Part 7 (1/2)

MAT. I will speak to him.

BOB. Speak to him? away, by the life of Pharaoh, you shall not, you shall not do him that grace: the time of day to you, gentlemen: is Signior Prospero stirring?

GIU. How then? what should he do?

BOB. Signior Th.o.r.ello, is he within, sir?

THO. He came not to his lodging to-night, sir, I a.s.sure you.

GIU. Why, do you hear? you.

BOB. This gentleman hath satisfied me, I'll talk to no Scavenger.

GIU. How, Scavenger? stay, sir, stay.

[EXEUNT.]

THO. Nay, brother Giuliano.

GIU. 'Sblood, stand you away, an you love me.

THO. You shall not follow him now, I pray you, Good faith, you shall not.

GIU. Ha! Scavenger! well, go to, I say little, but, by this good day, (G.o.d forgive me I should swear) if I put it up so, say I am the rankest -- that ever pist. 'Sblood, an I swallow this, I'll ne'er draw my sword in the sight of man again while I live; I'll sit in a barn with Madge-owlet first. Scavenger! 'Heart, and I'll go near to fill that huge tumbrel slop of yours with somewhat, as I have good luck, your Garagantua breech cannot carry it away so.

THO. Oh, do not fret yourself thus, never think on't.

GIU. These are my brother's consorts, these, these are his Comrades, his walking mates, he's a gallant, a Cavaliero too, right hangman cut. G.o.d let me not live, an I could not find in my heart to swinge the whole nest of them, one after another, and begin with him first, I am grieved it should be said he is my brother, and take these courses, well, he shall hear on't, and that tightly too, an I live, i'faith.

THO. But, brother, let your apprehension (then) Run in an easy current, not transported With heady rashness, or devouring choler, And rather carry a persuading spirit, Whose powers will pierce more gently; and allure Th' imperfect thoughts you labour to reclaim, To a more sudden and resolved a.s.sent.

GIU. Ay, ay, let me alone for that, I warrant you.

[BELL RINGS.]

THO. How now! oh, the bell rings to breakfast.

Brother Giuliano, I pray you go in and bear my wife company: I'll but give order to my servants for the dispatch of some business, and come to you presently.

[EXIT GIU., ENTER COB.]

What, Cob! our maids will have you by the back (i'faith) For coming so late this morning.

COB. Perhaps so, sir, take heed somebody have not them by the belly for walking so late in the evening.

[EXIT.]

THO. Now (in good faith) my mind is somewhat eased, Though not reposed in that security As I could wish; well, I must be content, Howe'er I set a face on't to the world, Would I had lost this finger at a vent, So Prospero had ne'er lodged in my house, Why't cannot be, where there is such resort Of wanton gallants, and young revellers, That any woman should be honest long.

Is't like, that factious beauty will preserve The sovereign state of chast.i.ty unscarr'd, When such strong motives muster, and make head Against her single peace? no, no: beware When mutual pleasure sways the appet.i.te, And spirits of one kind and quality, Do meet to parley in the pride of blood.

Well, (to be plain) if I but thought the time Had answer'd their affections, all the world Should not persuade me, but I were a cuckold: Marry, I hope they have not got that start.