[530] The copy of 1616 has it as it is here reprinted, but the two later editions read, _O no, so he may catch a fall_, as if replying to Mathea. [531] This expression seems to be proverbial, and Nash or Lilly (for the authorship is disputed) used it as the title to one of the Mar Martin tracts. Skelton, in his poem, "Speak Parrot," has the expression, "Parrot must have an almond." It is met with in Middleton's "Spanish Gipsy," act ii. sc. 1; in Ben Jonson's "Magnetic Lady," act v. sc. 5; in Dekker's "Fortunatus," act i. sc. 1, and various other plays. The lines from Butler are in point with reference to the latter part of the line, _a rope for parrot_. Could tell what subtlest parrots mean; What member 'tis of whom they talk, When they cry "_rope_" and "walk, knava, walk." [532] [A play on the double meaning of the word _cushion_.] [533] In all the quartos this line is given to Walgrave: it appears to belong to Heigham, as Harvey speaks next. [534] Old copies, _not_. [535] Old copies, _join, as_. [536] Maw is a game at cards, frequently mentioned in old writers. [Probably the four was the best card.] [537] Of course, coming down upon the stage first, as the preceding dialogue takes place while the lovers are below and the ladies above. [538] Even. [539] Now called Cannon Street. ACT V., SCENE I. _Enter the three Sisters_. LAUR. Nay, never weep, Marina, for the matter; Tears are but signs of sorrow, helping not. MAR. Would it not mad one to be crossed as I, Being in the very height of my desire? The strangers frustrate all; our true loves come, Nay more, even at the door, and Harvey's arms Spread as a rainbow, ready to receive me, And then my father meet us. O God! O God! MATH. Weep who that list for me, i' faith, not I, Though I am youngest, yet my stomach's great. Nor 'tis not father, friends, nor any one, Shall make me wed the man I cannot love. I'll have my will in faith; i' faith, I will. LAUR. Let us determine, sisters, what to do. My father means to wed us in the morning, And therefore something must be thought upon. MAR. We'll to our father, and so know his mind, Ay, and his reason too: we are no fools, Or babies neither, to be fed with words. LAUR. Agreed, agreed: but who shall speak for all? MATH. I will. MAR. No, I. LAUR. Thou wilt not speak for crying. MAR. Yes, yes, I warrant you; that humour's left. Be I but mov'd a little. I shall speak, And anger him, I fear, ere I have done. _Enter_ ANTHONY. ALL. Whom? Anthony, our friend, our schoolmaster? Now help us, gentle Anthony, or never. ANTH. What! is your hasty running chang'd to prayer? Say, where were you going? LAUR. Even to our father, To know what he intends to do with us. ANTH. 'Tis bootless, trust me; for he is resolv'd To marry you to--