The Sixty and Sixth Adventure. Telleth how that good Master Owlglass again beguiled the butcher at Erfurt, by pleasing him with a most grateful jingle.
Kenneth R. H. (Kenneth Robert Henderson) Mackenzie translation
In less than a week after, came Owlglass again unto the shambles. And the same butcher spake once more to Owlglass, and mocked him, and said: “Come hither again, and for thyself get a piece of beef.” And unto such comforting words answered Owlglass: “Yea;” and would have taken a good piece of meat; but the butcher in haste took hold of his meat, and kept it. Then said Owlglass unto him: “Bide a while, and let the meat lie; I will pay thee for it.” And the butcher laid the meat again upon the bench. Then said Owlglass unto him: “Hear me what I say. If that I speak such a word unto thee as shall content thee, will that be payment for this meat, and I will not touch it in any wise?” And the butcher said: “Lo! thou mightest say words unto me that would content me most greatly, or words that would not agree; yet if thou sayest such words as shall be pleasant, then canst thou take the meat.” Then spoke Owlglass after this wise:
“Be merry this day, and drink good wine;
Thy meat will be paid for,—the money thine.”
“Truly this is a brave saying,” said the butcher; “but 123I would rather have the doing. This likes me not. Say on.” Thereat spake Owlglass once more:
“The good wife scolds nor prates to-day;
Be happy therefore whilst thou may.”
“Nay, nay,” said the butcher; “how can that be when that I have no wife. Thy saying likes me not. Say on.” Then laughed Owlglass, and said:
“The butcher best likes to be paid,
So money-bag be now my aid.”
Then cried the butcher: “Such words are brave and true words. Behold, thou speakest sensibly, and the saying like I well.” Thereat said Owlglass: “Behold, then, the meat is mine. Good friends that stand around, is it not true that I have now fulfilled my part?” And with much clamour said they: “Yea;” and Owlglass took the meat, and departed. But the butcher stood still, and knew not what to say unto them; for the neighbours mocked him, and turned him to scorn. And if thereat he was vexed, truly was it no great wonder.