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Some jar between the Devonshire man and you.

FATHER.

They, sir? they are good friends as can be.

FLOWERDALE.

Who? Master Oliver and I? as good friends as can be.

LANCELOT.

It is a kind of safety in you to deny it, and a generous silence, which too few are indued withal: But, sir, such a thing I hear, and I could wish it otherwise.

FLOWERDALE.

No such thing, Sir Lancelot, a my reputation, as I am an honest man.

LANCELOT.

Now I do believe you, then, if you do

Engage your reputation there is none.

FLOWERDALE.

Nay, I do not engage my reputation there is not. You shall not bind me to any condition of hardness: but if there be anything between us, then there is; if there be not, then there is not: be or be not, all is one.

LANCELOT.

I do perceive by this, that there is something between you, and I am very sorry for it.

FLOWERDALE.

You may be deceived, Sir Lancelot. The Italian hath a pretty paying, Questo—I have forgot it too, tis out of my head, but in my translation, ift hold, thus: If thou hast a friend, keep him; if a foe, trip him.

LANCELOT.

Come, I do see by this there is somewhat between you, and, before God, I could wish it other wise.

FLOWERDALE.

Well what is between us can hardly be altered. Sir Lancelot, I am to ride forth tomorrow. That way which I must ride, no man must deny me the sun; I would not by any particular man be denied common and general passage. If any one saith, Flowerdale, thou passest not this way: my answer is, I must either on or return, but return is not my word, I must on: if I cannot, then, make my way, nature hath done the last for me, and there's the fine.

LANCELOT.

Master Flowerdale, every man hath one tongue, and two ears: nature, in her building, is a most curious work-master.

FLOWERDALE.

That is as much as to say, a man should hear more than he should speak.

LANCELOT.

You say true, and indeed I have heard more than at this time I will speak.

FLOWERDALE.

You say well.

LANCELOT.

Slanders are more common than truths, Master Flowerdale: but proof is the rule for both.

FLOWERDALE.

You say true; what do you call him hath it there in his third canton.

LANCELOT.

I have heard you have been wild: I have believed it.

FLOWERDALE.

Twas fit, twas necessary.

LANCELOT.

But I have seen somewhat of late in you, that hath confirmed in my an opinion of goodness toward you.

FLOWERDALE.

Yfaith, sir, I am sure I never did you harm: some good

I have done, either to you or yours, I am sure you know

not; neither is it my will you should.

LANCELOT.

Aye, your will, sir.

FLOWERDALE.

Aye, my will, sir? sfoot, do you know ought of my will?

Begod, and you do, sir, I am abused.

LANCELOT.

Go, Master Flowerdale; what I know, I know: and know you thus much out of my knowledge, that I truly love you. For my daughter, she's yours. And if you like a marriage better than a brawl, all quirks of reputation set aside, go with me presently: And where you should fight a bloody battle, you shall be married to a lovely lady.

FLOWERDALE.

Nay but, Sir Lancelot—

LANCELOT.

If you will not embrace my offer, yet assure your self thus much, I will have order to hinder your encounter.

FLOWERDALE.

Nay, but hear me, Sir Lancelot.

LANCELOT.

Nay, stand not you upon imputative honour. Tis merely unsound, unprofitable, and idle inferences: your business is to wed my daughter, therefore give me your present word to do it. I'll go and provide the maid, therefore give me your present resolution, either now or never.

FLOWERDALE.

Will you so put me to it?

LANCELOT.

Aye, afore God, either take me now, or take me never. Else what I thought should be our match, shall be our parting; so fare you well forever.

FLOWERDALE.

Stay: fall out what may fall, my love is above all: I will come.

LANCELOT.

I expect you, and so fare you well.

[Exit Sir Lancelot.]

FATHER.

Now, sir, how shall we do for wedding apparel?

FLOWERDALE.

By the mass, that's true: now help, Kit;

The marriage ended, we'll make amends for all.

FATHER.