From the start, the idle apprentice is up to no good. He neglects his loom at the weaver's workshop, has a tankard of beer within easy grasp and dozes while a cat plays with his shuttle. Tacked above his head is a ballad about the notorious lady of pleasure, Moll Flanders; his copy of "The Prentices Guide" lies torn at his feet. His master, outraged by such behaviour, stands in the doorway shaking his stick at the slovenly boy.
