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Now in his way he was to pass over a bridge and coming to the middle of it, a flight of crows flew over his head, which so affrighted him that he let fall his money. This was the beginning of a new sorrow; he stood a while, and knew not what course to take. At last he resolved to pull off his cloathes, and jump into the water in search for it. Now as he was searching for his money, an old ragman came by, and put his cloathes in a bag. Simon seeing this, pursued him, but in vain, and was forced to return home naked; which his wife seeing, fell into a horrid sweat, and taking the dogwhip, she jerked poor Simon about, making him dance the canaries for two hours, he crying out, Goodwife forbear; but she crying out, You rascal, where is my money and your cloathes? Thus she continued till she was tired, and he begged her pardon.
