Volume Vi Part 4 (2/2)

By the preaching of G.o.d's word all this mischief is grown, Which if Hypocrisy might happily expel, All we in safety and pleasure might dwell.

Stay, therefore, while from Hypocrisy we hear.

AVARICE.

Despatch then this merchant,[31] lest our counsel he tell.

HYPOCRISY.

I am content for G.o.d's cause this cross for to bear.

TYRANNY.

It is best killing him now his mind is set well.

HYPOCRISY.

Your scoffing and mocking G.o.d seeth each deal.

TYRANNY.

Yea, dost thou persist us still thus to check?

Thy speech I will hinder by cutting off thy neck.

HYPOCRISY.

Nay, hold thy hand, Cadby, thou hast kill'd me enough.

What! never the sooner for a merry word.

I meant not good earnest, to your mas.h.i.+p I vow.

I did but jest, and spake but in bord: Therefore of friends.h.i.+p put up again thy sword.

TYRANNY.

Nay, caitiff, presume not that thou shalt go scot-free; Therefore, hold still, and I will soon despatch thee.

HYPOCRISY.

What! I pray thee, Tyranny, know first who I am.

Ye purblinded fools, do your lips blind your eyes?

Why, I was in place long before you came; But you could not see the wood for the trees.

But, in faith, father Avarice, I will pay you your fees, For the great good-will which you to me bear, [HYPOCRISY _fighteth_.

And in time will requite it again, do not fear.

AVARICE.

Content yourself, good Master Hypocrisy: The words which I spake, I spake unaware.

TYRANNY.

Hold thy hand, Hypocrisy, I pray thee heartily: So like a madman with thy friends do not fare.

HYPOCRISY.

For neither of you both a pin do I care: Go, shake your ears both, like slaves as you be, And look not in your need to be holpen of me.

TYRANNY.

What, Master Hypocrisy, will you take snuff so soon?

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