Act 3 — Scene IV.

Jonson:

[Watching him.] What is it? Will: what is it? You wander in and out like one becrazed—The poisoned dart of old Virgil—Eh? Yet surely you won your beauty?

113Shakespeare:

I have not seen her for weeks.

Jonson:

What have you done?

Shakespeare:

Herbert said he would speak to her.

Jonson:

Well?

Shakespeare:

I have not seen him since.

Jonson:

Humph! Like consequence, like cause.

Shakespeare:

No, no! he’s my friend unwearied in kind offices. If you but knew——

Jonson:

Then why not find him and solve the riddle?

Shakespeare:

I will: I must. To-day; now. [Goes to door and returns.] But if she has changed to me—ah, Ben, hope is something; we mortals live by hope.

114Jonson:

Hope balanced by despair. Have done with the ague-fit, man!

Shakespeare:

You’re right: I’ll go at once. [Exit.]

Jonson:

[Siting dozen again to write.] So honest Trust has always Cheat for friend.

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