_Count._ Observed you that Gentleman, that parted from me but now? _Int._ I saw him now my Lord. _Count._ I was sending for you, I have talked with this man, and I do find him dangerous. _Int._ Is your Lordship in good earnest? _Count._ Hark you Sir, there may perhaps be some within ear-[shot]. [_He whispers with him._ _Enter_ Lazarello _and his Boy_. _Laz._ Sirrah, will you venture your life, the Duke hath sent the Fish-head to my Lord? _Boy._ Sir if he have not, kill me, do what you will with me. _Laz._ How uncertain is the state of all mortal things! I have these crosses from my Cradle, from my very Cradle, insomuch that I do begin to grow desperate: Fortune I do despise thee, do thy worst; yet when I do better gather my self together, I do find it is rather the part of a wise man, to prevent the storms of Fortune by stirring, than to suffer them by standing still, to pour themselves upon his naked body. I will about it. _Count._ Who's within there? _Enter a Servingman._ Let this Gentleman out at the back door, forget not my instructions, if you find any thing dangerous; trouble not your self to find out me, but carry your informations to the Lord _Lucio_, he is a man grave, and well experienced in these businesses. [_Int._ Your Lordships Servant.] [_Exit Intelligencer and Servingman._ _Laz._ Will it please your [worship walke]? _Count._ Sir I was coming, I will overtake you. _Laz._ I will attend you over against the Lord _Gonderinoes_ house. _Count._ You shall not attend there long. _Laz._ Thither must I to see my Loves face, the chaste Virgin head Of a dear Fish, yet pure and undeflowred, Not known of man no rough bred countrey hand, Hath once toucht thee, no Pandars withered paw, Nor an un-napkin'd Lawyers greasie fist, Hath once slubbered thee: no Ladies supple hand, Wash'd o'er with Urine, hath yet seiz'd on thee With her two nimble talents: no Court hand, Whom his own natural filth, or change of air, Hath bedeck'd with scabs, hath marr'd thy whiter grace: Oh let it be thought lawful then for me, To crop the flower of thy Virginity. [_Exit_ Lazarello. _Count._ This day I am for fools, I am all theirs, Though like to our young wanton cocker'd heirs, Who do affect those men above the rest, In whose base company they still are best: I do not with much labour strive to be The wisest ever in the company: But for a fool, our wisdom oft amends, As enemies do teach us more than friends. [_Exit Count._ _Actus Secundus. Scæna Prima._ _Enter Gondarino and his servants._ _Serv._ My Lord: _Gond._ Ha! _Serv._ Here's one hath brought you a present.