PRATE. Believe it, wench, so I will:--but to the purpose for which I came. The end of this great war is now brought to a combat, two to two, the Duke of Epire and Alphonso for our queen, against the king and Prince Philocles: now, wench, if thou wilt go see the fight, I will send and provide thee of a good standing. LOL. Indeed, for you have ne'er a good one of your own. [_Aside._ PRATE. What! Precedent, I say! PRE. [_Within._] Anon, anon, sir. PRATE. Why, when, I say? the villain's belly is like a bottomless pit--ever filling, and yet empty; at your leisure, sir. _Enter_ PRECEDENT, PRATE'S _man, eating_. PRE. I can make no more haste than my teeth will give me leave. PRATE. Well, sir, get you without the town to the place of the combat, and provide me for my wife some good standing to see the conflict. PRE. How, master, how! must I provide a good standing for you for my mistress? truly, master, I think a marrow-bone pie, candied eringoes, preserved dates, marmalade of cantharides, were much better harbingers; cock-sparrow stewed, doves' brains, or swans' pizzles, are very provocative; roasted potatoes[148] or boiled skirrets[149] are your only lofty dishes; methinks these should fit you better than I can do. PRATE. What's this, what's this? I say, provide me a standing for my wife upon a scaffold. PRE. And truly, master, I think a private chamber were better. PRATE. I grant you--if there were a chamber convenient. PRE. Willing minds will make shift in a simple hole; close windows, strong locks, hard bed, and sure posts, are your only ornaments. PRATE. I think the knave be mad; sirrah, you chop-logic blockhead, you that have your brain-pan made of dry leather, and your wit ever wetshod, pack about your business, or I'll pack your pen and inkhorn about your ears. PRE. Well, sir, I may go or so, but would my mistress take a standing of my preferment, I would so mount her, she should love strange things the better all her life after. [_Aside._ PRATE. Why, when, sir? [_Exit_ PRECEDENT. And come, sweet wife; and, neighbour, Let us have your company too. [_Exeunt._ _Enter at one door a Herald, and_ FLORIO, _marshal_ _for the King, with officers bearing the lists; at_ _the other door a Herald, and_ CÆLIO, _marshal_ _for the Queen_. CAE. Holla! what are you? FLO. High marshal for the king. Your character? CAE. I likewise for the queen; where lies your equal ground? FLO. Here underneath these walls, and there and there Ground for the battles. CAE. Place there the queen's seat, And there and there chairs for the combatants.