Changes
''Scholar''. Some are ploughboys, some shepherds, some oxherds, some also are huntsmen, some fishermen, some fowlers, some chapmen, some tailors, some salters, some bakers in the place. <br>
''Master''. What do you say, Ploughboy, how do you carry on your work? <br>
<div id="Ploughboy"></div><br>'''''Ploughboy'''''. Master, I have to work far too much; I go out at dawn, driving the oxen to the field, and I yoke them to the plough ; I dare not in the severest weather lie hid at home, for fear of my lord ; and when I have yoked the oxen together, and fastened the ploughshare to the plough, I have to plough a whole acre every day, or more. <br>
Master. Have you any companion ? <br>
Ploughboy. I have a boy who threatens the oxen with a goad, and he is also hoarse with the cold and his shouting. <br>
Ploughboy. Yes, it is a great labour that I have to fulfil, for I am not free. <br>
Master. What do you say, Shepherd, have you any work ? <br>
<div id="Shepherd"></div><br>'''''Shepherd'''''. Indeed, I have. In early morning I drive my sheep to the pastures, and I stand by them, in heat and cold, with dogs, lest the wolves should devour them, and I bring them back to their folds, and milk them twice a day, and I move their folds besides. I also make butter and cheese, and I am faithful to my lord. <br><div id="Oxherd"></div><br>
Master* Oxherd, what do you work at ? <br>
'''''Oxherd'''''. Master, I labour much. When the ploughman unyokes the oxen, I lead them to the pastures, and all night I stand by them watching against thieves, and then, early in the morning, I
give them over to the ploughman, well fed and watered. <br>
Master. Is that boy one of your companions ? <br>
Oxherd. He is. <br>
<div id="Huntsman"></div><br>
Master. Can you do anything ? <br>
'''''Huntsman'''''. One craft I know. <br>
Master. Which is that ? <br>
Huntsman. I am a huntsman. <br>
Huntsman. I give whatever I catch to the King, as I am his huntsman. <br>
Master. And what does he give you ? <br>
Huntsman. He clothes and feeds me well, and sometimes he gives me a horse, or a bracelet, that I may the more willingly practise my art. ''(Anglo-Saxon men were fond of wearing bracelets.)'' <brdiv id="Fisherman"></div><br>
Master. What craft do you know ? <br>
'''''Fisherman''''''. I am a fisherman. <br>
Master. And what do you gain by your craft ? <br>
Fisherman. Food, and clothing, and money. <br>
<br>
Master. Fowler, what have you to say ? How do you deceive the birds ? <br>
'''''Fowler'''''. I have many ways of deceiving the birds; sometimes by nets, sometimes by snares, sometimes by lime, sometimes by whistling, sometimes by a hawk, sometimes by a trap. <br>
Master. Have you a hawk ? <br>
Fowler. I have one. <br>
<br>
Master. What have you to say, Merchant ? <br>
'''''Merchant'''''. I maintain that I am useful to the King, and to the nobles, and to the wealthy, and to the whole people. <br>
Master. How so ? <br>
Merchant. I go on board ship, with my merchandise. I sail to regions beyond the sea, and sell my goods, and buy valuable produce that is not made in this country, and I bring it you here. I face great dangers in crossing the ocean and sometimes I suffer shipwreck, with the loss of all my goods, hardly escaping with my life.<br>
<br>
Master. You, Shoemaker, what do you produce ? <br>
'''''Shoemaker'''''. My craft is indeed very useful and necessary for you. <br>
Master. How is that ? <br>
Shoemaker. I buy skins and hides, and prepare them, and make various kinds of sandals, slippers, shoes, and high boots, besides bridles, harness, and other horse trappings, halters and spurs; and also leather bottles, flasks, purses, and bags. ''(The order of some of these names has been transposed in the translation so as to bring together those that appear to have the same meaning. It is by no means easy to identify the signification of these names.)''<br>
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Master. Oh, Salter, of what value is your craft to us? <br>
'''''Salter'''''. My craft is of great value to all of you; none of you would enjoy his dinner or supper unless my craft were his entertainer. <br>
Master. How is that ? <br>
Salter. What man would enjoy pleasant meats, without the savour of salt ? Who could fill his pantry, or his storeroom without my craft ? Behold, all your butter and cheese would perish, unless I were near to be their keeper, and you could not use your herbs without me. <br>
