Part 12 (2/2)

He is no puritan, that I am certain of.

What should I think of it? urge him again, And in some other form: I will do so.

Well, Piso, thou has sworn not to disclose; ay, you did swear?

PIS. Not yet, sir, but I will, so please you.

THO. Nay, I dare take thy word.

But if thou wilt swear, do as you think good, I am resolved without such circ.u.mstance.

PIS. By my soul's safety, sir, I here protest, My tongue shall ne'er take knowledge of a word Deliver'd me in compa.s.s of your trust.

THO. Enough, enough, these ceremonies need not, I know thy faith to be as firm as bra.s.s.

Piso, come hither: nay, we must be close In managing these actions: So it is, (Now he has sworn I dare the safelier speak;) I have of late by divers observations -- But, whether his oath be lawful, yea, or no? ha!

I will ask counsel ere I do proceed: Piso, it will be now too long to stay, We'll spy some fitter time soon, or to-morrow.

PIS. At your pleasure, sir.

THO. I pray you search the books 'gainst I return For the receipts 'twixt me and Platano.

PIS. I will, sir.

THO. And hear you: if my brother Prospero Chance to bring hither any gentlemen Ere I come back, let one straight bring me word.

PIS. Very well, sir.

THO. Forget it not, nor be not you out of the way.

PIS. I will not, sir.

THO. Or whether he come or no, if any other, Stranger or else: fail not to send me word.

PIS. Yes, sir.

THO. Have care, I pray you, and remember it.

PIS. I warrant you, sir.

THO. But, Piso, this is not the secret I told thee of.

PIS. No, sir, I suppose so.

THO. Nay, believe me, it is not.

PIS. I do believe you, sir.

THO. By heaven it is not, that's enough.

Marry, I would not thou should'st utter it to any creature living, Yet I care not.

Well, I must hence: Piso, conceive thus much, No ordinary person could have drawn So deep a secret from me; I mean not this, But that I have to tell thee: this is nothing, this.

Piso, remember, silence, buried here: No greater h.e.l.l than to be slave to fear.

[EXIT THO.]

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