_Pietro._ This Malevole is one of the most prodigious affections that ever conversed with nature: a man, or rather a monster, more discontent than Lucifer when he was thrust out of the presence. His appetite is unsatiable as the grave; as far from any content as from heaven: his highest delight is to procure others' vexation, and therein he thinks he truly serves heaven; for 'tis his position, whosoever in this earth can be contented is a slave and damned; therefore does he afflict all in that to which they are most affected. The elements struggle within him; his own soul is at variance within herself;[354] his speech is halter-worthy at all hours. I like him, faith: he gives good intelligence to my spirit, makes me understand those weaknesses which others' flattery palliates.--Hark! they sing. [_A song._] See, he comes. Now shall you hear the extremity of a malcontent: he is as free as air; he blows over every man. 42 _Enter_ MALEVOLE _below_. And, sir, whence come you now? _Mal._ From the public place of much dissimulation, the church.[355] _Pietro._ What didst there? _Mal._ Talk with a usurer; take up at interest. _Pietro._ I wonder what religion thou art of?[356] _Mal._ Of a soldier's religion. _Pietro._ And what dost thou[357] think makes most infidels now? 51 _Mal._ Sects, sects. I have seen seeming piety change her robe so oft, that sure none but some arch-devil can shape her a new[358] petticoat. _Pietro._ O, a religious policy. _Mal._ But, damnation on a politic religion! I am weary: would I were one of the duke's hounds now![359] _Pietro._ But what's the common news abroad, Malevole? thou doggest rumour still. 59 _Mal._ Common news! why, common words are, God save ye, Fare ye well; common actions, flattery and cozenage; common things, women and cuckolds.--And how does my little Ferrard? Ah, ye lecherous animal!--my little ferret, he goes sucking up and down the palace into every hen's nest, like a weasel:--and to what dost thou addict thy time to now more than to those antique painted drabs that are still effected of young courtiers,--flattery, pride, and venery? _Fer._ I study languages. Who dost think to be the best linguist of our age? 70 _Mal._ Phew! the devil: let him possess thee; he'll teach thee to speak all languages most readily and strangely;[360] and great reason, marry, he's travelled greatly i' the world, and is everywhere. _Fer._ Save i' the court. _Mal._ Ay, save i' the court.--[_To_ BILIOSO.] And how does my old muckhill, overspread with fresh snow? thou half a man, half a goat, all a beast! how does thy young wife, old huddle?[361] _Bil._ Out, you improvident rascal! 80