SIMPLICITY. Indeed, Master Constable, I do not know of their stealing, For I did not see them, since we went together a-begging. Therefore pray ye, sir, be miserable[225] to me, and let me go, For I labour to get my living with begging, you know. DILIGENCE. Thou wast seen in their company a little before the deed was done; Therefore it is most likely thou knowest where they are become. SIMPLICITY. Why, Master Constable, if a sheep go among wolves all day, Shall the sheep be blam'd if they steal anything away? DILIGENCE. Ay, marry, shall he; for it is a great presumption That, keeping them company, he is of like profession-- But despatch, sirs; strip him and whip him: Stand not to reason the question. SIMPLICITY. Indeed, 'twas Fraud, so it was, it was not I; And here he comes himself: ask him, if I lie. _Enter_ FRAUD. DILIGENCE. What sayest thou, villain? I would advise thee hold thy tongue: I know him to be a wealthy man and a burgess of the town.-- Sir, and it please your mastership, here one slanders you with felony: He saith you were the chief doer of a robbery. FRAUD. What says the rascal? But you know, It standeth not with my credit to brawl; But, good Master Constable, for his slanderous report Pay him double, and in a greater matter command me you shall. [_Exit_. SIMPLICITY. Master Constable, must the countenance carry out the knave? Why, then, if one will face folks out, some fine repariment he must have. [BEADLE _put off his clothes_. BEADLE. Come, sir Jack-sauce, make quick despatch at once: You shall see how finely we will fetch the skin from your bones. SIMPLICITY Nay, but tell me whether you be right-handed or no? BEADLE. What is that to thee? why wouldst thou so fain know? SIMPLICITY. Marry, if you should be both right-handed, the one would hinder the other: Then it would not[226] be done finely, according to order; For if I be not whipp'd with credit, it is not worth a pin. Therefore, I pray, Master Constable, let me be whipp'd upon my skin. DILIGENCE. Whereon dost thou think they would whip thee, I pray thee declare, That thou puttest us in mind, and takest such great care? SIMPLICITY. I was afraid you would have worn out my clothes with whipping; Then afterward, I should go naked a-begging. BEADLE. Have no doubt of that; we will favour thy clothes: Thou shalt judge that thyself by fueling the blows. [_Lead him once or twice about, whipping him, and so exit_. _Enter_ JUDGE NEMO, _the_ CLERK _of the 'size, the_ CRIER, _and_ SERVICEABLE DILIGENCE: _the_ JUDGE _and_ CLERK _being set, the_ CRIER _shall sound three times_. JUDGE. Serviceable Diligence, bring hither such prisoners as are in custody.