BEGGAR 'Tis a feast to see him, Lank as a ghost and tall, his shoulders bent, And long beard white with age--yet evermore, As if he were the only Saint on earth, He turns his face to heaven. OSWALD But why so violent Against this venerable Man? BEGGAR I'll tell you: He has the very hardest heart on earth; I had as lief turn to the Friar's school And knock for entrance, in mid holiday. MARMADUKE But to your story. BEGGAR I was saying, Sir-- Well!--he has often spurned me like a toad, But yesterday was worse than all;--at last I overtook him, Sirs, my Babe and I, And begged a little aid for charity: But he was snappish as a cottage cur. Well then, says I--I'll out with it; at which I cast a look upon the Girl, and felt As if my heart would burst; and so I left him. OSWALD I think, good Woman, you are the very person Whom, but some few days past, I saw in Eskdale, At Herbert's door. BEGGAR Ay; and if truth were known I have good business there. OSWALD I met you at the threshold, And he seemed angry. BEGGAR Angry! well he might; And long as I can stir I'll dog him.--Yesterday, To serve me so, and knowing that he owes The best of all he has to me and mine. But 'tis all over now.--That good old Lady Has left a power of riches; and I say it, If there's a lawyer in the land, the knave Shall give me half. OSWALD What's this?--I fear, good Woman, You have been insolent. BEGGAR And there's the Baron, I spied him skulking in his peasant's dress. OSWALD How say you? in disguise?-- MARMADUKE But what's your business With Herbert or his Daughter? BEGGAR Daughter! truly-- But how's the day?--I fear, my little Boy, We've overslept ourselves.--Sirs, have you seen him? [Offers to go.] MARMADUKE I must have more of this;--you shall not stir An inch, till I am answered. Know you aught That doth concern this Herbert? BEGGAR You are provoked, And will misuse me, Sir! MARMADUKE No trifling, Woman!-- OSWALD You are as safe as in a sanctuary; Speak. MARMADUKE Speak!