Slip. Why in his cellar, drinking a cup of neat and brisk claret in a bowl of silver. Oh, Sir, the wine runs trillill down his throat, which cost the poor vintner many a stamp before it was made. But I must hence, Sir, I have haste.
Sir Bertram intimates that he wants his assistance, and will pay him.
Slip. A good word, thou hast won me; this word is like a warm caudle to a cold stomach.
Sir B. Sirrah, wilt thou for money and reward
Convey me certain letters, out of hand,
From out thy master's pocket?
Slip. Will I, Sir? Why were it to rob my father, hang my mother, or any such like trifles, I am at your commandment, Sir. What will you give me, Sir?
Sir B. A hundred pounds.
Slip. I am your man; give me earnest. I am dead at a pocket, Sir; why I am a lifter, master, by occupation.
Sir B. A lifter! what is that?
Slip. Why, Sir, I can lift a pot as well as any man, and pick a purse as soon as any thief in the country.
These humorous characters remind us a little of the slaves and parasites in Roman comedy, of whom, no doubt, Greene had read. His amusing fellows are free livers, and fond of wine like himself. In the "Looking-Glasse" above mentioned, Nineveh represents London, and a fast being proclaimed, we find Adam, a smith's journeyman, trying to evade it.