The Cheaters Cheated: IV. Jack a Lent

Tune: Jack a Lent

Filch: Quick let us share

For fear of apprehension.

Nim: Gusman [famous Spanish rogue, popularized in England by James Mabbe] could ne’re

Compare with this invention.

Filch: That rustick clown

Hath brough a happy harvest

Nim: Lay your money down,

Filch: My purse is at your service crown for crown.

Nim: Open the purse,

Our ship of fortune sails in’t … (opens purse)

Filch: O heavy curse—

It hath nothing but nails in’t!

Nim: Ne’re men till now

Were gull’d by such a costard [empty headed—from costard apple]

Filch: If we meet I vow wee’l bang

The bacon bastard black and blew.

Unlock that font,

Let’s enter by degrees in’t (opens other purse)

Nim: A pox upon’t—

There’s nought but bread and cheese in’t!

Filch: Come, let’s depart

And drink a Saxon Rumkin

Nim: I am vext at heart

But if I spare the Bomkin, hang me for’t. They exit