Act 2 — [Scene V.][3045]

Ralph. What knight is that, squire? Ask him if he keep The passage, bound by love of lady fair, Or else but prickant.[3046] Hum. Sir, I am no knight, But a poor gentleman, that this same night Had stolen from me, on yonder green,5 My lovely wife, and suffered (to be seen Yet extant on my shoulders) such a greeting, That whilst I live I shall think of that meeting.

Ralph. Where is the caitiff-wretch hath done this deed? Lady, your pardon, that I may proceed Upon the quest of this injurious knight.—15 And thou, fair squire, repute me not the worse, In leaving the great venture of the purse And the rich casket, till some better leisure.

Hum. Here comes the broker hath purloin’d my treasure. Ralph. Go, squire, and tell him I am here,20 An errant knight-at-arms, to crave delivery Of that fair lady to her own knight’s arms. If he deny, bid him take choice of ground, And so defy him. Tim. From the Knight that bears The Golden Pestle, I defy thee, knight,25 Unless thou make fair restitution Of that bright lady. Jasp. Tell the knight that sent thee, He is an ass; and I will keep the wench, And knock his head-piece. Ralph. Knight, thou art but dead If thou recall not thy uncourteous terms.30

Jasp. Come, knight; I am ready for you. Now your Pestle (Snatches away his pestle.) Shall try what temper, sir, your mortar’s of. “With that he stood upright in his stirrups,35 and gave the Knight of the calf-skin such a knock [Knocks Ralph down.] that he forsook his horse, and down he fell: and then he leaped upon him, and plucking off his helmet——” Hum. Nay, an my noble knight be down so soon,40 Though I can scarcely go, I needs must run. Exeunt Humphrey and Ralph. Wife. Run, Ralph, run, Ralph; run for thy life, boy; Jasper comes, Jasper comes! Jasp. Come Luce, we must have other arms for you: Humphrey, and Golden Pestle, both adieu! 45 Exeunt.