A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume Vi Part 98

_Enter_ PERIN _and_ HONESTY.

PERIN.

G.o.d save you, gentlemen. The king greets you, and at this time Having some occasion to use money, hath sent to know What you that be knights and squires will lend his grace; And you, Master Farmer: be brief, sir[s,] for I cannot stay.

KNIGHT.

Sir, though housekeeping be some hind'rance to my willing mind, by reason that it robs me of that, which should bewray my loving mind both to my prince and country--money I mean, which at this time I stand in some want of--yet of that small store that I have, [I] am willing to impart the lending of the king twenty pound; and more, I a.s.sure you, I am not able.

PERIN.

Very well; and what say you, Master Squire?

SQUIRE.

I say that my revenues are but small, Yet I will lend his majesty ten pound.

PERIN.

Very well; but what saith the Farmer?

What can he spare the king?

FARMER.

Marry, sir, I am a poor farmer, and yet I can afford to lend The king a hundred or two of pounds. And hear you, sir; [_Aside_.]

If you prefer a suit I have to the king, I will give you forty angels for your pains: Besides, I will give you the keeping of a dozen jades, And now and then meat for you and your horse, If you come to my house, and lie a whole year.

PERIN.

Why, that's well said, and I commend Thy honest mind. Would all men were of thy mind: I warrant thee, thou art an honest man, And one that loves the king. But tell me, What wouldst thou have me do?

FARMER.

Nothing, but procure me the king's letter to convey corn beyond seas; for in England it is so good cheap, that a man can make no living by selling thereof: therefore, if the king will grant me his letter, I will at any time lend him five or six hundred pound, and perhaps never ask it again; and I will not forget your pains.

PERIN.

Sir, fear not, I will do it for you, I warrant you; For, I tell you, I can do much with the king.

HONESTY.

I believe you will do more than you will be Commended for. The courtier resembleth The jay, that decketh herself with the feathers Of other birds, to make herself glorious; So the courtier must be brave, though he be Hang'd at the gallows. [_Aside_.

FARMER.

Well, sir, will it please you to come and dine With me?

PERIN.

I thank you, sir, heartily.

FARMER.

But what's he there in your company?

PERIN.

A plain fellow, and his name is Honesty.

FARMER.

O, let him go where he will, for he shall Not dine with me.

HONESTY.

See how the Farmer fears my name; What would he do if he knew my nature?

But hear you, master courtier, shall I dine With you? I promise you, sir, I am very hungry.

PERIN.

Truly, Honesty, if I were furnish'd with money, I would not stick to give thee thy dinner; But now, thou seest, I am but a guest myself.

FARMER.

Truly, honest fellow, if I were certain of my cheer, I would bid thee to dinner, but know not my provision, I promise thee.

KNIGHT.

Hear you, sir; will it please you to take part of a piece of beef with me? you shall be welcome.

PERIN.

I thank you, sir, but I must dine with my honest friend here, else I would not refuse your gentle offer.

HONESTY.

See how he can use my name and not me: But I perceive I may go dine with Duke Humphrey.[306]

G.o.d b'w'y', gentlemen; for none here hath occasion to use Honesty.

KNIGHT.

Yes, Honesty; thou shalt be my brother's guest and mine.

HONESTY.

Marry, and I thank you too; for now the world may say, That Honesty dines with Hospitality to-day.

[_Exeunt_.

_Enter_ OSRICK _and_ ALFRIDA.

OSRICK.

Daughter, see that you entertain the earl As best beseems his state and thy degree.

He comes to see, whether Fame have worthily Been n.i.g.g.ard in commending thee or no: So shall thy virtues be admired at the court, And thou be praised for kind and debonaire; For courtesy contents a courtier oft, When nothing else seems pleasant in his eyes.

ALFRIDA.

Father, you shall perceive that Alfrida Will do her best in honouring of your age, To entertain the Earl of Cornwall so, That he shall think him highly favoured, Through loving speech and courteous entertain.

_Enter_ ETHENWALD.

OSRICK.

How fares my Lord of Cornwall? What, displeased?

Or troubled with a mood that's malecontent?

ETHENWALD.

Not malecontent, and yet I am not well, For I am troubled with a painful rheum, That, when I would be merry, troubles me; And commonly it holds me in my eyes, With such extremes that I can scantly see.

OSRICK.

How long have you been troubled with the pain?

Or is it a pain that you have usual?

Or is it some water that, by taking cold, Is fall'n into your eyes and troubles you?