Part 26 (1/2)

MOS: Sir, I must tender it.

CORB: Two chequines is well?

MOS: No, six, sir.

CORB: 'Tis too much.

MOS: He talk'd a great while; You must consider that, sir.

CORB: Well, there's three-

MOS: I'll give it him.

CORB: Do so, and there's for thee.

[EXIT.]

MOS [ASIDE.]: Bountiful bones! What horrid strange offence Did he commit 'gainst nature, in his youth, Worthy this age?

[TO VOLT.]-You see, sir, how I work Unto your ends; take you no notice.

VOLT: No, I'll leave you.

[EXIT.]

MOS: All is yours, the devil and all: Good advocate!-Madam, I'll bring you home.

LADY P: No, I'll go see your patron.

MOS: That you shall not: I'll tell you why. My purpose is to urge My patron to reform his Will; and for The zeal you have shewn to-day, whereas before You were but third or fourth, you shall be now Put in the first; which would appear as begg'd, If you were present. Therefore-

LADY P: You shall sway me.

[EXEUNT.]

ACT 5. SCENE 5.1

A ROOM IN VOLPONE'S HOUSE.

ENTER VOLPONE.

VOLP: Well, I am here, and all this brunt is past.

I ne'er was in dislike with my disguise Till this fled moment; here 'twas good, in private; But in your public,-cave whilst I breathe.

'Fore G.o.d, my left leg began to have the cramp, And I apprehended straight some power had struck me With a dead palsy: Well! I must be merry, And shake it off. A many of these fears Would put me into some villanous disease, Should they come thick upon me: I'll prevent 'em.

Give me a bowl of l.u.s.ty wine, to fright This humour from my heart.

[DRINKS.]

Hum, hum, hum!

'Tis almost gone already; I shall conquer.

Any device, now, of rare ingenious knavery, That would possess me with a violent laughter, Would make me up again.