_Greene._ Well, take your fittest standings, and once more Lime well your twigs to catch this wary bird. I’ll leave you, and at your dag’s discharge 40 Make towards, like the longing water-dog That coucheth till the fowling-piece be off, Then seizeth on the prey with eager mood. Ah, might I see him stretching forth his limbs, As I have seen them beat their wings ere now! _Shakebag._ Why, that thou shalt see, if he come this way. _Greene._ Yes, that he doth, Shakebag, I warrant thee: But brawl not when I am gone in any case. But, sirs, be sure to speed him when he comes, And in that hope I’ll leave you for an hour. 50 [_Exit Greene._ _Here enters Arden, Franklin, and Michael._ _Michael._ ’Twere best that I went back to Rochester: The horse halts downright; it were not good He travelled in such pain to Feversham; Removing of a shoe may haply help it. _Arden._ Well, get you back to Rochester; but, sirrah, see Ye o’ertake us ere we come to Rainham Down, For ’t will be very late ere we get home. _Michael._ Ay, God he knows, and so doth Will and Shakebag, That thou shalt never go further than that down; And therefore have I pricked the horse on purpose, Because I would not view the massacre. 61 [_Exit Michael._ _Arden._ Come, Master Franklin, onwards with your tale. _Franklin._ I do assure you, sir, you task me much: A heavy blood is gathered at my heart, And on the sudden is my wind so short As hindereth the passage of my speech; So fierce a qualm yet ne’er assailed me. _Arden._ Come, Master Franklin, let us go on softly: The annoyance of the dust or else some meat You ate at dinner cannot brook with you. 70 I have been often so, and soon amended. _Franklin._ Do you remember where my tale did leave? _Arden._ Ay, where the gentleman did check his wife. _Franklin._ She being reprehended for the fact, Witness produced that took her with the deed, Her glove brought in which there she left behind, And many other assured arguments, Her husband asked her whether it were not so. _Arden._ Her answer then? I wonder how she looked, Having forsworn it with such vehement oaths, 80 And at the instant so approved upon her. _Franklin._ First did she cast her eyes down to the earth, Watching the drops that fell amain from thence; Then softly draws she forth her handkercher, And modestly she wipes her tear-stained face; Them hemmed she out, to clear her voice should seem, And with a majesty addressed herself To encounter all their accusations.-- Pardon me, Master Arden, I can no more; This fighting at my heart makes short my wind. 90 _Arden._ Come, we are almost now at Rainham Down: Your pretty tale beguiles the weary way; I would you were in state to tell it out. _Shakebag._ Stand close, Will, I hear them coming. _Here enters Lord Cheiny with his men._ _Will._ Stand to it, Shakebag, and be resolute.