WHAT THE GOODMAN DOES IS ALWAYS RIGHT

SCENE I

TIME: early one morning.
PLACE: a very old farmhouse.

[The GOODMAN and his WIFE are seated in their spare room because it is Fair-day.]

WIFE. Yes, I think it would be as well to sell our horse. Or, as you say, we might exchange him for something more useful.

GOODMAN. What shall we exchange him for?

WIFE. You know best, Goodman. Whatever you do will be right.

GOODMAN (starting out). It is Fair-day. I will ride into town and see what can be done.

WIFE. Wait till I fasten your neckerchief! You shall have a pretty double bow this time, for you are going to the Fair.

(She ties the neckerchief. The Goodman starts out.)

Wait till I have smoothed your hat!

(She smooths his old hat.)

Now you are ready.

GOODMAN (going). Be at the window, Wife.

WIFE (nodding). Yes, surely, and I will wave at you as you ride by.

SCENE II

TIME: two hours later.
PLACE: near the toll-gate on the road to the Fair.

[The GOODMAN is seen riding his horse. Enter, from a country lane, a PEASANT, driving a cow.]

GOODMAN (stopping; calling). Halloo, there—you with the cow!

PEASANT (stopping). Yes, Goodman.

GOODMAN. Your cow gives good milk, I am certain.

PEASANT (nodding). None richer in this country!

GOO