_Avar._ Old Time, the eavesdropper: I know him, pardy! An ancient turner of houses upside down, And a common consumer of city and town. Old Time's daughter, (quod he?), I shrew his naked heart! Many of my friends hath he brought to pain and smart. Compassion and that Truth come hither to you? _Resp._ Mercy, before ye came, promised so right now. _Avar._ It is no time now, Honesty, to be idle. _Adul._ Something breweth? _Avar._ It is time for us to bridle. Well, go your ways, afore, in all haste, Honesty: And tell Reformation and Authority That both these ladies, in all goodly fashion, Must be entertained here in this nation. Madame Respublica! is't not your pleasure so? _Resp._ What else? in all the haste, Honesty, see ye go: _Avar._ Say further, that I would we four, anon, might meet Here, or where they will, save in the open street. And hear you, Honesty! _Adul._ What now? _Avar._ A little near! Provide in any wise that Verity come not here: Let Insolence and Oppression keep her hence. _Adul._ We shall, all three, therein do our best diligence. _Avar._ Bid them well remember the world will wax quaisy; Some of us, ere long, may hap leap at a daisy; Or put out the _i_ of Misericordia, And without an _i_ play e'en plain trussing corda. [_Exeat_ ADUL[ATION]. _Resp._ Policy, what is it that ye talk there so long? _Avar._ I send instructions that they may not do wrong. _Resp._ Send ye aught to him that may not be told to me? _Avar._ Should we with ery trifling trifle trouble ye? Well then, ye look for these two ladies, [I am sure]. _Resp._ I trust they will not fail on me to do their cure. _Avar._ I told you ever, did I not, that your wealth would frame? _Resp._ I shall reward your pains: or else I were to blame. _Avar._ Then best I go now straight to my fellows and see-- _Resp._ That things needful for us may not unready be; Do so, I pray you! _Avar._ Fare ye well, Respublica, Till I see you next! [_Exeat._ _Resp._ Now, Misericordia! When shall be thy pleasure? bring hither Verity? Behold! e'en with the word speaking, where they both be. _Intrant_ MI[SERICORDI]A _and_ VERITAS. ACTUS QUINTI, SCENA TERTIA. MISERICORDIA. VERITAS. RESPUBLICA. _Miser._ I daresay Respublica thinketh the time long. _Ver._ Who can blame her, having endured so much wrong? But as meat and drink, and other bodily food Is never found to be so pleasant, nor so good, As when fretting hunger and thirst hath pinched afore; And as health after sickness is sweeter evermore, So, after decay and adversity overcome, Wealth and prosperity shall be double welcome.