SLICER. Secrets are rank'd and order'd in his belly, Just like tobacco-leaves laid in a sweat. Here lies a row of Indian secrets, then Something of's own on them; on that, another Of China counsels, cover'd with a lid Of Newfoundland discoveries: next, a bed Of Russia policies; on them, a lay Of Prester-Johnian whispers-- HEAR. Slights a tempest; Counts lightning but a giving fire, and thunder The loud report when heaven hath discharg'd. H' hath with his breath[134] suppli'd a breach: When he's once fix'd, no engine can remove him. SLICER. 'Twould be a policy worth hatching to Have him dissected, if 'twere not too cruel. All states would lie as open as his bowels: Turkey in's bloody liver; Italy Be found in's reins; Spain busy in his stomach; Venice would float in's bladder; Holland sail Up and down all his veins; Bavaria lie Close in some little gut, and _ragioni_ _Di Stato_[135] generally reek in all. CRE. I see my son's too happy: he is born To be some man of action; some engine For th' overthrow of kingdoms. HEAR. Troth, he may Divert the torrent of the Turkish rule Into some other track: dam up the stream Of that vast headlong monarchy, if that He want not means to compass his intents. CRE. The Turkish monarchy's a thing too big For him to manage: he may make perhaps The governor of some new little island, And there plant faith and zeal; but for the present, M' ambition's only to contrive a match Between Sir Thomas Bitefig's only daughter And (if I may so call him now) my son: 'Twill raise his fortunes somewhat. SLICER. We have got One that will do more good with's tongue that way Than that uxorious show'r that came from heaven: But you must oil it first. CRE. I understand you: Grease him i' th' fist, you mean? There's just ten pieces; 'Tis but an earnest: if he bring 't about, I'll make those ten a hundred. HEAR. Think it done. [_Exit_ CREDULOUS, _and enter_ SHAPE _and_ MEANWELL. SCENE V. HEARSAY, SLICER, MEANWELL, SHAPE. HEAR. Our life, methinks, is but the same with others: To cosen and be cosen'd makes the age. The prey and feeder are that civil thing That sager heads call body politic. Here is the only difference: others cheat By statute, but we do't upon no grounds. The fraud's the same in both; there only wants Allowance to our way. The commonwealth Hath not declar'd herself as yet for us; Wherefore our policy must be our charter. MEAN. Well-manag'd knav'ry is but one degree Below plain honesty.