Volume Ii Part 45 (1/2)

What devil was in me, that I had not the grace, With kicking back my heel, to mar his mopish face?

But my father Isaac will not long live now; If he were gone, Jacob, I would soon meet with you.

For my soul hateth Jacob even to the death, And I will ne'er but hate him, while I shall have breath.

I may well dissemble, until I see a day, But trust me, Jacob, I will pay thee when I may.

But if ever I hear that thou speak word of this, I shall cut out thy tongue, I will not miss.

[_This he speaketh to Deborah_.

But come on, Ragan, with me: so mote I thrive, I will get a good sword, for thereby must I live.

RAGAN. Live, quod you? we are like to live, G.o.d knoweth how.

ESAU. What, ye saucy merchant,[286] are ye a prater now?

[_Exeunt_ ESAU _and_ RAGAN.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA SEPTIMA.

DEBORAH. REBECCA.

DEBORAH. I am glad that Esau is now gone, certes.

For an evil-disposed man he is, doubtless.

Yet am I no gladder of his departure hence, Than I am that Rebecca is come in presence.

_Enter_ REBECCA.

REBECCA. Deborah, what doest thou, tarrying here so long?

I came full ill afeard, lest something had been wrong; For Mido and Abra told me of Esau.

DEBORAH. Indeed here he was, and departed hence but now: And one thing I tell you, dame: let Jacob beware, For Esau to mischief Jacob doth prepare.

REBECCA. Call Jacob hither, that I may show him my mind.

Send him hither quickly, and tarry ye behind, That he give place awhile, it is expedient, And how he may be sure, I will the way invent.

ACTUS QUINTI, SCAENA OCTAVA.

JACOB. REBECCA.

JACOB. Mother Rebecca, did ye send for me hither?

REBECCA. Yea, and the cause is this, thou must go somewhither, To hide thee from thy brother Esau a s.p.a.ce.

JACOB. Indeed, to men's malice we must sometime give place.

REBECCA. He lieth in await to sle thee, if he can: Thou shalt therefore, by my reed, fle hence to Haran: And lie with my brother Laban, a man aged, Till Esau's wrath be somewhat a.s.suaged.

When all things are forgotten, and his fury pa.s.sed, I shall send for thee again in all goodly haste.