Part 15 (1/2)

SIR ARTHUR.

Jesus deliver me!

SIR RAPH.

Why, Millisent, the daughter of this Knight Is out of Chesson taken the last night.

HILDERSHAM.

Was that fair maiden late become a nun?

SIR RAPH.

Was she, quotha? Knavery, knavery, knavery; I smell it, I smell it, yfaith; is the wind in that door? is it even so?

doost thou ask me that now?

HILDERSHAM.

It is the first time that I ere heard of it.

SIR ARTHUR.

That's very strange.

SIR RAPH.

Why, tell me, Friar, tell me; thou art counted a holy man; do not play the hypocrite with me, nor bear with me. I cannot dissemble: did I ought but by thy own consent? by thy allowance? nay, further, by thy warrant?

HILDERSHAM.

Why, Reverend knight--

SIR RAPH.

Unreverend Friar--

HILDERSHAM.

Nay, then give me leave, sir, to depart in quiet; I had hoped you had sent for me to some other end.

SIR ARTHUR.

Nay, stay, good Friar; if any thing hath hapd About this matter in thy love to u, That thy strickt order cannot justify, Admit it be so, we will cover it.

Take no care, man: Disclaim me yet thy counsell and advise, The wisest man that is may be o'erreacht.

HILDERSHAM.

Sir Arthur, by my order and my faith, I know not what you mean.

SIR RAPH.

By your order and your faith?

This is most strange of all: Why, tell me, Friar, Are not you Confessor to my Son Francke?

HILDERSHAM.

Yes, that I am.

SIR RAPH.

And did not this good knight here and my self Confess with you, being his ghostly Father, To deal with him about th' unbanded marriage Betwixt him and that fair young Millisent?

HILDERSHAM.

I never heard of any match intended.