ARISTIPPUS. Why, man, in the court do you not see Rewards given for virtue to every degree? To reward the unworthy--that world is done: The court is changed, a good thread hath been spun Of dog’s wool heretofore, and why because it was liked, And not for that it was best trimmed and picked: But now men’s ears are finer, such gross toys are not set by, Therefore to a trimmer kind of mirth myself I apply: Wherein though I please, it cometh not of my desert, But of the king’s favour. CARISOPHUS. It may so be; yet in your prosperity Despise not an old courtier: Carisophus is he, Which hath long time fed Dionysius’ humour: Diligently to please still at hand: there was never rumour Spread in this[20] town of any small thing, but I Brought it to the king in post by and by. Yet now I crave your friendship, which if I may attain, Most sure and unfeigned friendship I promise you again: So we two link’d in friendship, brother and brother, Full well in the court may help one another. ARISTIPPUS. By’r Lady, Carisophus, though you know not philosophy, Yet surely you are a better courtier than I: And yet I not so evil a courtier, that will seem to despise Such an old courtier as you, so expert and so wise. But where as you crave mine, and offer your friendship so willingly, With heart I give you thanks for this your great courtesy: Assuring of friendship both with tooth and nail, Whiles life lasteth, never to fail. CARISOPHUS. A thousand thanks I give you, O friend Aristippus. ARISTIPPUS. O friend Carisophus. CARISOPHUS. How joyful am I, sith I have to friend Aristippus now? ARISTIPPUS. None so glad of Carisophus’ friendship as I, I make God a vow, I speak as I think, believe me. CARISOPHUS. Sith we are now so friendly joined, it seemeth to me, That one of us help each other in every degree: Prefer you my cause, when you are in presence, To further your matters to the king let me alone in your absence. ARISTIPPUS. Friend Carisophus, this shall be done as you would wish: But I pray you tell me thus much by the way, Whither now from this place will you take your journey? CARISOPHUS. I will not dissemble, that were against friendship, I go into the city some knaves to nip For talk, with their goods to increase the king’s treasure, In such kind of service I set my chief pleasure: Farewell, friend[21] Aristippus, now for a time. [_Exit._