The Kitchen of Mirth presents
Musicke

Three of foure Gentlemen being merry with drinke and discourse in a Taverne, a Musitian proffer'd them Musicke, which was deny'd, within a little time after another ask'd the same question, Gentlemen, will you have any Musicke? The Gentlemen began to bee angry, saying, they were Musick to themselves, and of themselves, and bad the Fidler get him gone, but it was not long before the third Fidler opened their doore, and peep'd into the Roome, with the old note, Gentlemen, will you have any Musicke, a new Song, or a fine Lesson? The Gentlemen perceiving that no deniall would satisfie their intruding importunacy, said, do'st thou heare fellow, how many are you? Wee are foure said the Musitian; Can you dance said the Gentlemen? Yes sir said the other; thats well quoth the Gentlemen: so without any more bidding, the Musitians entred, and two of them plaid, and the other two danc'd foure or five Dances; in conclusion the Gentlemen call'd for a reckoning, and paid it; but as they were going away, one of the Fidlers said, Gentlemen, I pray you to remember the Musick, you have given us nothing yet; to whom one of the Gentlemen answer'd, nor will we give you any thing, for we never knew any Reason to the contrary, But alwayes those that dance must pay the Musicke.


  • Musicke. Source: Taylor, John. Taylor's Feast. London: Printed by J. Okes dwelling in little St. Bartholmews, 1638

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