Part 14 (1/2)

HOST.

What the devil is that white thing? this same is a Church- yard, and I have heard that ghosts and villenous goblins have been seen here.

[Enter s.e.xton and Priest.]

PRIEST.

Gra.s.s and hay! O, that I could conjure! we saw a spirit here in the Church-yard; and in the fallow field there's the devil with a man's body upon his back in a white sheet.

s.e.xTON.

It may be a woman's body, Sir John.

PRIEST.

If she be a woman, the sheets d.a.m.n her; Lord bless us, what a night of mortality is this!

HOST.

Priest!

PRIEST.

Mine host!

HOST.

Did you not see a spirit all in white cross you at the stile?

s.e.xTON.

O no, mine host; but there sate one in the porch; I have not breath ynough left to bless me from the Devil.

HOST.

Who's that?

PRIEST.

The s.e.xton, almost frighted out of his wits. Did you see Banks or Smug?

HOST.

No, they are gone to Waltham, sure: I would fain hence; come, let's to my house: I'll ne'er serve the duke of Norfolk in this fas.h.i.+on again whilst I breath. If the devil be amongst us, tis time to hoist sail, and cry roomer. Keep together; s.e.xton, thou art secret, what? let's be comfortable one to Another.

PRIEST.

We are all mortal, mine host.

HOST.

True; and I'll serve G.o.d in the night hereafter afore the Duke of Norfolk.

[Exeunt.]

ACT V.

SCENE I. An Inn opposite the George, Waltham.

[Enter Sir Arthur Clare and Sir Ralph Jerningham, trussing their points as new up.]

SIR RAPH.

Good morrow, gentle knight.

A happy day after your short nights rest.

SIR ARTHUR.