[128] This expression, though now generally used to denote some little lapse of time, formerly signified _immediately_. It is so used still in the North of England.--_Cooper._ [129] With difficulty--scarcely. See "Second Part of Henry the Sixth," act ii., sc. 4.--_Cooper._ [130] [Since.] The re-entrance of Merrygreek is not marked in the old copy.--_Cooper._ [131] [Time.] [132] Earlier. _Rath_, for _early_, occurs in Chaucer and in Milton.--_Cooper._ [133] Plundering-- "Which _polls_ and pills the poor in piteous wise." --_Cooper._ --_Faerie Queene_, Book v., canto 2. [134] [In the old copy this half-line is wrongly given to the Scrivener.] [135] Destroy. See "King Lear," act iii., scene 2.--_Cooper._ [136] Head. [137] [It seems a question, whether this line does not belong to Ralph Roister.] ACTUS IV., SCÆNA 1. SIM. SURESBY. SIM. SURE. Is there any man but I, Sim. Suresby, alone, That would have taken such an enterprise him upon; In such an outrageous tempest as this was, Such a dangerous gulf of the sea to pass? I think verily Neptune's mighty godship Was angry with some that was in our ship, And but for the honesty which in me he found, I think for the other's sake we had been drown'd. But fie on that servant which, for his master's wealth,[138] Will stick for to hazard both his life and his health. My master Gawin Goodluck after me a day, Because of the weather, thought best his ship to stay; And now that I have the rough surges so well passed, God grant I may find all things safe here at last. Then will I think all my travail well-spent. Now, the first point whereof my master hath me sent, Is to salute dame Christian Custance, his wife Espoused, whom he tendreth no less than his life. I must see how it is with her, well or wrong, And whether for him she doth not now think long. Then to other friends I have a message or tway; And then so to return and meet him on the way. Now will I go knock, that I may dispatch with speed; But lo! forth cometh herself happily indeed. ACTUS IV., SCÆNA 2. CHRISTIAN CUSTANCE, SIM. SURESBY. C. CUSTANCE. I come to see if any more stirring be here. But what stranger is this, which doth to me appear? SIM. SURESBY. I will speak to her. Dame, the Lord you save and see! C. CUSTANCE. What, friend Sim. Suresby. Forsooth, right welcome ye be. How doth mine own Gawin Goodluck, I pray thee tell? SIM. SURE. When he knoweth of your health, he will be perfect well. C. CUSTANCE. If he have perfect health, I am as I would be. SIM. SURE. Such news will please him well. This is as it should be. C. CUSTANCE. I think now long for him. SIM. SURE. And he as long for you. C. CUSTANCE. When will he be at home? SIM. SURE. His heart is here e'en now; His body cometh after.