G. GOOD. By your leave, I am not half well-skilled in that art. C. CUSTANCE. It was none but Roister Doister, that foolish mome. G. GOOD. Yea, Custance, better (they say) a bad excuse than none. C. CUSTANCE. Why, Tristram Trusty, sir, your true and faithful friend, Was privy both to the beginning and the end. Let him be the judge, and for me testify. G. GOOD. I will the more credit that he shall verify; And because I will the truth know, e'en as it is, I will to him myself, and know all without miss. Come on, Sim. Suresby, that before my friend thou may Avouch thee the same words, which thou did'st to me say. [_Exeant._ ACTUS V., SCÆNA 3. CHRISTIAN CUSTANCE. C. CUSTANCE. O Lord! how necessary it is now of days, That each body live uprightly all manner ways; For let never so little a gap be open, And be sure of this, the worst shall be spoken. How innocent stand I in this for deed or thought, And yet see what mistrust towards me it hath wrought. But thou, Lord, knowest all folks' thoughts, and eke intents; And thou art the deliverer of all innocents. Thou didst help the advoutress,[170] that she might be amended; Much more then help, Lord, that never ill intended. Thou didst help Susanna, wrongfully accused, And no less dost thou see, Lord, how I am now abused. Thou didst help Hester, when she should have died; Help also, good Lord, that my truth may be tried. Yet, if Gawin Goodluck with Tristram Trusty speak, I trust of ill-report the force shall be but weak; And lo! yond they come, sadly talking together: I will abide, and not shrink for their coming hither. ACTUS V., SCÆNA 4. GAWIN GOODLUCK, TRISTRAM TRUSTY, C. CUSTANCE, SIM. SURESBY. G. GOOD. And was it none other than ye to me report? T. TRUSTY. No; and here were ye wished, to have seen the sport. G. GOOD. Would I had, rather than half of that in my purse. SIM. SURE. And I do much rejoice the matter was no worse. And like as to open it I was to you faithful, So of Dame Custance honest truth I am joyful. For God forfend that I should hurt her by false report. G. GOOD. Well, I will no longer hold her in discomfort. C. CUSTANCE. Now come they hitherward: I trust all shall be well. G. GOOD. Sweet Custance, neither heart can think, nor tongue tell, How much I joy in your constant fidelity. Come now, kiss me, the pearl of perfect honesty. C. CUSTANCE. God let me no longer to continue in life, Than I shall towards you continue a true wife. G. GOOD. Well, now to make you for this some part of amends, I shall desire first you, and then such of our friends As shall to you seem best, to sup at home with me, Where at your fought field we shall laugh and merry be.