_Wife._ Ay marry, Ralph, this has some savour in it, I would see the proudest of them all offer to carry his books after him. But, George, I will not have him go away so soon, I shall be sick if he go away, that I shall; call Ralph again, George, call Ralph again: I prithee, sweetheart, let him come fight before me, and let's have some drums and trumpets, and let him kill all that comes near him, an' thou lov'st me, George. _Cit._ Peace a little, bird, he shall kill them all, an' they were twenty more on 'em than there are. _Enter_ JASPER. _Jasp._ Now, Fortune (if thou be'st not only ill), Show me thy better face, and bring about Thy desperate wheel, that I may climb at length And stand; this is our place of meeting, If love have any constancy. Oh age Where only wealthy men are counted happy: How shall I please thee? how deserve thy smiles, When I am only rich in misery? My father's blessing, and this little coin Is my inheritance. A strong revenue! From earth thou art, and unto earth I give thee. There grow and multiply, whilst fresher air Breeds me a fresher fortune. How, illusion! [_Spies the casket._ What, hath the devil coined himself before me? 'Tis metal good, it rings well, I am waking, And taking too I hope; now God's dear blessing Upon his heart that left it here, 'tis mine; These pearls, I take it, were not left for swine. [_Exit._ _Wife._ I do not like this unthrifty youth should embezzle away the money; the poor gentlewoman his mother will have a heavy heart for it, God knows. _Cit._ And reason good, sweetheart. _Wife._ But let him go, I'll tell Ralph a tale in's ear, shall fetch him again with a wanion, I warrant him, if he be above ground; and besides, George, here be a number of sufficient gentlemen can witness, and myself, and yourself, and the musicians, if we be called in question; but here comes Ralph, George; thou shalt hear him speak, as he were an Emperal. _Enter_ RALPH _and_ DWARF. _Ralph._ Comes not Sir Squire again? _Dwarf._ Right courteous knight, Your squire doth come, and with him comes the lady Fair, and the squire of damsels, as I take it. _Enter_ MISTRESS MERRY-THOUGHT, MICHAEL, _and_ SQUIRE. _Ralph._ Madam, if any service or devoir Of a poor errant knight may right your wrongs, Command it. I am prest to give you succour, For to that holy end I bear my armour. _Mist. Mer._ Alas, sir, I am a poor gentlewoman, and I have lost my money in this forest. _Ralph._ Desert, you would say, lady, and not lost Whilst I have sword and lance; dry up your tears, Which ill befit the beauty of that face, And tell the story, if I may request it, Of your disastrous fortune.