Chapter XXVI: Epilogue: Spoken by Julio (9)

LEI. Ay, there's the _But_, whose heart-white if we hit, The game is ours. Well, we may rage and rave[484] At Gloster, Lancaster, Chester, Fauconbridge; But his the upshot.

QUEEN. Yet begin with Gloster.

HEN. The destinies run to the Book of Fates, And read in never-changing characters Robert of Gloster's end; he dies to-day: So fate, so heaven, so doth King Henry say.

QUEEN. Imperially resolv'd. [_Trumpets far off_.

LEI. The old King comes.

QUEEN. Then comes luxurious lust; The King of concubines; the King that scorns The undefiled, chaste, and nuptial bed; The King that hath his queen imprisoned: For my sake, scorn him; son, call him not father; Give him the style of a competitor.

HEN. Pride, seize upon my heart: wrath, fill mine eyes! Sit, lawful majesty, upon my front, Duty, fly from me; pity, be exil'd: Senses, forget that I am Henry's child.

QUEEN. I kiss thee, and I bless thee for this thought.

SCENE THE FIFTEENTH.

_Enter_ KING, LANCASTER, RICHARD, FAUCONBRIDGE.

KING. O Lancaster, bid Henry yield some reason, Why he desires so much the death of Gloster.

HEN. I hear thee, Henry, and I thus reply: I do desire the death of bastard Gloster, For that he spends the Treasure of the Crown; I do desire the death of bastard Gloster, For that he doth desire to pull me down. Or were this false (I purpose to be plain), He loves thee, and for that I him disdain.

HEN. Therein thou shewest a hate-corrupted mind; To him the more unjust, to me unkind.

QUEEN. He loves you, as his father lov'd his mother.

KING. Fie, fie upon thee, hateful Elinor; I thought thou hadst been long since scarlet-dyed.

HEN. She is, and therefore cannot change her colour.

RICH. You are too strict; Earl Gloster's fault Merits not death.

FAU. By the rood, the Prince says true; Here is a statute from the Confessor[485].

HEN. The Confessor was but a simple fool. Away with books; my word shall be a law, Gloster shall die.

LEI. Let Gloster die the death.

LAN. Leicester, he shall not; He shall have law, despite of him and thee.

HEN. What law? will you be traitors? what's the law?

RICH. His right hand's loss; and that is such a loss, As England may lament, all Christians weep. That hand hath been advanc'd against the Moors, Driven out the Saracens from Gad's[486] and Sicily, Fought fifteen battles under Christ's red cross; And is it not, think you, a grievous loss, That for a slave (and for no other harm) It should be sundred from his princely arm?

FAU. More for example, noble Lancaster; But 'tis great pity too--too great a pity.

HEN. I'll have his hand and head.

RICH. Thou shalt have mine, then.

QUEEN. Well said, stubborn Dick, Jack would not Serve me so, were the boy here.

RICH. Both John and I have serv'd your will too long; Mother, repent your cruelty and wrong: Gloster, you know, is full of mirth and glee, And never else did your grace injury.

QUEEN. Gloster shall die.

HEN. Fetch him here, I'll see him dead.

RICH. He that stirs for him shall lay down his head.

FAU. O quiet, good my lords; patience, I pray, I think he comes unsent for, by my fay.

_Enter_ JOHN _in_ GLOSTER'S _gown_.

RICH. What mean'st thou, Gloster?

HEN. Who brought Gloster hither?

JOHN. Let Gloster hang and them that ... [487] There lies his case[488], a mischief on his carcase! [_Throws off_ GLOSTER'S _gown_.

QUEEN. My dear son Jack!

JOHN. Your dear son Jack-an-apes; Your monkey, your baboon, your ass, your gull!

LEI. What ails Earl John?

JOHN. Hence, further from my sight! My fiery thoughts and wrath have work in hand; I'll curse ye blacker than th'Avernian[489] Lake, If you stand wond'ring at my sorrow thus. I am with child, big, hugely swoll'n with rage, Who'll play the midwife, and my throbs assuage?

KING. I will, my son.

HEN. I will, high-hearted brother.

JOHN. You will? and you? tut, tut, all you are nothing! 'Twill out, 'twill out, myself myself can ease: You chafe, you swell: ye are commanding King. My father is your footstool, when ye please. Your word's a law; these lords dare never speak. Gloster must die; your enemies must fall!

HEN. What means our brother?

JOHN. He means that thou art mad: She frantic: Leicester foolish: I the babe-- Thou grind us, bite us, vex us, charge and discharge. Gloster, O Gloster!

QUEEN. Where is Gloster, son?

HEN. Where is Gloster, brother?

KING. I hope he be escaped.

JOHN. O, I could tear my hair, and, falling thus Upon the solid earth, Dig into Gloster's grave, So he were dead, and gone into the depth Of under-world-- Or get sedition's hundreth thousand hand, And, like Briareus, battle with the stars, To pull him down from heaven, if he were there!

FAU. Look to Earl John; the gentleman is mad.

JOHN. O, who would not be mad at this disgrace? Gloster the fox is fled; there lies his case. [_Points to the gown_. He cozen'd me of mine; the porter helped him.

HEN. The porter shall be hang'd; let's part and seek him: Gloster shall die; all Europe shall not save him.

JOHN. He is wise, too wise for us; yet I'll go with you To get more fools into my company.

QUEEN. This is your father's plot; revenge it, son.

HEN. Father, by heaven, if this were your advice, Your head or heart shall pay the bitter price. Come, mother, brother, Leicester; let's away.

JOHN. Ay, I'll be one, in hope to meet the bastard, And then no more: myself will be his headsman.

[_Exeunt_.

KING. Richard and Fauconbridge, follow the search; You may prevent mischance by meeting Gloster. If ye find Skink, see that you apprehend him. I hear there is a wizard at Blackheath; Let some inquire of him, where Skink remains. Although I trust not to those fallacies, Yet now and then such men prove soothsayers. Will you be gone?

FAU. With all my heart, with all my heart, my lord. Come, princely Richard, we are ever yok'd. Pray God, there be no mystery in this.

RICH. Be not suspicious, where there is no cause.

FAU. Nay, nothing, nothing; I am but in jest.

[_Exeunt_.

KING. Call in a pursuivant.

LAN. Here's one, my liege.

_Enter_ PURSUIVANT.

KING. There is a porter likely to be hang'd For letting Gloster 'scape; sirrah, attend. You shall have a reprieve to bring him us. These boys are too-too stubborn, Lancaster; But 'tis their mother's fault. If thus she move me, I'll have her head, though all the world reprove me.

[_Exeunt_.

SCENE THE SIXTEENTH.

_Enter_ ROBIN HOOD _and_ LADY FAUCONBRIDGE.

LADY F. Do not deny me, gentle Huntington.

ROB. My lord will miss me.

LADY F. Tut, let me excuse thee.

ROB. Turn, woman? O, it is intolerable! Except you promise me to play the page. Do that, try one night, and you'll laugh for ever To hear the orisons that lovers use: Their ceremonies, sighs, their idle oaths! To hear how you are prais'd and pray'd unto. For you are Richard's saint. They talk of Mary The blessed Virgin; but upon his beads He only prays to Marian Fauconbridge.

LADY F. The more his error; but will you agree To be the Lady Fauconbridge one day?

ROB. When is't?

LADY. F. On Monday.

ROB. Wherefore is't?

LADY F. Nay, then, you do me wrong with inquisition, And yet I care not greatly if I tell thee. Thou seest my husband full of jealousy: Prince Richard in his suit importunate, My brother Gloster threat'ned by young Henry, To clear these doubts, I will in some disguise Go to Blackheath, unto the holy hermit, Whose wisdom, in foretelling things to come, Will let me see the issue of my cares. If destinies ordain me happiness, I'll chase these mists of sorrow from my heart With the bright sun of mirth; if fate agree To't[490], and my friends must suffer misery, Yet I'll be merry too, till mischief come. Only I long to know the worst of ill.

ROB. I'll once put on a scarlet countenance.

LADY F. Be wary, lest ye be discovered, Robin.

ROB. Best paint me, then be sure I shall not blush.

_Enter_ BLOCK _bleeding_, GLOSTER _with him_.

BLO. Beat an officer, Redcap? I'll have ye talk'd withal! Beat Sir Richard's porter? help, madam, help!

GLO. Peace, you damned rogue.

LADY F. Brother, I pray you forbear.

GLO. Zwounds! an hundred's at my heels almost, And yet the villain stands on compliment.

BLO. A bots on[491] you, is't you?

GLO. Will you to the door, you fool, and bar the gate? Hold, there's an angel for your broken pate: If any knock, let them not in in haste.

BLO. Well, I will do, as I see cause; Blood, thou art dear to me. But here's a sovereign plaister for the sore: Gold healeth wounds, gold easeth hearts! What can a man have more? [_Exit_.

LADY F. Dear brother, tell us how you made escape?

GLO. You see I am here, but if you would know how, I cannot 'scape, and tell the manner too, By this I know your house is compassed With hell-hound search[492].

LADY F. Brother, I'll furnish you with beard and hair, And garment like my husband's. How like you that?

GLO. Well, when I have them: Quickly, then, dispatch. [_Exit_ LADY.] S'blood! turn Grey beard and hair. Robin, conceal; this dieteth my mind. Mirth is the object of my humorous spleen. Thou high, commanding fury, further device! Jests are conceited. I long to see their birth.

_Re-enter_ LADY FAUCONBRIDGE.

What, come ye, sister? Robin, a thief's hand! But, prythee, where hadst thou this beard and hair?

LADY F. Prince Richard wore them hither in a masque.

GLO. Say'st thou me so? faith, [I] love the princely youth; Tut, you must taste stolen pleasure now and then.

ROB. But if she steal, and jealous eyes espy, She will be sure condemn'd of burglary.

GLO. Ha! crake! can your low stumps venture so deep Into affection's stream? go to, you wanton! What want we now? my nightcap! O, 'tis here. So now no Gloster, but old Fauconbridge. Hark, the search knocks; I'll let them in myself: Welcome, good fellows; ha! what is't you lack?

_Enter REDCAP, with two others_[493].

RED. Ma-master Co-Constable, se-se-search you th-that way; a-and, you ho-honest man, th-that way. I'll ru-run th-this way m-my own se-self.

[_They disperse themselves_.

GLO. What search you for? what is it you would have?

_Enter_ BLOCK.

BLO. Madam, what shall I do to these brown-bill fellows? some run into the wine cellar; some here, some there.

GLO. Let them alone; let them search their fills.

BLO. I'll look to their fingers for all that.

GLO. Do so, good Block; be careful, honest Block.

BLO. Sir stammerer and your wa-watch, y'are pa-past, i'faith.
[_Exit_.

GLO, Will you not speak, knaves? tell me who you seek.

RED. Ma-marry, sir, we s-seek a va-va-vacabond, a fu-fugative, my la-lady's own b-brother; but, and he were the po-po-pope's own b-brother, I would s-search f-f-for him; for I have a p-poor father r-ready to be ha-ha-hang'd f-f-for him.

GLO. O, 'tis for Gloster? marry, search, a' God's name, Seek, peace[494]; will he break prison too? It's a pity he should live; nay, I defy him. Come, look about, search every little corner, Myself will lead the way; pray you, come. Seek, seek, and spare not, though it be labour lost: He comes not under my roof; hear ye, wife? He comes not hither, take it for a warning.

RED. You sp-sp-speak like an honest ge-ge-gentleman, re-re-rest you me-me-merry! co-co-come, my f-f-friends, I be-believe h-h-he r-ran by the g-g-garden w-wall toward the wa-water side.

[_Exeunt running_.

GLO. This fellow is of the humour I would choose my wife: Few words and many paces; a word and away; and so Must I. Sister, adieu; pray you for me; I'll do the like for you. Robin, farewell; commend me to the Prince.

LADY F. Can ye not stay here safe?

GLO. No, I'll not trust the changing humours of old Fauconbridge. Adieu, young earl; sister, let's kiss and part. Tush, never mourn, I have a merry heart. [_Exit_.

LADY F. Farewell all comfort.

ROB. What, weeping, lady? Then I perceive you have forgot Blackheath!

LADY F. No, there I'll learn both of his life and death.

ROB. Till Monday, madam, I must take my leave.

LADY F. You will not miss then?

ROB. Nay, if Robin fail ye, Let him have never favour of fair lady!

LADY F. Meanwhile, I'll spend my time in prayers and tears, That Gloster may escape these threat'ned fears. [_Exit_

SCENE THE SEVENTEENTH.

_Enter_ SKINK, _like_ PRINCE[495] JOHN.

SKINK. Thus jets my noble Skink along the streets, To whom each bonnet vails, and all knees bend; And yet my noble humour is too light By the six shillings. Here are two crack'd groats To helter-skelter at some vaulting-house[496]. But who comes yonder? ha! old Fauconbridge? Hath a brave chain; were John and he good friends, That chain were mine, and should unto Blackheath. I'll venture; it's but trial: luck may fall. Good morrow, good Sir Richard Fauconbridge.

FAU. Good morrow, my sweet Prince, hearty good morrow; This greeting well becomes us, marry does it, Better, i'wis, than strife and jangling. Now can I love ye; will ye to the sheriffs? Your brother Richard hath been there this hour.

SKINK. Yes, I am plodding forward, as you do; What cost your chain? it's passing strongly wrought, I would my goldsmith had a pattern of it.

FAU. 'Tis at your grace's service: show it him.

SKINK. Then dare ye trust me?

FAU. Who? the princely John! My sovereign's son: why, what a question's that. I'll leave you; ye may know I dare trust you.

SKINK. I'll bring it ye to the sheriff's, excuse my absence.

FAU. I will, my noble lord; adieu, sweet prince.
[_Exit_.

SKINK. Why so; this breakfast was well fed upon. When Skink's devices on Blackheath do fail, This and such cheats would set me under sail, I'll to the water-side, would it were later [on]; For still I am afraid to meet Prince John.

SCENE THE EIGHTEENTH.

_Enter_ GLOSTER _like_ FAUCONBRIDGE.

[SKINK.] But what a mischief meant Fauconbridge To come again so soon? that way he went, And now comes peaking. Upon my life, The buzzard hath me in suspicion, But whatsoever chance, I'll filch a share.

GLO. Yonder's Prince John; I hope he cannot know me, There's nought but Gloster, Gloster in their mouths; I am half-strangled with the garlic-breath Of rascals that exclaim, as I pass by, Gloster is fled; once taken, he must die. But I'll to John--how does my gracious lord? What babbles rumour now? What news of Gloster?

SKINK. What news could I hear, since you left me last? Were you not here even now? lent me your chain? I think you dote.

GLO. Sweet prince, age aye[497] forgets. My brother's chain? a pretty accident! But I'll have't, and be in the spite of John. [_Aside_.

SKINK. There's more and more; I'll geld it, ere it go. [_He breaks the chain_. This same shall keep me in some tavern merry, Till night's black hand curtain this too clear sky.

GLO.[498] My sweet prince, I have some cause to use my chain; Another time (whene'er your lordship please) 'Tis at your service, O marry God, it is.

SKINK. Here, palsy, take your chain; stoop and be hang'd, [_Casts it down_. Yet the fish nibbled, when she might not swallow: Go'ut[499] I have curtail'd, what I could not borrow. [_Exit_.

GLO. He's gone away in frets; would he might meet My brother Fauconbridge in this mad mood, There would be rare ado. Why, this fits me; My brain flows with fresh wit and policy. But, Gloster, look about, who have we yonder? Another John, Prince Richard, and the sheriff? Upon my life, the slave, that had the chain, Was Skink, escap'd the Fleet by some mad sleight. Well, farewell he, better and better still, These seek for me; yet I will have my will.

SCENE THE NINETEENTH.

_Enter_ PRINCE JOHN, PRINCE RICHARD, _and the_ SHERIFF.

JOHN. Sheriff, in any case be diligent. Who's yonder? Fauconbridge?

GLO. How now, sweet chuck; how fares my lovely prince?

JOHN. What carest thou? or well or ill, we crave No help of thee.

GLO. God's mother, do ye scorn me?

JOHN. Go'ut! what then?

RICH. Fie, leave these idle brawls, I prythee, John; Let's follow that we are enjoin'd unto.

GLO. Ay, marry, prince, if now you slip the time, Gloster will slip away; but, though he hate me, I have done service; I have found him out.

RICH. A shame confound thee for thy treachery, Inconstant dotard, timorous old ass, That shakes with cowardice, not with years.

GLO. Go, I have found him, I have winded him.

JOHN. O, let me hug thee, gentle Fauconbridge; Forgive my oft ill-using of thine age. I'll call thee father; I'll be penitent; Bring me where Gloster is; I'll be thy slave, All that is mine thou in reward shalt have.

GLO. Soft; not too hasty; I would not be seen in't; Marry a' God, my wife would chide me dead, If Gloster by my means should lose his head. Princely Richard, at this corner make your stand: And for I know you love my sister well, Know I am Gloster, and not Fauconbridge.

RICH. Heaven prosper thee, sweet prince, in thy escape!

GLO. Sheriff, make this your quarter, make good guard; John, stay you here; this way he means to turn, By Thomas, I lack a sword, body a' me!

JOHN. What wouldst thou with a sword, old Fauconbridge?

GLO. O sir, to make show in his defence, For I have left him yonder at a house, A friend's of mine, an honest citizen.

JOHN. We'll fetch him thence.

GLO. Nay, then, you injure me. Stay, till he come; he's in a russet cloak, And must attend me like a serving-man.

JOHN. Hold, there's my sword, and with my sword my heart. Bring him, for God's sake, and for thy desert My brother king and mother queen shall love thee.

GLO. Mark me, good prince; yonder away we come, I go afore, and Gloster follows me; Let not the sheriff nor Richard meddle with us. Begin you first; seize Gloster, and arrest him. I'll draw and lay about me here and here; Be heedful that your watchmen hurt me not.

JOHN. I'll hang him that doth hurt thee; prythee, away, I love thee; but thou kill'st me with delay.

GLO. Well, keep close watch; I'll bring him presently.

JOHN, Away then quickly.

GLO. Gloster, close, master sheriff, Prince Richard.

RICH. Gloster, adieu.

GLO. I trust you.

RICH. By my knighthood, I'll prove true.

[_Exit_ GLOSTER.

JOHN. Revenge, I'll build a temple to your name; And the first offering shall be Gloster's head, Thy altars shall be sprinkled with the blood, Whose wanton current his mad humour fed; He was a rhymer and a riddler, A scoffer at my mother, prais'd my father: I'll fit him now for all--escape and all.

RICH. Take heed spite burst not in his proper gall.

SCENE THE TWENTIETH.

_Enter_ FAUCONBRIDGE _and_ BLOCK.

JOHN. How now, what way took Fauconbridge, I wonder? That is not Gloster, sure, that attends on him?

FAU. He came not at the sheriff's by the morrow-mass, I sought the Goldsmiths' row, and found him not; Sirrah, y'are sure he sent not home my chain?

BLO. Who should send [home] your chain, sir?

FAU. The prince, Prince John; I lent it him to-day.

JOHN. What's this they talk?

BLO. By my truth, sir, and ye lent it him, I think you may go look it: for one of the drawers of the Salutation told me even now, that he had took up a chamber there till evening, and then he will away to Kent.

FAU. Body of me, he means to spend my chain. Come, Block; I'll to him.

JOHN. Hear you, Fauconbridge;

FAU. Why, what a knave art thou? yonder's Prince John.

BLO. Then the drawer's a knave; he told me Prince John was at the Salutation.

JOHN. Where's Gloster, Fauconbridge?

FAU. Sweet prince, I know not.

JOHN. Come, jest not with me: tell me where he is?

FAU. I never saw him since the Parl'ament.

JOHN. Impudent liar, didst thou not even now Say thou wouldst fetch him? Hadst thou not my sword?

FAU. Wert thou a king, I will not bear the lie. Thy sword? no, boy; thou seest this sword is mine.

BLO. My master a liar? Zounds, wert thou a potentate!

FAU. I scorn to wear thy arms, untutor'd child, I fetch thee, Gloster, shameless did I see thee, Since as I went this morning to the Sheriffs, Thou borrow'dst my gold chain!

JOHN. Thy chain?

FAU. I hope thou wilt not cheat me, princocks John!

JOHN. I'll cheat thee of thy life, if thou charge me With any chain.

FAU. Come, let him come, I pray, I'll whip ye, boy, I'll teach you to out-face.

BLO. Come, come, come! but one at once; ye dastards, come.

RICH. Keep the king's peace, I see you are both deceiv'd, He that was last here was not Fauconbridge.

FAU. They slander me; who says that I was here?

RICH. We do believe ye, sir; nor do you think My brother John deceiv'd you of a chain.

FAU. He did; I did deliver it with this hand.

JOHN. I'll die upon the slanderer.

FAU. Let the boy come.

BLO. Aye, let him come, let him come.

RICH. Fellow, thou speak'st even now, as if Prince John Had been at some old tavern in the town!

BLO. Aye, sir, I came up now but from the Salutation, And a drawer, that doth not use to lie, told me Prince John hath been there all this afternoon.

JOHN. The devil in my likeness then is there.

FAU. The devil in thy likeness or thyself Had my gold chain.

JOHN. Thou art the devil; for thou Hadst my good sword, all these can witness it.

FAU. God's mother, thou beliest me.

JOHN. Give me the lie?

RICH. Nay, calm this fury; let's down to the tavern; Or one or both: these counterfeits are there.

FAU. I know him well enough, that had my chain, And there be two Johns, if I find one there. By'r Lady, I will lay him fast.

RICH. It is this Skink that mocks us, I believe.

JOHN. Alas, poor Skink; it is the devil Gloster, Who if I be so happy once to find, I'll give contentment to his troubled mind.

RICH. I hope he's far enough, and free enough, Yet these conceits, I know, delight his soul. [_Aside_. Follow me, Blocker, follow me, honest Blocker.

BLO. Much follow you! I have another piece of work in hand; I hear say Redcap's father shall be hanged this afternoon, I'll see him slip a string, though I give my service the slip; besides, my lady bad me hear his examination at his death. I'll get a good place, and pen it word for word, and as I like it, let out a mournful ditty to the tune of "Labandalashot," or "Row Well, ye Mariners," or somewhat as my muse shall me invoke. [_Exit_.

SCENE THE TWENTY-FIRST.

_Enter_ GLOSTER _like_ FAUCONBRIDGE, _with a_ PURSUIVANT;
GLOSTER _having a paper in his hand, the_ PURSUIVANT _bare_.

GLO. A charitable deed, God bless the king; He shall be then reprieved.

PUR. Ay, sir, some day or two, Till the young king and Prince John change it-- Especially if the good earl be not found, Which God forbid!

GLO. What house is this, That we are stepp'd into, to read this warrant in?

PUR. A tavern, sir, the Salutation.

GLO. A tavern? Then I will turn prodigal; call for a pint Of sack, good fellow.

PUR. Drawer!

DRA. [_Within_.] Anon, sir.

_Enter_ DRAWER.

GLO. A pint of thy best sack, my pretty youth.

DRA. God bless your worship, sir; Ye shall have the best in London, sir.

GLO. What, know'st thou me I know'st thou old Fauconbridge? I am no tavern-h[a]unter, I can tell thee.

DRA. But my master hath taken many a fair pound Of your man Block; he was here to-day, sir, And emptied[500] two bottles of nippitate[501] sack.

GLO. Well, fill us of your nippitate, sir; This is well chanced. But hear[502] ye, boy! Bring sugar in white paper, not in brown; For in white paper I have here a trick, Shall make the pursuivant first swoon, then sick. [_Aside_. Thou honest fellow, what's thy name?

PUR. My name is Winterborne, sir.

GLO. What countryman, I prythee?

PUR. Barkshire, and please ye.

GLO. How long hast thou been sworn a messenger?

PUR. But yesterday, and please your worship, This is the first employment I have had.

_Enter_ DRAWER, _with wine and sugar_.

GLO. A good beginning; here, have to thee, fellow; Thou art my fellow, now thou servest the king, Nay, take sugar too, God's Lady dear! I put it in my pocket; but it's here: Drink a good draught, I prythee, Winterborne.

[_He drinks and falls over the stool_.

DRA. O Lord, Sir Richard, the man, the man!

GLO. What a forgetful beast am I! Peace, boy, It is his fashion ever, when he drinks. Fellow, he hath the falling sickness; Run, fetch two cushions to raise up his head, And bring a little key to ope his teeth. [_Exit_ DRAWER. Pursuivant, your warrant and your box-- These must with me; the shape of Fauconbridge Will hold no longer water hereabout. Gloster will be a Proteus every hour, That Elinor and Leicester, Henry, John, And all that rabble of hate-loving curs, May minister me more mirth to play upon.

_Re-enter_ DRAWER, _with an_ ASSISTANT.

DRA. Here's a key, sir, and one of our folk to help.

GLO. No matter for a key; help him but in, And lay him by the fire a little while, He'll wake immediately; but be [not] heart-sick. There's money for a candle and thy wine, I'll go but up unto your alderman's, And come down presently to comfort him.

[_Exeunt_.

SKINK. [_Within_.] Drawer! what Drawer? with a vengeance, Drawer!

DRA. [_Within_.] Speak in the Crown[503] there.

SCENE THE TWENTY-SECOND.

_Enter_ SKINK, _like_ PRINCE JOHN.

SKINK. They be come; the devil crown ye one by one. Skink, thou'rt betray'd, that Master Fauconbridge, Missing some of his chain has got thee dogg'd. Drawer! what Drawer?

DRA. Anon, anon, sir.

SKINK. Was not Sir Richard Fauconbridge below?

DRA. Yes, and please ye.

SKINK. It does not please me well. Knows he that I am here?

DRA. No, I protest.

SKINK. Come hither, sirrah. I have little money; But there's some few links of a chain of gold. Upon your honesty, knows not Sir Richard That I am here?

DRA. No, by my holy-dam.

SKINK. Who's that was with him?

DRA. Why, a pursuivant.

SKINK. Where is Sir Richard?

DRA. At the alderman's.

SKINK. A pursuivant, and at the alderman's? What pig, or goose, or capon, have you kill'd Within your kitchen new?

DRA. A pig new-stick'd.

SKINK. Fetch me a saucer of the blood; quick, run; [_Exit_ DRAWER. I'll fit the pursuivant, and alderman, And Fauconbridge, if Skink have any wit. Well, Gloster, I did never love thee yet; But thou'st the maddest lord that e'er I met. If I 'scape this, and meet thee once again, Curse Skink, if he die penny in thy debt.

_Re-enter_ DRAWER.

DRA. O my lord, the house is full of halberts, and a great many gentlemen ask for the room where Prince John is.

SKINK. Lend me thy apron; run and fetch a pot from the next room. Betray'd, swounds, betray'd by gout, by palsy, by dropsy-- _Re-enter_ DRAWER _with a pot_. O brave boy, excellent blood! up, take my cloak And my hat to thy share; when I come from Kent, I'll pay Thee like a king.

DRA. I thank you, my lord.
[_Exit_ DRAWER.

SCENE THE TWENTY-THIRD.

_Enter_ JOHN, RICHARD, FAUCONBRIDGE, SHERIFFS, _and_ OFFICERS.

SKINK. Now, fortune, help or never. They come--_and ye were a prince, as ye say ye are, ye would be ashamed to abuse a poor servant thus; but and if ye were not of the blood royal, I'd break the neck of ye down the stairs, so would I, I'd teach you to hurt 'prentices_.

RICH. Who hurt thee, fellow?

SKINK. Prince devil or his dam; Prince John they call him.

JOHN. Gloster, I hope.

RICH. I doubt not but 'tis Skink.

JOHN. Where is he?

SKINK. Up them stairs; take heed of him, He's in the Crown.

FAU. Alas, poor fellow, he hath crown'd thee shrewdly.

JOHN. In recompence, if it be him I seek, I'll give thee his whole head to tread upon. Follow me, brother; come, old Fauconbridge; Keep the stairs, sheriff. You see, it waxeth dark; Take heed he slip not by you.

[_Exeunt_.

SKINK. Hang yourselves, this darkness shall convey me out of doors, I'll swim the Thames, but I'll attain Blackheath. London, farewell; curse, John, rave, Fauconbridge! Skink 'scapes you all by twilight's privilege. [_Exit_.

WITHIN. Where is he? lights, bring lights; drag out that boy.

_Enter all with the_ BOY.

JOHN. This is my cloak, my hat, my rapier; And either it was Skink or Gloster.

DRA. I know not who 'twas, sir; he said he was Prince John; he took away my apron and a pottle-pot with him, and all-to blooded his head and face.

FAU. We met him, by St Anthony, we met him!

JOHN. The fire of St Anthony confound This changing counterfeit, whatsoever he be.

RICH. It makes me laugh at envious greediness, Who feeds upon her own heart's bitterness.

JOHN. Sirrah, you that were born to cry anon, What other copes-mates have you in the house?

DRA. Sir, my master's gues's[504] be none of my copesmates.

JOHN. Well, your gues's! can you guess who they be?

DRA. Marry, here's a pursuivant, that this gentleman, sir, Richard Fauconbridge, left sick even now.

FAU. Marry of God, did I, thou lying knave?

DRA. I am a poor boy, sir; your worship may say your pleasure; our maids have had a foul hand with him. You said he would be sick; so he is, with a witness.

JOHN. Look about, Fauconbridge, here's work for you! You have some evil angel in your shape. Go, sirrah, bring us forth that Pursuivant.

_Enter two, leading the_ PURSUIVANT, _sick_.

RICH. Gloster, thou wilt be too-too venturous; Thou dost delight in those odd humours so, That much I fear they'll be thy overthrow. [_Aside_.

PUR. O, O, O, not too fast; O, I am sick, O, very sick.

JOHN. What picture of the pestilence is this?

PUR. A poor man, sir, a poor man, sir: down, I pray ye; I pray, let me sit down. Ah, Sir Richard, Sir Richard! Ah, good Sir Richard! what, have I deserv'd to be thus dealt withal at your worship's hands? Ah! ah! ah!

FAU. At my hands, knave? at my hands, paltry knave?

DRA. And I should be brought to my book-oath, sir.

WITHIN. What, Jeffrey?

DRA. Anon, anon.

JOHN. A plague upon your Jeffring; is your name Jeffrey?

DRA. Ay, and't please you, sir.

RICH. Why, gentle Jeffrey, then stay you awhile, What can you say, if you come to your book?

DRA. If I be pos'd upon a book, sir, though I be a poor 'prentice, I must speak the truth, and nothing but the truth, sir.

JOHN. And what's your truth, sir?

PUR. O, O my heart.

DRA. Marry, sir, this knight, this man of worship--

FAU. Well, what of me? what did my worship do?

DRA. Marry, ye came into the Bell--our room next the bar--with this honest man, as I take it.

FAU. As thou tak'st it?

PUR. O, sir, 'tis too true, too true, too true. O Lord.

DRA. And there he call'd for a pint of sack, as good sack (I'll be pos'd upon all the books that ever opened and shut), as any in all Christendom.

FAU. Body of me, I come and call for sack?

PUR. O, ye did, ye did, ye did. O, O.

JOHN. Well, forward, sirrah.

RICH. Gloster hath done this jest. [_Aside_.

DRA. And you call'd then for sugar, sir, as good sugar and as wholesome, as ever came in any cup of sack: you drank to this man, and you do well, God be thanked--but he no sooner drank--

PUR. But I, but I, but I--O my head! O my heart!

RICH. I cannot choose but smile at these conceits.

JOHN. I am mad; and yet I must laugh at Fauconbridge: Brother, look how Sir Richard acts his rage!

FAU. I came? I call? the man is like to die, Practice, by the mass; practice, by the marry God! I shall be charg'd here for a poison'd knave, Practice, by th'Lord, practice!--I see it clear.

PUR. And more, Sir Richard. O Lord, O Sir Richard!

FAU. What more? what hast thou more? what practice more?

PUR. O my box, my box, with the king's arms! O my box, O my box! it cost me, O Lord, every penny; O my box!

RICH. And what of your box, sir?

DRA. Marry, sir, it's lost; and 'tis well known my master keeps no thieves in his house; O, there was none but you and he.

FAU. O, then belike thou thinkest I had his box.

PUR. O Sir Richard, I will not; O Lord, I will not charge you for all the world; but--but--but for the warrant the old King sign'd to reprieve the porter of the Fleet! O God, O God!

JOHN. The porter of the Fleet? the old King sign'd?--

PUR. Ay, my good lord, ay, ay.

JOHN. Is he reprieved then?

PUR. No, my lord; O, Sir Richard took it from me with his own hand, O!

FAU. Here's a device to bring me in contempt With the old King, that I ever lov'd. Princes and Sheriff, you can witness with me, That I have been with you this afternoon-- Only with you, with nobody but you-- And now a fellow, whom the King would save By a reprieve, this fellow says, is hang'd.

JOHN. If thou hadst done it, I'd have justified it; But, Richard, I conceit this jest already: This mad-mate Skink, this honest merry knave, Meeting this Pursuivant, and hearing tell He had a warrant to reprieve a slave Whom we would hang, stole it away from him. This is sure the jest; upon my life, it is!

PUR. O, but my warrant, how shall I do? O!

RICH. But look about you, hot-brain'd brother John, And I believe you'll find it otherwise; Gloster hath got the warrant in disguise, And sav'd the fellow you so fain would hang.

JOHN. No, no; how say you, master Sheriff, is he not hang'd?

SHER. My lord, the gibbet was set up by noon In the Old Bailey, and I charg'd my men, If I return not, though it were by torchlight, To see him executed, ere they come.

JOHN. I am greedy to hear news.

FAU. Robb'd of my chain, out-faced I had a sword, Accused of poisoning, cozenage, seeking blood! Not to be borne! it is intolerable!

RICH. Sir Richard, I prythee, have some patience.

FAU. I'll to Blackheath, talk not of patience; It is intolerable, not to be borne.

JOHN. It is intolerable, not to be borne; A warrant, brother; Fauconbridge, a warrant!

FAU. I saw no warrant; I defy you all.

JOHN. A slave, a pursuivant, one Winterborn.

FAU. I care not for thee that, Winterborn.

PUR. O, it is I, sir; that's my warrant.

JOHN. Is't you? you rogue, you drunkard; ye are cheated, And we are cheated of the prisoner. Out, dog, dog.

PUR. O, O, O, O my lord.

[_Exit with_ DRAWER.

SHER. Have patience, and we will have a privy search.

JOHN. Go hang, ye blockheads, get ye from my sight! O, would I were a basilisk, to kill These glear-ey'd villains.

SHER. Come away; let's leave him. We have a warrant; let him do his worst.

[_Exeunt_ SHERIFF _and_ OFFICERS.

FAU. I'll to Blackheath, I'll to the holy hermit; There shall I know not only these deceivers, But how my wife plays fast and loose with Richard. Ha! I shall fit them, I shall tickle them; I'll do it, I'll hence, I'll to the heath amain. [_Exit_.

JOHN. There shall I know where this damned Gloster is, I'll have the devils rous'd to find that devil, O[r] else I'll conjure the old conjuror. I'll to Blackheath, and there with friends conspire, But I'll have Gloster's head, my heart's desire.

RICH. Would mad Earl Robin saw these humourists: 'Twould feed him fit with laughter! O, 'twould fit him. Wherever he is, I know the bare conceit Is better to him than his daintiest food. Well, and it fits me well, now I have time, To court my Lady Fauconbridge at leisure. Love, I implore thy aid; fair Cipria, Thou sea-born mother at affection's ring, Shine brightly in thy sphere, that art[505] my star, My planet, thou of all lights most beauteous, Be thou to my desires auspicious. [_Exit_.

SCENE THE TWENTY-FOURTH.

_Enter_ ROBIN HOOD _in the_ LADY FAUCONBRIDGE'S
_gown, night attire on his head_.

ROB. O, for this lady! Was never poor gentleman troubled with gentlewoman as I am with myself! My Lady Fauconbridge hath fitted me a turn. Here I am, visited with sleeveless errands and with asking for _This thing, Madam_, and _That thing, Madam_, that they make me almost mad in earnest. Whoop, here's another client.

_Enter a_ SERVING-MAN.

SER. Here's my Lady Rawford's page attends to speak with your ladyship.

ROB. I pray ye bid her lordship's page come into my Ladyship. [_Exit_. SERVINGMAN.] Well, Robin Hood, part with these petticoats, And cast these loose devices from thy back, I'll ne'er go more untruss'd, never be kerchief'd, Never have this ado with _what do you lack_?

_Enter_ PAGE.

PAGE. Madam, my lady greets your honour kindly, And sends you the first grapes of her young vine.

ROB. I am much indebted to her honour, there's an angel for you to drink; set them up till after supper. Humphrey, pray look about for Block. Humphrey! trust me, I think the fool be lost.

PAGE. No, forsooth, madam, he's upon the green, jesting with a stammerer, one Redcap.

ROB. It is a lewd fellow; pray, bid him come in, youth; I'll give him his welcome at the door. Commend me to your lady, I pray ye, heartily. [_Exit_ PAGE. Humphrey, I marvel where Sir Richard is so late! Truly, truly, he does not as beseems a gentleman of his calling; pray, let some go forth to meet him on the green, and send in that blockhead Block. [_Exit_ HUMPHREY.

_Enter_ REDCAP, _and_ BLOCK _after him_.

BLO. Will ye tell tales, ye ass, will ye?

RED. I'll te-te-tell your la-la-lady, or I would to G-God we were ha-hang'd else, as my fa-father should have been.

ROB. Now, what's the matter there, I pray you? What company have you there, a-God's name? where spend you the day, I pray?

BLO. Why, where you gave me leave; at the gallows I was--no farther.

RED. A-a-and you be his la-lady, you are the La-Lady Fau-Fauconbridge, the Earl of Glo-Gloster's sister.

ROB. I am so, fellow.

RED. Y-y-your man B-B-Block here does no--nothing but f-f-flout m-me, a-and cr-cries _r-run Re-Redcap and s-s-see you f-f-father ha-ha-hang'd_. I sh-shall g-go-near to m-make m-murder, and he u-use it.

ROB. Well, sirrah, leave your mocking, you were best, I'll bob your beetle head, and if you mock him.

BLO. He's _run Redcap_.

RED. La-la-law, ma-madam.

ROB. Away, ye saucy fool; go, wait within.

BLO. _Run, Redcap; run, Redcap_. [_Exit_.

ROB. Art thou the porter's son, that was condemned about my brother Gloster?

RED. Ay, G-G-God be with you, I am the p-p-porter's son, I m-must r-run to s-s-seek your b-br-brother.

ROB. Well, drink that, fellow; if thou find my brother, be not too violent, and I'll reward thee.

RED. I th-th-thank ye h-heartily; and I had not been cozened with Sk-Skink, I had no nee-need of these ja-jaunts, for Gl-Gloster was s-safe enough.

_Enter_ BLOCK _and the_ PORTER _with his cloak muffled_.

BLO. Ah, farewell, Redcap.

RED. Fa-fare we-well, and be ha-hang'd. [_Exit_.

ROB. You'll never leave your knavery. Who's there more.

BLO. One, madam, that hath commendations to you from your brother.

ROB. Comest thou from Gloster? thou art welcome, friend.

BLO. O, it's one of the kindest ladies (though she will now and then have a bout with Block) that ever breath'd, and she had been in her mood now, Redcap would have made her such sp-sp-sport as 't a' pa-pa-pass'd.

ROB. Will you make sport, and see who knocks again?

BLO. Our gates are like an anvil; from four to ten, nothing but knick-a-knock upon't.

ROB. Will you be gone, sir? [_Exit_ BLOCK.] Honest friend, I am glad My brother Gloster got thy liberty, Whose flight was cause of thy captivity: Nor shall there be in us such negligence, Though thou have lost thy office and thy house, But we will see thee better far provided Than when thou wert [the] Porter in the Fleet.

_Re-enter_ BLOCK.

BLO. Madam, your old friend, Prince Richard, All alone, Making moan, Fetching many a grievous groan.

ROB. Prince Richard come so late? lights to his chamber; Sirrah, in any case, say I am sick.

BLO. Very sick, sick, and like to die! I'll sing it, and you will.

ROB. Away, ye knave; tell him, in the morning I'll humbly wait upon his excellence.

BLO. That's all his desire to have ye lowly and humble, and 'tis a courteous thing in a lady. [_Exit_.

ROB. Hence, or else I'll set you hence. Go in, good friend. Come, Lady Fauconbridge; it's time to come; Robin can hold out no longer, I see: Hot wooers will be tempters presently. [_Exit_.

SCENE THE TWENTY-FIFTH.

_Enter_ SKINK _like a Hermit_.

SKINK. Now, holy Skink, in thy religious weed, Look out for purchase or thy wonted clients. Warrants, quoth you? I was fairly warranted; Young Robin Hood, the Earl of Huntington, Shall never fetch me more unto his prince.

_Enter_ LADY FAUCONBRIDGE, _in Merchant's Wife's attire_.

But, _pauca verba_, Skink! a prize, a prize; By th'mass, a pretty girl; close, hermit, close. Overhear, if thou canst, what she desires, For so my cunning and my credit spreads.

LADY F. See, how affection arms my feeble strength, To this so desperate journeying all alone, While Robin Hood, young Earl of Huntington, Plays Lady Fauconbridge for me at home.

SKINK. What mystery is this? The Lady Fauconbridge! It's she? Sweet fortune, thou hast sent her well; I will entice this morsel to my cell. Her husband's jealous; I will give him cause. As he believes, I hope it shall succeed. Nay, swounds, it shall; she's mine in scorn of speed.

LADY F. By this broad beaten path, it should appear, The holy hermit's cave cannot be far, And if I err not, this is he himself.

SKINK. What honour'd tongue enquireth for the hermit?

LADY F. What honour'd tongue?

SKINK. Ay, Lady Fauconbridge, I know ye, and I know for what ye come, For Gloster and your husband's jealousy.

LADY F. O thou, whose eye of contemplation Looks through the windows of the highest heavens, Resolve thy handmaid, where Earl Gloster lives: And whether he shall live, and 'scape the hate Of proud young Henry and his brother John?

SKINK. I'll have you first in; I'll tell you more anon. Madam, they say bushes have ears and eyes; And these are matters of great secrecy; And you'll vouchsafe enter my holy cell, There what you long to know I'll quickly tell.

_Enter_ JOHN _and_ FAUCONBRIDGE.

LADY F. Stay, here are strangers.

SKINK. A plague upon them, come they in the nick, To hinder Reynard[506] of his fox's trick?

[LADY FAUCONBRIDGE _retires a little_.

JOHN. Good day, old hermit.

FAU. So to you, fair dame.

JOHN. By Elinor's grey eye, she's fair indeed. Sweet heart, come ye for holy benisons? Hermit, hast thou good custom with such clients? I cannot blame your feats, your juggling tricks, Plague juggle you!

LADY F. Why curse ye sacred worth?

FAU. Ill done, in sooth, my Lord, very ill done, Wrong holiness! a very pretty woman! [_aside_.] Mock gravity! by the mass a cherry lip! [_aside_.] Ah, it's not well done [to] deride a holy hermit!

JOHN. I have it in my purse shall make amends.

SKINK. His purse and yours shall make me some amends For hind'ring me this morning from the lady; For scaring me at tavern yesternight: For having back your chain, I'll fit you both. [_Aside_.

JOHN. Hermit, a word.

FAU. A word with you, fair mistress.

JOHN. Where lie your devils, that tell all your news? Would you would trouble them for half an hour, To know what is become of traitor Gloster, That in my clothes broke prison in the Fleet?

SKINK. No, it was Skink.

JOHN. Come, old fool, ye dote.

SKINK. But hear me.

FAU. Hear him, Prince.

JOHN. 'Swounds, who hears you? I'll make your lady graft ye for this work.-- [_Aside_.] --But to your tale, sir.

SKINK. Know, thrice-honoured Prince, That Skink did cosen Redcap of his clothes, Gloster did cosen Skink, and so escap'd.

JOHN. Well done, Fauconbridge!

FAU. My lord, he tells you true.

JOHN. You find it on her lips: but, forward, sir.

SKINK. 'Twas Skink in Gloster's gown, whom you did visit, That play'd at bowls, and after stole your clothes, While you went into the Lord Morton's chamber.

JOHN. This savours of some truth.

FAU. 'Tis very like.

JOHN. Well, Fauconbridge, by heaven, I'll tell your wife.

FAU. She'll much believe you! you will? Come, Tell me not of my wife[507]: this evening fail me not. My wife, quoth you: I'll send my wife from home. Do tell my wife, Prince John, by my dear mother, I love her too-too well to like another.

LADY F. It seems so, fox; O, what a world is this! There most sin reigns, where least suspicion is.

FAU. You'll come?

LADY F. I will not fail, I warrant you.

JOHN. Hermit, is all this true?

SKINK. Himself, [If he] deliver not so much, before ye sleep, Root me from out the borders of this realm.

[JOHN _and_ FAUC. _retire a little_.

JOHN. Well, by your leave, Sir Richard Fauconbridge, Hence, free from fear; you'll melt, you'll melt, old man.

FAU. Nay, take her to you; she's a shrew, I warrant. I'll to the holy hermit, and inquire About my chain, your sword, the pursuivant, And other matters, that I have to ask.

[_He returns_; JOHN _addresses the_ LADY.

SKINK. You're welcome, good Sir Richard.

JOHN. Nay, do not stand on terms; I am fire, all life, Nor never tell me, that I have a wife. I do not mean to marry; ye think so! But to be merry you the manner know. And you will have me, have me--'ppoint a meeting; I'll be your true love, you shall be my sweeting. If you deny to promise, this is plain I'll have my will, ere you get home again.

LADY F. Most gracious lord.

JOHN. Tut, tell not me of grace: I like no goodness but a beauteous face. Be therefore brief; give me your hand and swear, Or I'll away with you into the heath: Neither shall Fauconbridge nor hermit help, And what I do I'll answer well enough.

LADY F. Why, then, my lord.

JOHN. Nay, do not stand on them:[508] But tell me, when my lord shall have you, Lady; It's presently I venture for a baby.

LADY F. This night at Stepney, by my summer-house, There is a tavern which I sometimes use, When we from London come a-gossiping; It is the Hind.

JOHN. Give me thy pretty hand: Thou'lt meet me at the Hind? I'll be thy roe.

LADY F. One word's enough.

JOHN. Suffice; then be it so.

LADY F. I'll fit my old adulterer and your grace, I'll send the Princess thither in my place. [_Aside_.

FAU. Prince John, Prince John, the hermit tells me wonders; He says it was Skink that 'scap'd us at the tavern: Skink had my chain--nay, sure, that Skink did all.

SKINK. I say, go but to yonder corner, And ere the sun be half an hour higher, There will the thief attempt a robbery.

JOHN. Who? Skink?

FAU. Will Skink?

SKINK. Ay, Skink, upon my word.

FAU. Shall we go seize upon him, good Prince John?

JOHN. Nay, we will have him, that's no question. And yet not hurt the honest rogue. He'll help us well in quest of changing Gloster. Hermit, farewell; Lady, keep your hour.

FAU. Adieu, old hermit: soon in the evening, lass.

LADY F. I'll meet you both, and meet with[509] both of you. Father, what answer do you give to me?

SKINK. Lady, start down; I must into my cell, Where I am curing of a man late hurt; He dress'd, I must unto my orisons; In half an hour all will be despatch'd, And then I will attend your ladyship. [_Exit_.

LADY F. At your best leisure, father. O, the life, That this thrice-reverend hermit leadeth here. How far remote from mortal vanities, Baits to the soul, enticements to the eye! How far is he unlike my lustful lord? Who being given himself to be unchaste, Thinks all men like himself in their effects, And injures me, that never had a thought To wrong the sacred rights of spotless faith.

_Enter_ SKINK _with a patch on his face, and a
falconer's lure in his hand_.[510]

SKINK. Hermit, farewell, I'll pay ye or speak with ye next time I see ye. Sweet mouse, the hermit bids you stay here; he'll visit you anon. Now, John and Fauconbridge, I'll match ye, and I do not say Skink's a wretch, a wren, a worm. When I have trick'd them, madam, I will trim you. Commodity is to be preferr'd before pleasure. About profit, Skink; for crowns, for crowns, that make the kingly thoughts! [_Exit_.

LADY F. (_to the hermit supposed within_.) I am assur'd that man's some murderer. Good Father Hermit, speak and comfort me; Are ye at prayers, good old man? I pray ye, speak. [_Enters_. What's here? a beard? a counterfeited hair? The hermit's portesse,[511] garments, and his beads? Jesus defend me! I will fly this den; It's some thief's cave, no haunt for holy men. What, if the murderer (as I guess him one) Set on my husband! Tush, Prince John and he Are able to defend their[512] noble selves. Howe'er, I will not tarry, I'll away, Lest unto theft and rape I prove a prey. [_Exit_.

SCENE THE TWENTY-SIXTH.

_Enter_ SKINK _solus_.

SKINK. Yonder they are; I'll fit them; here's my ground. Wa-ha-how, wa-ha-how, wa-ha-how!

_Enter_ FAUCONBRIDGE [_and_ JOHN.]

FAU. I warrant ye, my lord, some man's distress'd.

JOHN. Why, man, 'tis a falconer.

FAU, Marry of me, good fellow, I did think thou had'st been robb'd.

SKINK. Robb'd, sir? No, he that comes to rob me shall have a hard match on't, yet two good fellows had like to have been robb'd by one tall thief, had not I stepped in. A bots on him! I lost a hawk by him, and yet I car'd not to send another after him, so I could find the thief; and hereabout he is; I know he is squatted.

FAU. Say'st thou me so? we'll find him, by St Mary, An honest fellow, a good commonwealth's man.

JOHN. There are caves hereabout, good fellow, are there not?

SKINK. Yes, sir; tread the ground, sir, and you shall hear their hollowness; this way, sir, this way.

JOHN. Help, Fauconbridge.

FAU. O, help me, good Prince John.

SKINK. I'll help you both; deliver, sir, deliver! Swounds, linger not. Prince John, put up your purse, or I'll throw poniards down upon your pate. Quickly! when? I am Skink, that 'scap'd ye yesternight, and fled the Fleet in your cloak, carrying me clean out of wind and rain. I broke the bonds and links that fettered your chain amity; this cheat is mine. Farewell, I cannot stay, Sweet Prince, old Knight, I thank ye for this prey. [_Exit_.

FAU. God's marry mother, here's a jest indeed. We came to take: a thief takes us! Where are ye, good my lord?

JOHN. No matter where; I think I was fore-spoken at the teat, This damn'd rogue serv'd me thus! Gloster and he, Upon my life, conclude in villany. He was not wont to plot these stratagems. Lend me your hand a little; come away, Let's to the cell again; perchance the hermit Is Skink and thief, and hermit, all in one.

FAU. Marry a God, then ten to one it's so; Well thought on, Princely John; He had my chain, no doubt he had your sword.

JOHN. If there be now no hermit at the cell, I'll swear by all the saints it's none but he.

[_Exeunt_.

SCENE THE TWENTY-SEVENTH.

_Enter_ GLOSTER _in the Hermit's gown, putting on the beard_.