_Bel._ There is no end of this old fellow; thus will he bait me from day to day, till my ignorance be found out. [_Aside._ _Alon._ Now is he casting a figure by the art of memory, and making a judgment of it to himself. This astrology is a very mysterious speculation. [_Aside._ _Bel._ 'Tis a madness for me to hope I can deceive him longer. Since then he must know I am no astrologer, I'll discover it myself to him, and blush once for all. [_Aside._ _Alon._ Well, sir, and what do the stars hold forth? What says nimble master Mercury to the matter? _Bel._ Sir, not to keep you longer in ignorance, I must ingenuously declare to you, that I am not the man for whom you take me. Some smattering in astrology I have; which my friends, by their indiscretion, have blown abroad, beyond my intentions. But you are not a person to be imposed on like the vulgar: Therefore, to satisfy you in one word, my skill goes not far enough to give you knowledge of what you desire from me. _Alon._ You have said enough, sir, to persuade me of your science; if fame had not published it, yet this very humility of yours were enough to confirm me in the belief of it. _Bel._ Death, you make me mad, sir! Will you have me swear? As I am a gentleman, a man of the town, one who wears good cloaths, eats, drinks, and wenches abundantly, I am a damned ignorant, and senseless fellow. _Enter_ BEATRIX. _Alon._ How now, gentlewoman?--What, are you going to relief by moonshine? _Beat._ I was going on a very charitable office, to help a friend that was gravelled in a very doubtful business. _Bel._ Some good news, fortune, I beseech thee. _Beat._ But now I have found this learned gentleman, I shall make bold to propound a question to him from a lady. _Alon._ I will have my own question first resolved. _Bel._ O, sir, 'tis from a lady. _Beat._ If you please, sir, I'll tell it in your ear--My lady has given Don Melchor the ring; in whose company her father found her just now at the garden-door. [_In a whisper._ _Bel._ [_Aloud_.] Come to me to-morrow, and you shall receive an answer. _Beat._ Your servant, sir. [_Exit_ BEATRIX. _Alon._ Sir, I shall take it very unkindly if you satisfy any other, and leave me in this perplexity. _Bel._ Sir, if my knowledge were according-- _Alon._ No more of that, sir, I beseech you. _Bel._ Perhaps I may know something by my art concerning it; but, for your quiet, I wish you would not press me. _Alon._ Do you think I am not master of my passions? _Bel._ Since you will needs know what I would willingly have concealed, the person, who has your diamond, is he whom you saw last in your daughter's company.