218 CREATIVE INVOLUTION 



tinual fume of the six hottest simples it should have 

 motion, and in one month space speak: the time of the 

 month or the day he knew not. Also he told them that 

 if they heard it not before it had done speaking, all their 

 labour should be lost. 



Then went these two learned Friars home again and 

 prepared the simples ready and made the fume, and with 

 continual watching attended when this Brazen Head 

 should speak. Thus watched they for three weeks with- 

 out any rest, so that they were so weary and sleepy that 

 they could not any longer refrain from rest. Then called 

 Friar Bacon his man Miles, and told him that it was not 

 unknown to him what pains Friar Bungey and himself 

 had taken for three weeks' space only to make and to 

 hear the Brazen Head speak, which if they did not, then 

 had they lost all their labour, and all England had a 

 great loss thereby. Therefore he entreated Miles that 

 he would watch whilst that they slept and call them if 

 the head spake. " Fear not (good master), I will 

 hearken and attend upon the head and if it do chance to 

 speak, I will call you; therefore, I pray take you both 

 your rest and let me alone for watching this head." 

 After Friar Bacon had given him a great charge, Friar 

 Bungey and he went to sleep and left Miles alone to 

 watch the brazen head. Miles, to keep him from sleep- 

 ing, got a tabor and a pipe, and being merry disposed, 

 sang this song to a northern tune : 



To couple is a custom all things thereto agree ; 



Why should not I then love, since love to all is free ? 



Though virtue be a dowry, yet I'll choose money store; 

 If my love prove untrue, with that I can buy more. 



