Volume Viii Part 33 (1/2)

SCATH. He says my master late Gave him his fee and livery.

FRIAR. It is a leasing, credit me.

How chance, sir, then you were not sworn?

JOHN. What mean this groom and lozel friar, So strictly matters to inquire?

Had I a sword and buckler here, You should aby these questions dear.

FRIAR. Say'st thou me so, lad? lend him thine, For in this bush here lieth mine.

Now will I try this new-come guest.

SCATH. I am his first man, Friar Tuck, And if I fail, and have no luck, Then thou with him shalt have a pluck.

FRIAR. Be it so, Scathlock. Hold thee, lad, No better weapons can be had: The dew doth them a little rust; But, hear ye, they are tools of trust.[239]

JOHN. Gramercy, Friar, for this gift, And if thou come unto my shrift, I'll make thee call those fellows fools That on their foes bestow such tools.

SCATH. Come, let's to't.

[_Fight, and the_ FRIAR _looks on_.

FRIAR. The youth is deliver[240] and light, He presseth Scathlock with his might: Now, by my beads, to do him right, I think he be some tried knight.

SCATH. Stay, let us breathe!

JOHN. I will not stay; If you leave, Friar, come away.

SCATH. I prythee, Friar, hold him play.

FRIAR. Friar Tuck will do the best he may.

[_Fight_.

_Enter_ MARIAN.

MAR. Why, what a noise of swords is here!

Fellows, and fight our bower so near?

SCATH. Mistress, he is no man of yours, That fights so fast with Friar Tuck; But, on my word, he is a man As good for strength as any can.

MAR. Indeed, he's more than common men can be; In his high heart there dwells the blood of kings.

Go call my Robin, Scathlock: [_Aside_] 'tis Prince John.

SCATH. Mistress, I will: I pray [thee] part the fray. [_Exit_.

MAR. I prythee go, I will do what I may.

Friar, I charge thee hold thy hand.

FRIAR. Nay, younker, to your tackling stand.

What, all amort,[241] will you not fight?

JOHN. I yield, unconquer'd by thy might, But by Matilda's glorious sight.