GRACE. The fitter for what they may be employed in. You shall write
either of you here a word or a name, what you like best, but of two or
three syllables at most; and the next person that comes this way,
because Destiny has a high hand in business of this nature, I'll
demand which of the two words he or she doth approve, and, according
to that sentence, fix my resolution and affection without change.
QUAR. Agreed; my word is conceived already.
WINW. And mine shall not be long creating after.
GRACE. But you shall promise, gentlemen, not to be curious to know
which of you it is, taken; but give me leave to conceal that, till you
have brought me either home, or where I may safely tender myself.
WINW. Why, that's but equal.
QUAR. We are pleased.
GRACE. Because I will bind both your endeavours to work together
friendly and jointly each to the other's fortune, and have myself
fitted with some means, to make him that is forsaken a part of amends.
QUAR. These conditions are very courteous. Well, my word is out of the
Arcadia, then; _Argalus._
WINW. And mine out of the Play _Palemon._
[_They write._
_Enter TROUBLEALL._
TRO. Have you any warrant for this, gentlemen?
QUAR. WINW. Ha!
TRO. There must be a warrant had, believe it.
WINW. For what?
TRO. For whatsoever it is, any thing indeed, no matter what.
QUAR. 'Slight, here's a fine ragged prophet dropt down i' the nick!
TRO. Heaven quit you, gentlemen!
QUAR. Nay, stay a little: good lady, put him to the question.
GRACE. You are content then?
WINW. QUAR. Yes, yes.
GRACE. Sir, here are two names written--
TRO. Is justice Overdo one?
GRACE. How, sir! I pray you read them to yourself; it is for a wager
between these gentlemen; and with a stroke, or any difference, mark
which you approve best.
TRO. They may be both worshipful names for aught I know, mistress; but
Adam Overdo had been worth three of them, I assure you in this place,
that's in plain English.
GRACE. This man amazes me: I pray you like one of them, sir.
TRO. [_marks the book._] I do like him there, that has the best
warrant, mistress, to save your longing, and (multiply him) it may be
this. But I am still for justice Overdo, that's my conscience; and
quit you.
WINW. Is it done, lady?
GRACE. Ay, and strangely, as ever I saw: what fellow is this, trow?
QUAR. No matter what, a fortune-teller we have made him; which is it,
which is it?
GRACE. Nay, did you not promise not to inquire?
_Enter EDGWORTH._
QUAR. 'Slid, I forgot that, pray you pardon me.--Look, here's our
Mercury come; the license arrives in the finest time too! 'tis but
scraping out Cokes his name, and 'tis done.
WINW. How now, lime-twig, hast thou touch'd?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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