Part 25

Which for to do would move them to wrath.

Spare trenchers with have in readiness, napkins

To serve afterward, if there come any guests.

Be circumspect, see nothing do want,

Of necessary things that there be no scant,

As bread and drink, see there be plenty.

The voiders with bones oft see thou empty.

At hand be ready, if any do call,

To fetch or take up, if ought fortune to fall.

When they have done, then ready make,

The table up fair in order to take.

First the salt see that thou cover,

Having by thee either one or other

Things from thy hands then to convey,

That from the table thou shalt take away.

A voider upon the table thou have,

The trenchers and napkins therein to receive.

The crumbs with a napkin, together them sweep,

(It) at the table’s end in a voider them keep.

Then before each man a clean trencher lay,

The best first serving, as judge thou soon may.

Then cheese with fruit on the table set,

With biscuits or as you may get. caraways,

Wine to them fill, else ale or beer;

But wine is meetest, if any there were.

Then on the table attend with all diligénce,

It for to void, when done have thy parénts.

Each side of the cloth do thou turn in;