Volume Vii Part 83 (1/2)

GLO. What mutter you? what tidings from my sister?

SKINK. Co-commendations, and s-she hath s-sent ye this r-ring.

GLO. Hold, there's two angels; shut the chamber-door, You must about some business for me straight; Come nearer, man.

SKINK. I fear I am too near. [_Aside_.

GLO. Hast thou no tidings for my liberty?

SKINK. No, b-but ye sh-shall he-hear f-from her p-p-presently.

GLO. And p-presently, sir, off with your coat.

Nay, quick, uncase, I am bold to borrow it, I'll leave my gown; change is no robbery.

Stutterer, it's so, ne'er flinch, ye cannot pa.s.s: Cry, and by heaven I'll cut thy coward's throat, Quickly cas.h.i.+er yourself: you see me stay.

SKINK. N-n-nay, b-b-but wh-wh-what m-mean ye?

GLO. To 'scape, I hope, sir, with your privilege-- [_He takes his coat off_.

How now, who's this? my fine familiar Skink, Queen Beldam's minion?

SKINK. Zounds, ye see 'tis I.

GLO. Time sorts not now to know these mysteries.

How thou cam'st by this ring, or stol'st this coat, They are mine now in possession, for which kindness, If I escape, I'll get thee liberty, Or fire the Fleet about the warden's ears.

Mumbudget, not a word, as thou lovest thy life.

SKINK. Ay mum, mum fair, pray G.o.d may chance it, My lord, but that my case is desperate, I'd see your eyes out, ere I would be cheated.

GLO. Walk like an earl, villain; some are coming.

SCENE THE THIRTEENTH.

_Enter PRINCE JOHN and PORTER_.

JOHN. Where is this Gloster?

GLO. Y-y-yonder he walks. Fa-fa-father, l-let me out.

POR. Why, whither must you now?

GLO. To Je-Jericho, I th-think; 'tis such a h-h-humorous earl.

POR. Well, sir, will't please you hasten home again.

GLO. I-I-ll be h-here in a trice; b-but p-pray have a care of th-this madcap; if he g-give us the s-s-slip, s-s-some of us a-are like to m-make a sl-sl-slippery occupation on't.

[_This while_ JOHN _walks and stalks by_ SKINK [_disguised as_ GLO'STER], _never a word between them_.