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 wooden wedge, for I am a woman of .lx. year& more. Than he answered to the sister. I am right for●e.& heavy because it is not done. Than answered the sister it were much better that the devil had the. Than answered Howleglas that is truth, for a woman is no sooner angry but she is worse than the de●il. And than the sister departed and let him lie.   

¶ How Howleglas deceived his ghostly father.  
ANd as Howleglas was thus sick, and than they brought to him a priest: And when the priest was come there, he thought in his mind, this hath been a great 〈…〉 wherewith he hath g●… the priest unto him and 〈…〉 yourself, for ye haue done ma●… must you remebre that you haue 〈…〉 how you haue gotten much money b●… hood& 〈◇〉 bestow that moni to the w●… and poor p●●stes as I am, and that I counce●… for to do, and I shall order it well and remember you here●●ter, and do many masses for you. Than said Howleglas. Good father if it please you to come at noon again, than shal I make redy some money for you: Than was the priest glad,& than departed. Than took Howleglas an earthen pot and filled it half full of turdes,& he strawed thereon a little money, so that the dirt was covered. And when it was noon, the priest came and he said to Howleglas. friend shall I haue that that you promised me? And Howleglas said ye. Than he set the pot before him, and said. Take now yourself. but be not to hasty, nor put not your hand to deep. Than said the priest I shall do as you bid me. And Howleglas did open the pot, and he bad the priest to gripe softlye, for it was almost full. Than was the priest hasty, and put his hand into the pot,& he gryped a great handful. And when he felt it soft: he pulled out his hand, and it was all to be shitten. Than the priest said, ye may well be called a deceiver& beguiler, that haue deceived his ghostly father, and when ye be at the point of death. Than said Howleglas to the priest. Good sir did I not show unto you before that you should not gripe to deep? And if that ye were covetous, it was not my faut. Than said the ●… ctousnesse all other, 〈…〉 it was great pity that thou ●… yng, when thou wouldest haue been ●… eke, and than the priest departed from 〈…〉 Howleglss called the priest again, and 〈…〉 to him. master person come again,& take your money with you. But he went his way and made it as he hard it not.   

¶ How Holeglas made his testament.  
IN the mean time waxed Howleglas sycker& sicker, Than he called for the lords to make his tastamente. And when they were come: he gave his goods in .iii. partes. One parte to his kynsfolke, an other to the lords of Molē, and the other to the person of Molen, when soever he died. And he asked to be buried in christen mans burial, and to sing for his soul, Placebo and Dixig, with masses& other good services, after the custom and vsans. And than he shewed to them a great chest that was well barred with iron, and four keys thereto belonging, and he  told unto them, that in that chest was all his good,& than he gave the chest to them to keep, that were right heavy for him. And than within a month after his death than the four should take the keys therof, and open the chest, and deal all the money for his soul. And within a while after he departed. And when he was dead: they wound him in a winding sheet, and after in a coffin, and after on a bear. Than came the pryestes and feched him to church and song for him placebo and dyring. And in the mean time came in a sow with her lieges, and went under the bear, for she had found the taste of dead flesh& with her ●ole●he can down the bear, whereof the priestes and clerkes were afraid, and they saw that it was down, than they ran so fast the each fell in others neck, for the thought that he had been risen again and so they left him there. And than the miters of a nonnery took the corpse, and brought it to grave and butted it. And when a month was past: than came the three parties for to unlock the chest, and for to deal the money for his soul. And when that they had opened the chest: the found no other but stones therein. Than the woundered therof, and the one lokend on the other, and they person had wende, that the lords had had the money because they had the chest in keeping. And the lords wende that his friends had opened the chest and taken out the treasure,& put in stones the while that he was sick. and so to haue shut the chest again. And his friends wende that the curate had conueied the treasure when that he confessed him. And than in a great anger they departed fro thence for at the last the knew that it was he that had dō it for to mock them. And after that the lords and the curate agreed together again, and so to bury him under the gallows. And so they did. And as they were deluinge of his grave, he stank so sore, that they could not abide the air therof And so the covered him with earth again and let him lie still, and so they departed.   

¶ How Holiglas was buried.  
THus as Howleglas was deade, than they brought him to be buried. And as they would haue put the coffin into the pit with .ii. cords, the cord at the feet broke, so that the foot of the coffin fel into the bottom of the pit, and the coffin stood boult upright in the mids of the grave. Than desired the people that stood about the grave that time, to let the coffin to stand bolte upright. For in his life time he was a very marvelous man, and he did many wonderful things, and shall be buried as meruesousli and in this maner they left Howleglas stand boult up right in his grave, and they covered him with earth And than they laid a ston. And on the ston was graven an owl holding a glass with her claws And thereon was graven this scripture. 
Presume no man a way this ston to take. For under this ston was Howleglas butted late.  
In the year of our lord God. M.CCC.& fifty.     

¶ Here beginneth the table.  

HOwe Howleglas as he was born was christened .iii. times vpon one day.  
How Howleglas answered a man that asked the high way.  
How that Howleglas sat vpon his fathers horse, behind him.  
How Howleglas fell fro the rope into the water.  
How Howleglas mother learned him, and bad him go to a craft.  
How Howleglas got bread for his mother.  
Howe Holeglas was stolen out of a bye hive, by night.  
How Howleglas was hired of a pryest.  
How Holeglas was made a parish clerk.  
How Howleglas would fly fro a house top.  
How Howleglas made himself a physician, and how he beguiled a doctor with his medicines.  
How Holeglas made a sick child shield shit, that a fore might not shit, and howe he got great worship therof.  
How Holeglas made hole all the sick folk that were in the hospital, where the spear of our lord is.  
How Howleglas was hired to be a bakers seruant  
How Howleglas was put in wages, with the foster of Anhalte for to watch vpon a tower, to se when his enemies came, and than for to blow an horn to warn them therof.  
How Howleglas wan a great deal of money with a point of foolyshnesse.  
How the duke of Lunenborough banished Howleglas out of his land.  
How Howleglas set his hostyse vpon the hoote ashes with, her bare arce.  
How Howleglas took vpon him to be a painter.  
How Howleglas had a great disputation with all the douctours of Pragem in Bemen.  
How Howleglas became a pardoner.  
How Howleglas did eat for money, in the town. Banberbetche.  
How Howleglas went to Rome to speak with the pope.  
How Howleglas deceived .iii. Iewes with dirt.  
How Howleglas had gotten the persons horse by his confession.  
How Howleglas was hired of a black smith.  
How Howleglas was hired of a shoemaker.  
How Howleglas served a tailor.  
How Howleglas sold turdes for fat.  
How Howleglas through his subtle disceytes deceived a wine drawer in Lubeke.  
How Howleglas became a maker of Spectacles and howe he could finde no work in no land.  
How Howleglas was hired of a merchant man to be his cook.  
How howleglas was desired to dinner.  
How howleglas wane a piece of cloth, of a man of the country.  
How howleglas gave .xx. gyldens to .xii. poor men for Christes love.  
How howleglas feared his host with a dead wolf.  
how howleglace flied a hound and gave the skin for half his dinner.  
how howleglas served the same hostise another tim and lay on a wheel.  
How Howleglas served a holander with a roasted apple.  
How Howleglas made a woman that sold earthen pots to smite them all in pieces,  
How Howleglas broke the stairs that the monks should come down on to matyns, and how they fell down into the yard.  
How Howleglas bought cream of the women of the country that brought it for to sell.  
How Howlegls came to a scholar, to make verses with him to the use of reason.  
How Howleglas was secke at Molen and how he did shit in the poticaries boxes, and was born in the holy ghost.  
How Howleglas deceived his ghostly father.  
How Howleglas made his testament.  
How Howleglas was butted.   
¶ Thus endeth the life of Howleglas.   

¶ imprinted at London in Tamestrete at the Vintre on the three Craned wharf by Wyllyam Copland.