SCIENCE. Good cause there is, wherefore I should embrace, This loving heart which you have borne to me, And glad I am, that we be both in place, Each one of us each other's looks to see. Your picture and your person doth agree, Your prince-like port and eke your noble face; Wherein so many signs of virtue be: That I must needs be moved in your case. REASON. Friend Wit, are you the man indeed, which you intend?[403] Can you be well content, until your life doth end, To join and knit most sure with this my daughter here, And unto her alone your fixed faith to bear? WIT. As I am bent to this, so let my suit be sped, If I do fail, ten thousand plagues and more light on my head! EXPERIENCE. There are, that promise fair, and mean as well, As any heart[404] can think, or tongue can tell: Which at the first are hot, and kindle in desire, But in one month or twain quite quenched is the fire. Such is the train[405] of youth, whom fancy's force doth lead, Whose love is only at the plunge, and cannot long proceed. WIT. Credit my words, and ye shall find me true. EXPERIENCE. Suppose you keep not touch, who should this bargain rue? WIT. I will be sworn here solemnly before you both. EXPERIENCE. Who breaketh promise, will not stick likewise to break his oath. WIT. I will be bound in all that ever I can make. EXPERIENCE. What good were that to us, if we th'advantage take? WIT. Will neither promise serve, nor oath, nor bands?[406] What other assurance will ye ask at my hands? WILL. My master is a gentleman, I tell you, and his word, I would you knew it, shall with his deeds accord. REASON. We know not whom to trust, the world is so ill. WILL. Indeed, sir, as you say, you may mend, when ye will; But in good earnest, madam, speak--off or on? Shall we speed at your hand, or shall we be gone? I love not these delays; say so, if we shall have you, If not, say no; and let another crave you. WIT. Soft and fair, sir boy, you talk, you wot not what. [_Aside_. WILL. Can you abide to be driven off with this and that, Can they ask any more than good assurance at your hands? [_Aside_. EXPERIENCE. All is now too little, son, as the matter stands. WILL. If all be too little, both goods and lands, I know not what will please you, except Darby's bands.[407] SCIENCE. I have an enemy, my friend Wit, a mortal foe to me; And therewithal the greatest plague that can befal to thee. WIT. Must I fight with him? REASON. Can you fight, if need be? WILL. If any such thing fall, count the charge to me, Trouble not yourself. WIT. Hold thy peace, elf.