SCENE II.
Enter again Sir Martin and Warner.
Sir Mart. Was there ever such an affront put upon a man, to be beaten by his servant?
Warn. After my hearty salutations upon your backside, sir, may a man have leave to ask you, what news from the Mogul's country?
Sir Mart. I wonder where thou hadst the impudence to move such a question to me, knowing how thou hast used me.
Warn. Now, sir, you may see what comes of your indiscretion and stupidity: I always give you warning of it; but, for this time, I am content to pass it without more words, partly, because I have already corrected you, though not so much as you deserve.
Sir Mart. Do'st thou think to carry it off at this rate, after such an injury?
Warn. You may thank yourself for't; nay, 'twas very well I found out that way, otherwise I had been suspected as your accomplice.
Sir Mart. But you laid it on with such a vengeance, as if you were beating of a stock-fish.
Warn. To confess the truth on't, you had angered me, and I was willing to evaporate my choler; if you will pass it by so, I may chance to help you to your mistress: No more words of this business, I advise you, but go home and grease your back.
Sir Mart. In fine, I must suffer it at his hands: for if my shoulders had not paid for this fault, my purse must have sweat blood for't: The rogue has got such a hank upon me——
Warn. So, so! here's another of our vessels come in, after the storm that parted us.
Enter Rose.
What comfort, Rose? no harbour near?
Rose. My lady, as you may well imagine, is most extremely incensed against Sir Martin; but she applauds your ingenuity to the skies. I'll say no more, but thereby hangs a tale.
Sir Mart. I am considering with myself about a plot, to bring all about again.
Rose. Yet again plotting! if you have such a mind to't, I know no way so proper for you, as to turn poet to Pugenello.
Warn. Hark! is not that music in your house?
[Music plays.
Rose. Yes, Sir John has given my mistress the fiddles, and our old man is as jocund yonder, and does so hug himself, to think how he has been revenged upon you!
Warn. Why, he does not know 'twas me, I hope?
Rose. 'Tis all one for that.
Sir Mart. I have such a plot!—I care not, I will speak, an I were to be hanged for't. Shall I speak, dear Warner? let me now; it does so wamble within me, just like a clyster, i'faith la, and I can keep it no longer, for my heart.
Warn. Well, I am indulgent to you; out with it boldly, in the name of nonsense.
Sir Mart. We two will put on vizards, and with the help of my landlord, who shall be of the party, go a mumming there, and by some device of dancing, get my mistress away, unsuspected by them all.
Rose. What if this should hit now, when all your projects have failed, Warner?
Warn. Would I were hanged, if it be not somewhat probable: Nay, now I consider better on't—exceedingly probable; it must take, 'tis not in nature to be avoided.
Sir Mart. O must it so, sir! and who may you thank for't?
Warn. Now am I so mad he should be the author of this device! How the devil, sir, came you to stumble on't?
Sir Mart. Why should not my brains be as fruitful as yours, or any man's?
Warn. This is so good, it shall not be your plot, sir; either disown it, or I will proceed no further.
Sir Mart. I would not lose the credit of my plot, to gain my mistress: The plot's a good one, and I'll justify it upon any ground in England; an you will not work upon't, it shall be done without you.
Rose. I think the knight has reason.
Warn. Well, I'll order it however to the best advantage: Hark you, Rose.
[Whispers.
Sir Mart. If it miscarry by your ordering, take notice, 'tis your fault; 'tis well invented, I'll take my oath on't.
Rose. I must into them, for fear I should be suspected; but I'll acquaint my lord, my old lady, and all the rest, who ought to know it, with your design.
Warn. We'll be with you in a twinkling: You and I, Rose, are to follow our leaders, and be paired to night.——
Rose. To have, and to hold, are dreadful words, Warner; but, for your sake, I'll venture on 'em.
[Exeunt.