Poor Robin's jests: or, The compleat jester Being a collection of several jests not heretofore published. Now newly composed and written by that well-known gentleman, Poor Robin, knight of the burnt island, and well-willer to the mathematicks. Together with the true and lively effigies of the said author. Licensed Feb. 2. 1666. Roger L'Estrange.

Three Wishes produced but a Ladle.

A Poor Country-man had so spent his time in true and honest pains, con∣tented and not murmuring, that Fortune seemed to smile upon him, as oft as he came to worship at her Temple, whither he oft re∣sorted; the gracious looks of the Goddess encouraged him to ask something more then before he used; and yet considering with himself, that too bold a Votary might be repulsed, he modestly bounded his re∣quest with this suit, that her goodness would confer three wishes upon him, which from the Oracle was answered, Ratified, wish, and be happy. The joyful man ac∣quainted his Wife straight, who having been the constant companion of his Labours,

was to meet share in his good fortunes; and desired of her Husband that one of those wishes might be left to her disposal. The good old man willing to gratifie her, grant∣ed her request: so to the Fair they came▪ whither they were bound, and the woman casting her eyes round about, to see what she should make the choice of her wish, at last (remembring what she wanted at home) spyed a handsome wooden Ladle, which she forthwith wished for, and as soon the thing was in her hand; which her Husband see¦ing, and impatient at the miscarriage of the first wish, wroth with his Wife for her sim¦plicity, wished the Ladle in her Breech which out of hand was instantly ther•• But the poor woman (like a Fly with a stra•• in the same place) was so tormented, be¦sides the shame, that she desired her Hus¦band, that as he ever hop'd to partake •• ••he delights of the opposite place, he would remove this impediment: to which the U••¦orious man condescended, and in chari•• to his Wife, wished it out again: So as the three wishes went in and out with Ladle.