+Lor.+ If she have this plea against me, I must make my peace; she'll undo me else. [_Aside._] Sweet wife, I'll ask thee forgiveness upon my knees, if thou wilt have me: I rejoice more that thou art clear, than I was angry for the supposed offence. Be but patient, and the liberty thou enjoyedst before shall be thought thraldom hereafter. Sweet sir, will you mediate? +Lio.+ Come, sweet lady, upon my request you shall be made friends; 'twas but a mistake; conceive it so, and he shall study to redeem it. +Æmi.+ Well, sir, upon this gentleman's intreaty, you have your pardon. You know the propensity of my disposition, and that makes you so bold with me. +Lor.+ Pray, Master Lionel, will you acquaint my wife with the purpose of this concealment; for I am utterly ignorant, and she has not the patience to hear me. +Lio.+ It requires more privacy than so, neither is it yet ripe for projection; but because the community of counsel is the only pledge of friendship, walk in, and I'll acquaint you. +Lor.+ Honest, sweet wife, I thank thee with all my heart. [_Exeunt._ _Enter +Duke+, +Leonardo+, and +Petrucio+, bringing in the +Antiquary+, in a fool's coat._ +Duke.+ So, set him down softly; then let us slip aside, and overhear him. +Ant.+ Where am I? What metamorphosis am I crept into? A fool's coat! what's the emblem of this, trow? Who has thus transformed me, I wonder? I was awake, am I not asleep still? Why, Petro, you rogue: sure, I have drank of Circe's cup, and that has turn'd me to this shape of a fool: and I had drank a little longer, I had been changed into an ass. Why, Petro, I say, I will not rest calling, till thou comest---- _Enter +Petro+ in woman's clothes._ Heyday, what more transmigrations of forms! I think Pythagoras has been amongst us. How came you thus accoutred, sirrah? +Pet.+ Why, sir, the wenches made me drunk, and dressed me, as you see. +Ant.+ A merry world the while! My boy and I make one hermaphrodite, and now, next Midsummer-ale,[357] I may serve for a fool, and he for a Maid-Marian. _Enter +Duke+ and +Leonardo+._ +Duke.+ Who is this? Signor Veterano? +Ant.+ The same, sir: I was not so when you left me. Do you know who has thus abused me? +Duke.+ Not I, sir. +Ant.+ You promised to do me a courtesy. +Duke.+ Anything lies in my power. +Ant.+ Then, pray, will you bring me immediately to the duke? +Duke.+ Not as you are, I hope. +Ant.+ Yes, as I am: he shall see how I am wronged amongst them. I know he loves me, and will right me. Pray, sir, forbear persuasion to the contrary, and lead on. [_Exeunt._ FOOTNOTES: [345] See Milton's "Comus," l. 739, &c.