Henry Craik, ed. English Prose. 1916.
Vol. I. Fourteenth to Sixteenth Century
John Foxe (15161587)
T
“Why,” said master Tyrrel, “art thou still in that mind, thou naughty housewife? Marry it is time to look upon such heretics indeed.”
Rose.“Sir, with that which you call heresy, do I worship my Lord God; I tell you troth.”
Tyrrel.“Then I perceive you will burn, gossip, with the rest, for company’s sake.”
Rose.“No, sir, not for company’s sake, but for my Christ’s sake, if so I be compelled; and I hope in His mercies if He call me to it, He will enable me to bear it.”
So he, turning to his company, said, “Sirs, this gossip will burn: do you not think it?” “Marry, sir,” quoth one, “prove her, and you shall see what she will do by and by.”
But she, quietly suffering his rage for the time, at the last said, “Sir, have ye done what ye will do?” And he said, “Yea, and if thou think it be not well, then mend it.”
“Mend it!” said Rose, “nay, the Lord mend you, and give you repentance, if it be His will. And now, if you think it good, begin at the feet, and burn to the head also. For he that set you a work, shall pay you your wages one day, I warrant you.” And so she went and carried her mother drink, as she was commanded.