19187On Monday morning very early, I rid the three 188miles that I danced the Saturday before, where 189alighting, my taborer struck up and lightly I 190tripped forward, but I had the heaviest way that ever 191mad morris dancer trod. Yet
24196This foul way I could find no ease in, thick 197woods being on either side the lane. The lane likewise 198being full of deep holes, sometimes I skipped up 199to the waist. But it is an old proverb that it is a 200little comfort to the miserable to have companions, 201and amidst this miry way I had some mirth by an 202unlooked-for accident.
25203It was the custom of honest country fellows, 204my unknown friends, upon hearing of my pipe 205-- which might well be heard in a still morning or evening 206a mile -- to get up and bear me company a 207little way. In this foul way, two pretty plain 208youths watched me, and with their kindness somewhat 209hindered me. One, a fine light fellow, would be 210still before me, the other ever at my heels. At length, 211coming to a broad plash of water and mud which 212could not be avoided, I fetched a rise, yet fell in over 213the ankles at the further end. My youth that followed 214me took his jump and stuck fast in the midst, 215crying out to his companion, "Come, George, call ye 216this dancing? I'll go no further." For indeed he 217could go no further till his fellow was fain to 218wade and help him out. I could not choose but laugh 219to see how like two frogs they labored. A hearty 220farewell I gave them, and they faintly bade God speed me, saying if I danced that dirty way this 221seven years again, they would never dance after 222me.