human
Tom, said he,
gpt
I desire that piece of work may be finished directly. If a shower comes my grain will be spoiled.
human
Indeed, master, I sha'n't work to-day, nor to-morrow neither, said Tom.
gpt
You forget that 'tis Easter Monday, and to-morrow is Easter Tuesday. And so on Wednesday I shall thatch away, master. But it is hard if a poor man, who works all the seasons round, may not enjoy these few holidays, which come but once a year.
human
Tom, said the farmer,
gpt
human
Why, you know, master, you have let it to me by the great. I think between this and to-morrow night, as the weather is so fine, I could clear about four shillings, after I have paid my boy; but thatching does not come often, and other work is not so profitable.
gpt
Very well, Tom; and how much now do you think you may spend in these two holidays?
human
Why, master, if the ale is pleasant, and the company merry, I do not expect to get off for less than three shillings.
gpt
Tom, can you do pounds, shillings, and pence?
human
I can make a little score, master, behind the kitchen-door, with a bit of chalk, which is as much as I want.
gpt
Well, Tom, add the four shillings you would have earned to the three you intend to spend, what does that make?
human
Let me see! three and four make seven. Seven shillings, master.
gpt
Tom, you often tell me the times are so bad that you can never buy a bit of meat. Now here is the cost of two joints at once: to say nothing of the sin of wasting time and getting drunk.
human
I never once thought of that, said Tom.
gpt
Now, Tom, said the farmer,
human
gpt
Ay, but I have got no beer, master, the times are so hard that a poor man can't afford to brew a drop of drink now as we used to do.
human
Times are bad, and malt is very dear, Tom, and yet both don't prevent you from spending seven shillings in keeping holiday. Now send for a quart of ale as it is to be a feast: and you will even then be four shillings richer than if you had gone to the public house. I would have you put by these four shillings, till you can add a couple to them; with this I would get a bushel of malt, and my wife should brew it, and you may take a pint of your own beer at home of a night, which will do you more good than a gallon at the Red Lion.
gpt
I have a great mind to take your advice, master, but I shall be made such fun of at the Lion! they will so laugh at me if I don't go!
human
Let those laugh that win, Tom.
gpt
But master, I have got a friend to meet me there.
human
Then ask your friend to come and eat a bit of your cold mutton at night, and here is sixpence for another pot, if you will promise to brew a small cask of your own.
gpt
Thank you, master, and so I will; and I won't go to the Lion. Come boy, bring the helm, and fetch the ladder.