Act 2 — SCENE III.

A room in Sweetball’s house.

Enter Franklin jun. and George Cressingham disguised as before, Ralph carrying the stuffs and a yard-measure, Sweetball, and Boy.

Sweet. Were it of greater moment than you speak of, noble sir, I hope you think me sufficient, and it shall be effectually performed.

Frank. jun. I could wish your wife did not know it, coz; women’s tongues are not always tuneable; I may many ways requite it.

Sweet. Believe me, she shall not, sir; which will be the hardest thing of all.

Frank. jun. Pray you, despatch him then.

Sweet. With the celerity a man tells gold to him.

Frank. jun. He hits a good comparison. [Aside.]—Give my waste-good your stuffs, and go with my cousin, sir; he’ll presently despatch you.

Ral. Yes, sir. [Gives stuffs to G. Cressingham.

451Sweet. Come with me, youth, I am ready for you in my more private chamber.

[Exeunt. Sweetball and Ralph.

Frank. jun. Sirrah, go you shew your lady the stuffs, and let her choose her colour; away, you know whither.—Boy, prithee, lend me a brush i' the meantime.—Do you tarry all day now?

G. Cres. That I will, sir, and all night too, ere I come again. [Exit with the stuffs.

Boy. Here’s a brush, sir. [Gives brush.

Frank. jun. A good child.

Sweet. [within] What, Toby!

Boy. Anon, sir.

Sweet. [within] Why, when,^[912] goodman picklock?

Boy. I must attend my master, sir.—I come.

Frank. jun. Do, pretty lad. [Exit Boy.]—So, take water at Cole-Harbour:^[913]

An easy mercer, and an innocent^[914] barber!

[Exit with the brush.