Act 4 — Scene IV.[1699]

Volt. Well, now you know the carriage of the business, Your constancy is all that is requir’d Unto the safety of it. Mos. Is the lie Safely convey’d[1700] amongst us? Is that sure? Knows every man his burden? Corv. Yes. Mos. Then shrink not.5 Corv. But knows the advocate the truth? Mos. O, sir, By no means; I devis’d a formal tale, That salv’d your reputation. But be valiant, sir. Corv. I fear no one but him that this his pleading Should make him stand for a co-heir—— Mos. Co-halter!10 Hang him; we will but use his tongue, his noise, As we do croaker’s[1701] here. Corv. Ay, what shall he do? Mos. When we ha’ done, you mean? Corv. Yes. Mos. Why, we ’ll think; Sell him for mummia:[1702] he ’s half dust already.—— Do you not smile, (to Voltore) to see this buffalo,[1703]16 How he doth sport it with his head? [Aside.] I should, If all were well and past.—Sir, (to Corbaccio) only you Are he that shall enjoy the crop of all, And these not know for whom they toil. Corb. Ay, peace. Mos. (turning to Corvino.) But you shall eat it. [Aside.] Much!—Worshipful sir, (to Voltore)20 Mercury sit upon your thund’ring tongue, Or the French Hercules, and make your language As conquering as his club, to beat along, As with a tempest, flat, our adversaries; But much more yours, sir. Volt. Here they come, ha’ done.25 Mos. I have another witness, if you need, sir, I can produce. Volt. Who is it? Mos. Sir, I have her.